How to tell if a hamster is dead
The hamsters They are adorable and popular pets, but their small size and nocturnal habits can make it difficult to detect health problems. One of the saddest situations for any hamster owner is discovering that their beloved pet has passed away. Next, we explain how to identify if your hamster has died and what to do in that case.
Observe the lack of movement
One of the first signs that your hamster may have died is the complete absence of movement. If you notice that your pet is lying in her cage and not moving at all, even after gently touching her or trying to wake her, she may have passed away. However, keep in mind that hamsters are known to be hibernators, so a lack of movement does not always mean they have died.
Check breathing and heartbeat
To confirm if your hamster has died, you should check its breathing and the beat of your heart. You can do this by gently placing your index finger on your pet's chest, just behind her front paws. If you don't feel any movement or heartbeat after several seconds, your hamster has probably passed away. You can also bring a small mirror to your nose and mouth to see if it fogs up with breathing.
Check body rigidity
Another sign that your hamster has died is rigidity of his body. After several hours of death, your pet's body will begin to stiffen due to the rigor mortis. If when you gently touch your hamster you notice that his body is hard and he is not moving at all, it is a clear sign that he has died.
Look for other signs of death
In addition to the lack of movement, breathing and body stiffness, there are other signs that may indicate that your hamster has died:
- Sunken or discolored eyes: The eyes of a dead hamster may appear sunken into its skull or have a dull, dull coloration.
- dry mucosa: The mucous membranes of your hamster's mouth and nose may be dry and sticky to the touch.
- changes in odor: A dead hamster may emit an unpleasant odor due to the decomposition of its body.
What to do if your hamster has died
If you have confirmed that your hamster has died, it is important that you follow these steps:
- Remove the body from the cage: Use disposable gloves to gently remove your hamster's body from its cage and place it in a suitable box or wrapper.
- Clean the cage: Completely disinfect the cage and all accessories to prevent the spread of disease.
- Decide how to say goodbye: You can choose to bury your hamster in a special place in the garden or seek pet cremation services.
- Allow grief: The death of a pet can be very painful. Give yourself time to cry and remember the happy times you shared with your hamster.
Finding out that your beloved hamster has died can be a heartbreaking experience. However, by knowing the signs of death and taking the proper steps, you can ensure that your little friend has a dignified end and that you can honor his memory in the best way possible. Remember that the love and memories you shared with your hamster will always stay with you.