The emergency measures for a hamster that has fallen into water mainly include the following steps:
1. Retrieve Swiftly
Once you notice that a hamster has fallen into water, you should immediately take it out to avoid prolonged immersion. When retrieving the hamster, try to be as quiet as possible to prevent the hamster from getting scared and running away.
2. Clear Water from Nose and Mouth
After taking the hamster out of the water, check if there is any water in its nose and mouth. If there is, gently wipe it dry with a soft tissue or cloth to prevent suffocation caused by the water.
3. Squeeze the Abdomen to Drain Water
Place the hamster on a flat tabletop and gently squeeze its abdomen with your hand to help expel the water from its body. Be very gentle when doing this to avoid hurting the hamster with excessive force.
4. Dry the Fur
Use a dry towel or tissue to soak up the water on the hamster's body, and then gently dry it with a hair dryer on the low - temperature setting. During this process, handle the hamster with great care to avoid causing any harm.
5. Provide Warmth
Wrap the hamster's body with a dry towel and place it in a warm place to rest, allowing it to gradually regain its body temperature. Keep a close eye on the hamster's condition to ensure its body temperature returns to normal.
6. Seek Veterinary Care
If, after completing the above emergency measures, the hamster still hasn't regained breathing and a heartbeat, or shows symptoms such as rapid breathing or body shivering, you should take it to a pet hospital for further treatment as soon as possible.
Preventive Measures
Hamsters should not be bathed with water because their thick fur is not easy to dry, which can easily lead to colds or diarrhea. It is recommended to use special hamster bath sand for cleaning.