When a hamster enters a hibernation state, the following measures can be taken to wake it up and take care of it:
Confirm the Hamster's Condition
When a hamster is in hibernation, its body temperature will drop and its body will become stiff, making it look as if it's dead. However, you can determine whether it's still in a pseudo-hibernation state by feeling its tiny heart, listening for faint breathing sounds, or observing whether its whiskers are slightly twitching.
Emergency Warming Measures
- Move the hamster to a warm place, such as beside a radiator, on a heating pad, or on a hot water bottle (remember to put a towel as a layer and keep the temperature below 55 °C to avoid overheating).
- You can use a hair dryer (set it to the hot air setting, wrap the hamster with a cloth to avoid blowing directly on it, and don't make the temperature too high) to heat the hamster.
- Gently rub the hamster's body with your hands to warm it up, or hold it in your palm to keep it warm.
Wait for the Hamster to Wake Up
Keep heating until the hamster shows a response, like its whiskers starting to move or its mouth slightly opening. This process may require some patience. After the hamster wakes up, don't feed it the food it usually likes right away. You can first use a dropper or syringe to feed it some warm electrolyte multi-vitamin water or glucose water to replenish its energy.
Feed to Restore Its Strength
After the hamster regains consciousness and starts to move, you can gradually feed it some mashed food to allow its intestines to adapt slowly. Remember to feed it in small amounts but frequently, and avoid feeding it too much at once. You can feed it some soaked goat milk powder or other calorie-rich foods to help the hamster restore its strength.
Subsequent Observation and Care
After the hamster recovers, continue to observe it for at least 2 hours to make sure it's really okay. Usually, pay attention to strengthening the heat preservation measures for the hamster, provide sufficient cotton and warming equipment to avoid the hamster entering the pseudo-hibernation state again.
By following the above steps, you can effectively help the hamster wake up from the hibernation state and recover its health. If the hamster doesn't wake up for a long time or shows other abnormal symptoms, it is recommended to consult a professional veterinarian in time.