Hamsters can be fun and loyal pets. However, his life span of only 2-3 years can seem very short. If your pet hamster is suffering from old age or disease, find out how to reduce the suffering for you and the hamster by reading this article.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Preparing for the Worst Chance
Step 1. Recognize the signs
Hamster death can be caused by many things. Age, for example, can make a hamster's eyes become myopic. You may notice the fur is thinning. Hamsters may become listless and lose their appetite. Hamsters may also do unusual things, such as defecate in their nests.
Step 2. Talk to someone who can help
Your parents may be able to offer advice on how to help your hamster. You can also discuss with a professional practitioner, such as a veterinarian, the specifics of caring for hamsters. Your veterinarian will provide advice regarding food, exercise, and care.
Step 3. Consider the plight of the hamster
If your hamster is in too much pain, you can consider other options. Euthanasia may be the best option to stop his suffering. Euthanasia is a painless process and professional practitioners will do their best to make the last stages of a hamster's life as comfortable as possible.
Step 4. Prepare your friends and family
Tell people close to you about the situation that will occur. It may be your child's first experience with death, and you should handle it with care. Be honest and empathetic.
Method 2 of 4: Helping the Process
Step 1. Make the hamster feel comfortable
Make your hamster feel as happy as possible in its final days. Place soft materials in the cage. Let the hamster sleep as long as it wants. Put his favorite toy in his cage.
Step 2. Do not touch the hamster too much
The hamster may lose energy and not want to exercise as usual. Don't tire her too much by holding her.
Step 3. Provide proper food and water
Talk to your vet or parents to find out what is the best food to give. For example, if your hamster has heart damage, avoid feeding it fatty foods like sunflowers. Dental problems can also be suffered by old hamsters. Try giving your hamster soft-textured foods such as rice or cereal.
Method 3 of 4: Grieving
Step 1. Acknowledge the sadness you are experiencing at the loss of your hamster
You will feel sad and disappointed. You may also feel strong emotions such as anger, grief, depression, or guilt. These feelings are normal after the departure of a loved person or animal.
Step 2. Rest
Your hamster is part of the family and you will need time to grieve. Consider asking for leave from work or school to recover from the bereavement. Statistical data show that the pain felt when you lose a pet is similar to that felt when you lose a regular family member.
Step 3. Talk to friends and family
People close to you may know how much you love your hamster. They can help you through the grieving process if you tell them. Talk to them about your feelings and they may be able to help calm them down.
Step 4. Remember your hamster
Remember positive things about your friend. You can look at his photos or recall the games and toys he played with. These positive things can slightly ease the pain after the hamster's departure.
Step 5. Write down your feelings
You can create a blog or journal and write down how you feel. This can help you deal with grief. You can write down memories and positive thoughts about the family member you care about.
Step 6. Seek help
You can reach multiple parties if you need someone to talk to. Contact parties such as animal welfare agencies who can put you in touch with people who understand the situation.
Method 4 of 4: Moving On
Step 1. Volunteer at a local animal shelter
Once you start to recover, you may be hesitant to get a new hamster. You can volunteer at a local animal shelter to help other animals in need. Helping an animal that needs help can help you cope with your grief.
Step 2. Find a new pet
Once you start to recover, you may want to get a new hamster. To find them, visit your local animal shelter or pet shop.
Step 3. Go on as usual
So that your condition can really return to normal, you should return to activities as usual. Although it will be painful, your condition will improve over time.
Step 4. Remember that all will be well
Everyone experiences loss and you are not the only one experiencing it. Although it may seem very difficult, but everything will get better. Keep these steps in mind and take breaks to deal with your grief.
Warning
- You can reuse your hamster's cage, bowl, and toys. Be sure to clean it with a disinfectant so as not to transmit any disease. Throw away the old hamster bedding and buy a new one for your new hamster friend.
- Do not throw a dead hamster down the toilet. This can cause serious plumbing problems. Make a memorial for your hamster by burying or cremating it. Discuss other options with your veterinarian.
