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Many animal lovers share such an intense love for their pets that their death brings on overwhelming sadness.
Some have a stronger bond with their pets than they have with other human beings.
Their loss brings intolerable grief. Should I let my hamster die naturally?
Even a rodent such as a hamster can tug at your heartstrings.
Its death can leave a deep void that can take months to heal.
It’s why people debate as to whether they should euthanize their small pet or let him pass away naturally.
But how long do hamsters live? Unfortunately, you may have to say goodbye to your rodent friend sooner than you’d like.
It is because these sweet little critters only live for 2 or 3 years if you’re lucky.
Excellent Care Promotes Longevity
Hamsters are commonly kept as house pets by kids.
They aren’t like your typical rodent or rat in that they are round and plump.
They’ve got short tails and tiny ears. Depending on their breed, some can grow fairly large too.
The most common pet hamster is the Syrian – or Golden hamster, and it can reach 6 inches in length.
Also known as Teddy bear hamsters, they make amazing, tame pets.
One of the factors that determine the life expectancy of your pet hamster is the care you give him.
Should I let my hamster die if I’ve looked after him well?
What about those hamster species that live a shorter life than the Syrian hamster?
The Campbell’s hamster only lives for 1 or 2 years.
It’s a beautiful little hamster with many color variants and makes a great pet.
Many people know that a hamster is a short-lived creature, but the rewards gained from owning him as a pet make the short few years so worthwhile.
With good care, pet hamsters can have a healthy two years with you.
If you want your hamster to live happily and healthily, there are things you can do to promote this.
You want your hamster to die naturally of old age and to pass away, having lived a good life quietly.
Should I let my hamster die naturally?
Only if you have done everything you can for him and know that he is comfortable to the end.
If you’ve been a good provider for him, he will no doubt age naturally and painlessly and have a quiet, uneventful death.
Should You Let Your Hamster Die Naturally?
However, if you suspect that he is ill, the question arises, ‘should I let my hamster die naturally?’
Only if he looks like he could use some medical intervention.
You’re used to seeing your small pet scampering about and getting the exercise he needs.
He has made you laugh, racing his ladders and wheels.
You’ve made sure that boredom hasn’t been his lot as not being occupied can cause stress, leading to ill health and behavioral problems.
It can shorten the life of your furry friend, and he already has such a short life.
The cage also has to be well-positioned.
Too much heat or drafty, cold areas can cause colds and even pneumonia.
Airway disorders can become serious, and difficulty with breathing requires veterinary attention.
Fortunately, pneumonia is not common in hamsters.
However, signs that a hamster has pneumonia include pus or mucus from the eyes or nose and loss of appetite.
If you want your hamster to die naturally and not have to contend with all kinds of antibiotics, you need to check him over regularly too.
There are some skin disorders he can get infections or parasites that cause that.
It may not be regarded as serious, but it can compromise his immune system and open him up to other illnesses.
Look at the inflammation of the kidneys, a disease seen more often in older female hamsters.
Your hamster will lose weight and be weeing more often than usual.
She’ll be wanting to drink more often too.
The condition can be brought on by high blood pressure in the kidneys.
Hamsters frequently exhibit rapid, obvious illness rather than the gradual decrease that one might anticipate with aging.
An eager hamster that was rolling on its wheel the day before can all of a sudden become slumped and unresponsive.
Hamsters are masters at disguising disease signs.
Because a clearly sick animal would not survive long in nature, our tiny creatures have acquired the art of waiting until they are seriously unwell before you notice.
Die Naturally Or Euthanization?
If your hamster gets a cancerous tumor, it can develop in one area of the body and then spread to other body parts.
Treatment depends on the type of cancer it is.
You have to decide if you want to let your hamster die naturally or have him kindly euthanized by the vet.
Should I let my hamster die naturally?
The answer is twofold. It can be yes or no.
Yes, in some cases, the vet may suggest surgery to remove a tumor.
This action can help with extending your pet’s life.
The early diagnosis plays an important role in getting your little pet’s life sorted.
If you find an unexpected lump on your hamster, you have to decide if you want to put your hamster through the trauma of a vet visit.
It may become necessary for the vet to perform an ultrasound scan or X-ray.
The vet will take tissue samples from the tumor to test if the tumor is benign or malignant.
It’s not as though you’re playing god with your hamster’s life.
You want expert medical advice on what is best for your hamster.
Death or life is the ultimatum, and you have to watch your hamster and decide on what is best for him.
If your hamster is in pain, keeping it alive will only make matters worse.
Even though you don’t want to say goodbye to your little companion, if its body can no longer be saved, you can say “thank you” for all the great memories it has provided you by assisting it in passing painlessly.
Private veterinary clinics offer a range of prices for the operation in front.
Time To Send Your Hamster Over The Rainbow Bridge
Even after just one year, you may find that your hamster has become a huge part of your life.
You can’t imagine life without him.
And yet, if he is sick and no longer seems to be enjoying life, the kindest thing would be to let him go over the rainbow bridge.
Should you let your hamster die naturally? It can be soul-destroying to see him hunched up, inactive and miserable.
Dying may mean enduring a lot of pain.
The time may have come for you to decide to euthanize him.
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Make a time and date that suits you.
If you work, you may want to schedule the euthanasia for a Saturday morning.
You can have all the days of the weekend to recover from your grief.
Give yourself time to mourn in the manner that is most appropriate to you.
Of course, with any pet, this decision is never going to be easy.
Emotions can cloud your ability to make a sensible decision as to whether you should euthanize your hamster or let him die naturally.
It’s all very well to let him die naturally, but can you bear him to be in pain or discomfort?
Conclusion
Should I let my hamster die naturally?
A few pets, such as birds, can talk, but even birds can’t tell you how they’re feeling.
Animals rely on us to make the right decisions for them.
If you are seriously unsure about what is best for your sweet rodent friend, take him to the vet.
Let the veterinarian decide when the time is right to allow your pet a peaceful departure from this life.
It is a time to think of your pet’s well-being and not your own.
Nobody wants their day utterly ruined by putting down a treasured pet.
However, knowing that he went painlessly will help you weather your emotional storm.
Zoey is a long-time pet owner and animal rights advocate, a vital part of Purrfect n’ Pawesome. She shares her unique experiences and learnings with her readers to enhance their understanding of pet behavior and nutrition. Along with being an active pet writer, she volunteers at multiple animal shelters, rescue centres with some bespokenly awesome pets.
Zoey has a lot to share when raising the pets and spending life being their true friends. She has a quite pampered Persian cat and a Ragdoll, whom she loves the most. Readout her blogs to know more about being a responsible parent to your beloved pets.
“I love to be around cats and dogs; that’s my passion and my trick to get away from all the negativity and soaking in unconditional love and affection. Being attached to this platform gives me the reason to be vocal about pet love, care, and nurturing. Although I am not an expert or veterinarian by any means, I have a lot of experience and learnings to share with my fellow readers.”
