pet health






 

Question by  hamstergal (2)

Why does my hamster shake?

I got a Russian dwarf hamster, and whenever he is under his bedding he shakes--why?

 
+7

Answer by  hartford (506)

It could be that the hamster's natural burrowing instinct is activated by being covered. Maybe his bedding is the culprit. Pine and cedar bedding can irritate their skin and lungs.

 
+7

Answer by  Erica95 (323)

There are a few reasons for a hamster to shake. Unfortunately they are all fairly serious; Diabetes, Heat Stroke, Hibernation and Stroke. Heat Stroke and Hibernation are the easiest and least serious to fix. For heat stroke take him to a cooler spot away from sun and give him water. For hibernation hold him until he gets warmer and revives.

 
+6

Answer by  jdoevans (6)

Generally hamsters will shake if they are scared. to avoid this, never surprise your hamster or wake it up unnecessarily, and give it the space it might need. A hamster may also shake if it is too cold, in which case ensure it is in a suitably mild environment.

 
+6

Answer by  kbbaybee16 (350)

Hamsters shake when they are cold. if the degrees goes down just a little bit they will shake. unlike us they cant regulate the body temperature as easily in their bodies. some hamsters can have a type of disease and if you take it to a vet it could be a simple fix.

 
+6

Answer by  HilaryC (1382)

I had one of those as well. He is just getting comfortable and moving the bedding around. Perhaps the position it was in was uncomfortable. It is normal.

 
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