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Small Animals Need to Keep Cool in High Temperature Weather

6/11/2015

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
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Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved
If you have small animals, like hamsters, guinea pigs, or rats, don't forget they can get hot and dehydrated too. Just because some are less likely to be outdoors doesn't mean they're safe from the summer sun. Small animals need to keep cool and require special care during the summer. The methods we use for ours may surprise you as can some of the methods we do not recommend.

A small, thin build means more vulnerability to heat and dehydration. Hamsters, rats, and other small animals have very thin skin. They also have fur. While they are not likely to get as hot as we are, the effects of the heat can be very detrimental. Since small animals have such a thin frame, their bodies often react to overheating very rapidly, which can be extremely dangerous when it comes to heat exhaustion. The effects of dehydration can also come on quickly in such a small animal.

Can I spray my small animals with a mister? No. Many small animals can become ill or even die of they get wet. This is because they can get too cold and get the chills. While it may at first seem like a great way to quickly cool them off, it can become deadly very quickly. Instead, buy your small animal some unscented chinchilla sand to roll around in or a chinchilla granite slab to lounge on and cool off.

Cage location is key. Absolutely do not keep a small animal's cage near the window, especially not in the summer months. The sunlight can heat up the cage quickly. Animals in glass aquariums may feel like they are in a constant sauna. We like to keep our hamsters and guinea pig in a basement area where there are no windows. Because this area is also our family room, the animals still get plenty of attention. But they are much less vulnerable to the heat.

Provide shaded shelter. Our hamsters and guinea pig each have a special hiding spot in their cages. Whether you use a grass hut or another type of small animal house, be sure your pets have something to hide underneath. The shade will help keep them cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. We prefer the miniature grass huts as the small animals seem to enjoy those the most. The hay may be providing a cooling effect.

Make cool, fresh water readily available. Ice is too cold. Never, ever give your small animals ice cubes. Just like being too hot is bad, so is being too cold. Many small animals, like hamsters, are prone to getting the chills. Therefore, ice is a very bad idea. Instead, change the water supply often and make sure the water is clean and cool.

Air conditioning or a cool mist humidifier is essential. Fans are a no-no. Never ever face a fan toward a small animal. Since they are so tiny, they are more vulnerable to inhaling small particles of dust and other contaminants. It's much safer to keep their room cool with a cool mist humidifier that is across the room or with an air conditioning system. Proper ventilation and filtration is also a must for the same reason you don't want a fan blowing around. Too much dust is very bad for small animals.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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 Help! My Child is Neglecting the Hamster!

4/5/2015

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
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Oh no! You adopted a hamster and thought everything would be fine. But now your child is neglecting the hamster. What should you do? Is this an automatic reason to return the hamster or is there hope? Is there a deeper reason behind the neglect of the hamster or is this normal childhood boredom? These are questions you should be asking yourself.

Why is my child neglecting the hamster? There are many reasons that could be at the root of your child's behavior. Perhaps your child just isn't ready for a pet or perhaps never will be. Not all people should have pets. Your child also may be reflecting their own feelings of sadness, pain, and neglect onto the family pet. This behavior is one to watch for as many who commit crimes against other humans start off doing so with animals, often during childhood. Not every case of a child neglecting a hamster will mean a child is dangerous to others or the hamster. It's always best to consult a professional for help.

Encourage kids to pay attention to the hamster. If a qualified health professional has determined that your child does not pose a threat, interest in the hamster may be all that's needed. To encourage the bond between hamster and child, I find that engaging the hamster in an activity can be helpful. Choose an activity the hamster enjoys, such as running through an obstacle course or using an exercise ball. Blend the hamster's enjoyment with an element that is also interesting to kids. When they see you playing with the hamster and the fun to be had, they may be encouraged to join right in.

What if nothing is working? This is when you need to be honest with yourself. Should your child really be a pet parent? If the answer is no, the hamster is now your responsibility, as the parent. Perhaps another child in the family is willing to care for the animal. If no one can provide adequate care and keep the hamster safe, then you need to find a new, loving home for the hamster. Throughout the process of determining what to do, you should have the hamster's best interest at heart.

Is our home the right place for the hamster? Is your child showing signs of caring for the hamster properly after working with a licensed professional? If the answer is no, then your home may not be right for the hamster unless there is someone else in the home who can care for the animal. Is the neglect more than just neglect? If anyone may be a danger risk to the hamster, it's best to place the hamster in another home. Rescue organizations and shelters can help you find a new home for the hamster. If your child does indeed show signs of improvement, all may not be lost. As the responsible party, you need to make sure things go correctly. However, your home may still be a good place for the hamster with more effort on everyone's part.

*Always contact a licensed veterinarian for the health of your animals. The information above is not meant to replace the advice of a qualified professional and is derived solely from the author's own personal experiences.

More on Animal Neglect and Abuse:

Facts About Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence
When Children Abuse Animals


More Hamster Articles From Lyn:


Does My Child's Hamster Need a Bath?
Can Kids Care for a Hamster With Special Needs?
Kids With Hamsters Need to Care For Them

Parents, Please Educate Your Kids Before Adopting a Pet: Lessons From Buddy the Hamster, Rescued From Neglect


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