I think my hamster is dying what do I do?

Arouris · 09-20-2013, 03:57 PM

My syrian hamster is 2 years old. Lately he was slower and not so active but otherwise he was fine. Today I found him in his cage curled up and breathing heavily. I held him and he was cold and not moving much. We held him with a blanket for a long time and he was just laying there and breathing slowly. Now we put him back in his cage and he walks a little but he keeps stopping and just sitting there. He seems very weak. What should we do? Should we hold him or should we let him alone in his cage? He now seems to be moving and walking a little bit and even climbs but he still seems weak. I just want to do the best to comfort him and help him!!Any advice would be appreciated!

jesselle · 09-20-2013, 04:54 PM

Bless your little ham - he's a great age and it does sound as though it may be his time.

I guess just keep him warm and with all he needs close by (water and food) and you could offer him some baby food or softened hamster mix.

I guess you'll have to go with your gut on whether to hold him or leave him be. You'll know what's right.

Sending peaceful vibes to you and your hamster xx

BrainGirl · 09-20-2013, 07:15 PM

I laid my guy in soft fleece and carried him around with me as much as possible. He didn't wake very often but when he did I'd offer a tiny bit of soft food on a spoon. Baby food is nice and easy to swallow. He seemed to appreciate it. I did find that he became less responsive and seemed to be running on instinct, just doing things because he feels he has to I guess. I chose not to interrupt him when he was awake and just let him do his thing.

caro317 · 09-21-2013, 02:56 AM

It's about making them as comfortable and happy as possible, it's nice to have them on your lap for goodbye cuddles but if he seems to be soldiering on then letting him rest in his cage is fine too.

racinghamster · 09-21-2013, 05:05 AM

When an older hamster is showing signs of slowing down, sleeping more or having problems getting around, they are best left alone to rest and kept warm with good access to water (the bottle or shallow dish should be easy to access). Food should also be near the nest and in a shallow dish or scattered near the nest.

Picking the hamster up and disturbing him/her could tip things over the edge, so it`s better to allow the hamster to stay in the environment they know, their cage. A cold body could mean not being able to regulate their body temperature as well. Syrians can suffer from heart failure, although I don`t know a lot about this. My Syrian passed on before his second birthday, but some will soldier on well into their second year of life.

Make sure he has been able to reach his water in case he is dehydrated? Offer a slice of apple. If he grabs it, this means he is thirsty. If he refuses it, he`s probably feeling unwell. But keep a close eye on him to see if he seems to want to eat and drink.

Arouris · 09-21-2013, 05:14 AM

Thank you everyone. I held him for a little while and then let him back in his cage. We stayed up all night next to him, and he passed away at 6 AM. I'm devastated

racinghamster · 09-21-2013, 05:26 AM

So sad to hear this Arouris. It did sound from the signs he was showing that he was in the stages of passing, poor lad. x

ANGELBABIES · 09-21-2013, 05:27 AM

So very sorry for your loss Arouris. But your precious little one passed on to the rainbow bridge feeling your love around him. He was a good age, and knew he was very much loved.
I hope you know in your heart that you gave him all the love and care he deserved. Its a pity that they have such short lives - but that will never stop us from giving our little ones the best in life. Run free at the bridge little fluff, and you take care xx

jesselle · 09-22-2013, 01:14 AM

Aw I'm sorry - it's so sad when they go

he sounds very loved though and had a good long life. Take care x

souffle · 09-22-2013, 02:16 AM

I am sorry

His path was gentle and I know he felt you near him and felt able to move on easily.
Play well at the bridge little one x