Drinking lots of water?

Princess42 · 03-01-2014, 04:37 PM

Hi everyone, my hamster is 2 years old this month and has been healthy all through his life never suffering any problems in any way.
However lately he has began too drink a lot more than usual, this is the only change in behaviour for him as he is still his cheeky little, exploring self.
His eyes are extremely bright and his health doesn't seem to have changed in anyway?
Could the drinking just be due to his old age? I will be taking him to the vet sometime this week. But any advice or suggestions as to if something is troubling him would be greatly appreciated. I really want to stress the fact that in 25 days be will be 2 years old so he is rather an old man! Because he still seems extremely fit and healthy I am inclined to believe its just old age but I'd rather be safe than sorry!
Thank you x

SinNyx · 03-01-2014, 04:45 PM

As hammies age, like with other animals and humans, they can develop problems with their kidneys. Your decision to go to the vets is great and hopefully they will know what to do and maybe give you something to give him

Good luck!

Princess42 · 03-01-2014, 04:58 PM

Thank you, yes the vets are closed tomorrow but going to ring Monday to book him in. He seems fine in himself so hopefully if he does have any problems they aren't too far along and hopefully can be sorted!x

**DrKMcK** · 03-01-2014, 09:16 PM

Hello Princess42 and welcome to HC. As stated by SinNyx, it isn't uncommon for this to happen. A vet visit is a good idea just to have him checked out before any real problems crop up. Your vet will then be familiar with your little furry and be better able to work with him.

racinghamster · 03-02-2014, 01:14 AM

Hi. It does sound to me to be age related and even if it was diabetes which causes excess drinking, peeing and weight loss in some animals, a vet would barely be able to do much, if anything. Kidney issues and old age can cause more drinking but it`s just a case of keeping a watchful eye on the water they drink and making sure the bottle is filled each day.

Is your hamster a Syrian or one of the dwarf species? He sounds healthy to me apart from the drinking more, so if that`s the only thing you have noticed that has changed, I wouldn`t think a vet was necessary unless you feel his behaviour has changed or he is showing signs of illness. x

AmandaJoy · 03-02-2014, 01:32 AM

Hi. I've experienced this myself with most of my syrians as they get old. If there are no other health concerns or symptoms then I'd agree that its doubtful the vet could suggest anything but its obviously your decision. Is your vet a registered small animal approved vet? worth looking into. As soon as my syrians start to drink more I increase their fresh food intake to provide a small daily amount. I'd suggest going for hard vegetables such as carrot but also some porridge with a bit of warm milk. If you try this monitor their droppings to ensure it isn't introducing too much moisture into their diet. You can also add a tiny drop of cod liver oil to the porridge mix, good for old joints. By doing this I've seen some Syrians go back to normal water drinking levels or chirp up if they were slowing down. I originally obtained this advice from another forum and it has worked well for me. Good luck with your 2 year old whatever you decide to do.

Bella2013 · 03-02-2014, 02:45 AM

Don't worry he might just be thirsty has he been getting lots and lots of regular excerisise everyday? If he has he will proberly be tired. Your decision on taking him to the vets is really responsible and shows what a great owner you are.

Clairealex · 03-02-2014, 02:46 AM

I would agree that it's more than likely age related and a result of his kidneys not functioning as well as they used to. If he's a Russian dwarf or chinese there's a higher chance of diabetes, but due to the act his behaviour hasn't changed I probably wouldn't suspect this. Although if it is age related a vet wouldn't be able to help, there are other things that can cause excessive drinking so if you did want to see a vet to help rule it out, provided your ham will be ok with the trip, then it wouldn't do any harm.

As AmandaJoy said, you could try increasing his consumption of fresh foods. Cucumber and apple of great ones that give hydration as well as a treat. Also maybe putting another water bottle into his cage, to make sure his water never runs out and he always has easy access to it.

souffle · 03-02-2014, 02:50 AM

As has been said the kidneys do weaken as they age and they often drink more and pee less. This is not treatable and is really part of the aging process in most cases. At 2 your hammy is an elderly hamster. I wouldn't feed too much protein as this can strain the kidneys further but I would suggest treats like a spoonful of porridge or mashed veg would be a welcome addition to his diet and he would enjoy these.
Just check that he is not water bottle spout chewing because if they do this they do take in too much water and of course the wee a lot consequently.
I hope he stays happy and comfy for a good while yet.

Princess42 · 03-02-2014, 04:30 AM

Thank you for all your replys. He does see, very healthy and doesn't seemed to have changed at all other than the drinking.
As for the porridge and vegetables could somebody private message me with the right amounts of theses foods and when and how often I should them?
Would be well appreciate thank you x
P.S I've given him fresh carrot twice this week and he seemed to like that x