What are signs of dehydration in a hamster?

Question

I hardly ever see my hamsters drink from their bottles, so I'm a little concerned.

Answer 1

First, check to make sure the water bottle is working properly.  When you rub your finger on the end, water should come out easily.

If your hamster is running and eating regularly, it should be fine.  The only other suggestion I have is to inspect its f***s.  Make sure your hamster is not constipated.

If you find that its behaviors are changing or he/she is not pooping regularly, take it to a vet.  It may be something more serious.

Answer 2

The signs of dehydration are listlessness, dull, sunken eyes, and loss of skin elasticity. Gather the loose skin behind the hamster's neck gently in your fingers and lift it away from the hamster's body. It should snap back quickly to shape when released. If not, the dehydration is already severe and the hamster is very uncomfortable and at great risk.

Dehydration kills hamsters quickly, and must be diagnosed and treated by a vet. Best always is prevention -- making sure the water bottle is cleaned and refilled with fresh water daily, hung at an appropriate height, and touching the tip several times a day (with very clean hands) to be sure it hasn't become clogged with food or malfunctioned in some way.

If you feel your hamsters are unable to drink from their bottles, leave a heavy dish of water in their cage to help themselves until they learn how to drink from the bottle. Use a heavy based dish so that they do not tip it over and spoil the bedding.

Answer 3

well one way i know if a hamster is dehydrated is to pick  it up and pull and bit off the hamsters fur if it goes down strait away it isnt dehydrated but is it goes down slowly you sort of have a problem as it means it is dehydrated so plz try this and i hope it works good luck and hope they are ok.