Maintaining the right cage temperature is one of the key ways to keep hamsters healthy and happy. Hamsters suffer severe discomfort when temperatures soar in the summer or tumble in the winter and things can go downhill quickly from there.

This article discusses the signs of heat stress in hamsters and ways to keep the little guys cool during the hottest periods of the year. We also look into how to limit the impact of severe temperatures on your pocket rodents in the first place so incidents of heat stress can be minimized.

Signs of Heat Stress in Hamsters- What Are They?

Common signs of heat stress in hamsters include excessive thirst, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, and flat-lying on the tummy. Sleeping in the open, excessive peeing, sweaty coat, and to a smaller extent, unruly behaviors may be additional clues that the heat is literally getting to your pet rodent.

Hamsters can suffer in silence and in most cases, you might not notice that something’s wrong until it is far too late. Fortunately, heat stress is not one of the conditions that stay hidden for long unless your pet rodents are completed neglected.

5 Signs to Tell If Hamster is Too Hot

Here are the signs that your hamster may be too hot and needs fresh cool air to gain some much-needed relief.

1. Polydipsia

Polydipsia or excessive thirst is one of the main signs of heat stress in hamsters. When temperatures rise during the summer, the little guy’s fluid levels evaporate at a quicker rate due to the high internal body temperature.

The result is an increased need for hydration to keep the internal organs cool and functional. If your little guy’s water bottle level is decreasing at an astounding rate without evidence of leakages, excessive thirst has set in.

Lethargy

Hamsters are not dull by any stretch of the imagination. While they may be scared and shy during the first few days after arriving in a new home, they quickly get over it and start displaying their natural penchant for physical activity.

Lethargy can be evidence that your hamster is probably suffering from too much heat in the summer. The result is once highly active hamsters suddenly become subdued and rarely engage in their preferred physical activities including playing on exercise wheels.

Hideouts and running tunnels may be rarely used or completely neglected as they lose interest in physical exercises.

Weight Loss

Hamsters struggle significantly in heat and this can take a huge toll on their appetites. It is not uncommon for them to eat significantly less than their usual daily intake. Besides, the persistent drinking fills up their bellies leaving little room for staples like hamster pellets.

The declined appetite may translate to weight loss in the short and medium-term which can become quite glaring for everyone to see.

Hamster Pancaking

Hamsters may lie flat on their fronts during heat stress episodes as a means of keeping cool. Pancaking is an instinctive habit practiced from their time in the wild until the present times. Sometimes, your little guys may lie down flat in sand baths as a means to maintain a healthy body temperature during the summer.

Sandbaths become attractive spots because of their relative coolness compared to the prevailing room and cage temperatures.

Sleeping in the Open

Hamsters hate sleeping in the open and prefer lying down in their own beds, away from the prying eyes of humans and potential predators. However, excessive heat can force them to seek some much-needed shuteye away from nesting areas without caring about exposure to potential threats.

This is a common sign of heat stress in hamsters and may be employed as a last resort when desperation sets in.

How to Cool Down a Hamster

If your hamsters are showing one or more of the heat stress signs above, it is time to take action. Here are the best ways to cool down a hamster during the summer.

1. Mist The Hamster With Water

Misting your hamster with water may seem dramatic but it can provide immediate relief during serious episodes of heat stress. It involves cleaning a spray bottle to eliminate chemical residue and filling it with room temperature water.

Spray the mist on the hamster’s body, targeting key areas such as the ears, feet, and fur to provide instant cool relief. This can be lifesaving particularly if he’s showing signs such as a sweaty coat and other forms of severe discomfort.

2. Place The Cage In a Cool Area

As long as the little guy’s cage remains in an area where it is exposed to excessive heat, the discomfort will remain inevitable. Positioning the cage in cool areas such as the bathroom or an airconditioned part of the house can be a great way to provide instant relief.

If one part of the home receives significant shade and breeze from backyard trees, for instance, that could be another comfortable target area.

3. Put The Hamster on a Moist Towel

Moist towels may be an excellent choice for hamsters showing signs of extreme heat. Pour cool water on the towel to dampen and place it in the little guy’s cage. That should provide a quick reversal of heatstroke symptoms.

4. Fresh Cool Water and Vegetables

Unfortunately, your hammy’s drinking water may also heat up due to the hot room temperature. Warm water can be less refreshing and could even burn the mouth during sipping attempts.

We recommend refilling the hamster’s water bottle several times during summer days and nights to guarantee constant cool drinking water.

Hydrating vegetables can be another solid option for hamsters feeling too hot due to rising temperatures. Options such as fresh lettuce, juicy apples, and mangoes can help cool down the cute furball’s internal body temperature to provide more comfort.

5. Book a Trip to the Vet

Heat stress can be a serious condition that results in damaging health repercussions for pet rodents. Booking a quick trip to your vet can make a lot of difference for affected hamsters especially when there are no signs of improvement after trying all the solutions above.

Your vet may offer fluids and oxygen depending on the current condition after thorough examinations. Signs of more serious issues like liver and kidney malfunction in your hamster as well as breathing difficulties and heart problems may also be checked for.

Your little buddy could be kept at the clinic overnight for further observations depending on the vet’s findings and suspicions.

How to Prevent Heat Stress in Hamsters

Prevention is always better than cure and self-awareness can guarantee that your furballs do not have to suffer excessive heat in the first place. Here are the best ways to prevent heat stress in hamsters.

Keep An Eye on Cage Temperature

Always keep an eye on cage temperature to prevent surprise surges or declines. Installing a thermometer near the hamster’s cage can do the trick but make sure to check it routinely, especially during hot summer afternoons when temperatures may soar to the moon.

You can quickly intervene by misting your hamsters with cool water or putting them on moist towels even before heat stress kicks in.

Use Ventilated Cages

Ventilated cages can minimize the risks of heat stress because they do not accumulate too much heat, to begin with. Even during the summer, these cages often remain relatively cool, providing more comfort for your hamster.

Avoid The Windows

Avoid placing hamster cages near glass or plastic windows because they can attract significant heat into the cage. Pet rodent cages are better off in cooler areas of the house such as the bathroom or basement where they may enjoy more shade.

Add a Cooled Ceramic To The Cage

A cooled ceramic could be a great fallback plan when temperatures soar beyond comfort. The ceramic is usually cooler than the prevailing room temperature, providing instant relief when the heat becomes unbearable.

Open Nests for The Summer

Sleeping in open nests can be more comfortable for hamsters during the summer when room temperature typically explodes. Small open nests made from wooden crates and paper or hay bedding are usually more breathable.

What Temperature is Too Hot for Hamsters?

Hamsters thrive in cage temperatures of 65F to 75F. Anything above 80F can be hot and uncomfortable increasing the possibility of heat stress. If your hamster’s cage temperature ranges above 75F, immediate action is required.

Can Hamsters Die From Heat?

Hamsters can die from excessive heat (temperatures over 80F) when their blood thickens inhibiting free flow to critical areas such as the brain. The result is organ failure from lack of adequate blood supply leading to death.

Conclusion: Signs of Heat Stress in Hamsters

Hamsters may exhibit signs of heat stress including excessive thirst, sleeping in the open, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Lying down flat on their tummies and weight loss are additional clues that they’re feeling too hot.

A few ways to provide relief during extremely high temperatures include misting with cool water, physical contact with moist towels, and water bottle refills throughout the day. Offering fresh vegetables and placing their cages in cooler parts of the home can also minimize the risks of heat strokes in hamsters.