Don't Forget Hamsters in the Heat - Says Animal Charity

Last year around 50% of small pets brought to, animal charity PDSA suffering with heatstroke died

PDSA, supports subsidised pet care on the Island, through vets practices and is offering advice on keeping our small pets cool over summer

Whilst relaxing in the garden enjoying the sunshine may be one of the best parts of summer for us, our smaller furry friends, especially those who live in the outdoors, may not enjoy the rise in temperatures as much. PDSA Vet, Lynne James shares advice on how to keep small furry pets happy and healthy during the summer heat.

“In July last year (the hottest month of 2022) 50% of the small pets whose owners contacted PDSA for help due to suspected heatstroke did not survive. The owners of nearly 40 small pets* with suspected heatstroke - including rabbits, ferrets, rodents and guinea pigs – called our Pet Hospitals for help. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, half did not survive due to the severity of their condition.

“It can be easier to spot in other pets, such as dogs, when they are in distress due to the heat. However if owners know how to easily spot when their small furries are struggling due to the rise in temperature, this could help save their life.”

PDSA’s advice for small pet owners this summer:

“As the temperatures srise, owners need to consider all pets. Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, rats, mice and ferrets are often forgotten when the sunny season hits.

“The tiny sized pets, indoor mice, hamsters, gerbils and rats can be very sensitive to heatwaves– especially as many small pets don’t have sweat glands so can’t cool themselves down.

“Not forgetting the pets who may live outside, guinea pigs and rabbits, who are both sensitive to hot weather and can get stressed if the temperature gets too high.

“It’s really important for owners to be able to recognise when their pet is suffering in the heat. Signs will slightly vary between species, but the main signs to look out for are:

Guinea Pigs

Weakness, lethargy, panting, salivating, confusion and seizures.

Rabbits

Weakness, lethargy, panting, confusion, seizures, red & hot ears, and bleeding from the mouth, nose, and bottom.

Rats

Weakness, lethargy, panting, salivating and warm tail and/or feet.

Ferrets

Weakness, lethargy, panting, salivating, seizures and vomiting.

Chinchillas

Weakness, lethargy, panting, salivating and red & hot ears.

Hamsters

Weakness, lethargy and increased thirst.

There's lots of things you can do to help keep your small pet cool and comfortable:

1. Plenty of cool spots or shade

Whether your pet lives indoors or out, consider the best place for their enclosure when the heat hits – they’ll be happiest and healthiest out of direct sun. Make sure they’re in a shaded area throughout the day, closing the curtains on the sunny side of the house to keep the room cooler. Outdoor enclosures should be moved into the shade, under a sun parasol, or moved into a cool room indoors. Using indoor and outdoor thermostats to keep a check on the temperature is also a good idea.

2. Keep hydrated

Make sure all of your pets have access to clean, fresh water at all times. The best way to do this is to provide multiple sources of water and check each regularly throughout each day. Rats may enjoy a little dish of shallow water to dip their paws or sit in to cool off.

3. Check their napping spots

It’s important for your pets’ sleeping areas to stay cool so they can rest as comfortably as possible. Plastic houses, dens and tunnels can become very warm and humid in hot weather, so it’s best to avoid these. You can simply DIY a shelter for them from a cardboard box instead - include a few different entrances and exits which will allow airflow, helping to keep the area cooler. For hamsters, creating an open nest – a wooden box filled with hay and/or tissue - is the best way to help keep them cool.

4. Hydrating treats

Another great way to keep your small pet hydrated is by giving them a small treat of fresh fruit or vegetables. Snacks like apple, cucumber or celery have extra water in them so will help keep your pet hydrated. You can also soak their usual leafy green treats in icy water. Just remember that our small pets only need a tiny amount of fruit and vegetables, so always feed hydrating treats in small amounts, occasionally.

5. DIY a cool spot to relax

You can use a frozen water bottle to give your pets a nice cool spot in their enclosure. Fill a bottle three-quarters with water and freeze it overnight. Place it on the outside of their enclosure so they can lie next to it to cool down. Don't put the bottle inside their enclosure – it could make them too cold!

For more information on keeping pets cool in the hot weather, as well as tasty summer snacks and summer dangers, please visit PDSA’s website.