Is Your Hamster Drinking Too Much Water? What You Need to Know
Hamsters are adorable little creatures that most people automatically want to keep as pets. They also need to be handled daily. If you own a hamster, then you have probably noticed that they like to eat and drink.
However, you may be wondering why is your hamster drinking too much water? You need to know a few things about its water requirements. Usually, an adult hamster drinks up to 25ml of water a day. So if they start drinking twice that much, or even more, it could be a sign of medical issues, lack of mental nourishment or a change in diet.
There are a few more reasons why your hamster may drink excessive amounts of water and this article will help you determine what the causes might be.
Why is My Hamster Drinking So Much Water?
![Why is My Hamster Drinking So Much Water](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Why-is-My-Hamster-Drinking-So-Much-Water.jpg)
There are a few different reasons why a hamster could drink more than normal, including dehydration, medical conditions, lack of mental nourishment, increased activity, and a change in diet. It’s a good idea to consult with a vet and rule out any medical issues or other problems. But in most cases, the reasons are pretty easy to identify and solve.
Dehydration
If your hamster isn’t getting enough water, it may compensate by drinking more than usual to replenish its supply of electrolytes and minerals. This is especially true if they’ve been exposed to dry or extreme temperatures outside in the wild; these conditions can dehydrate them quickly and make them thirsty.
Common Signs of dehydration include:
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of energy
- Dark-colored urine with a foul smell
Medical Conditions
Hamsters can develop medical conditions that make them drink more water than usual. These include diabetes, digestive function issues, urinary tract infection, and pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know about each of them:
Diabetes
Hamsters can develop diabetes in mild to severe forms. In this case, a hamster’s body will not respond appropriately to insulin, and glucose levels will rise in their blood. This can lead to excessive thirst and urination. If you notice your hamster drinking more than usual or urinating more frequently, contact your vet immediately.
Digestive Function Issues
If your hamster drinks more than usual, it could be due to digestive issues. Hamsters with digestive problems will often exhibit symptoms similar to those of diabetes:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Lethargy
- They will also have loose stool or diarrhea as well as weight loss.
Pregnancy
If your hamster suddenly starts drinking more than usual and has no other symptoms or signs of illness, she may be pregnant. Pregnant hamsters will drink more water as they prepare for pregnancy and giving birth.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
If your hamster has an infection in its urinary tract, it may be drinking more water than normal. This is because of the pain or discomfort associated with urination. This can lead to dehydration if left untreated.
Increased Activity
Hamsters are nocturnal creatures and often run around at night when they’re most active. Your hamster will probably drink more water if it extends this exercise at night. If they’re running around a lot or playing with their toys, that can lead to dehydration and eventually cause them to drink more.
Lack of Mental Nourishment
Hamsters need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. A bored hamster will seek out new things to chew on or explore to enrich their lives, including drinking more water. If your hamster isn’t getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, you should consider giving them something new to chew on or explore, so they don’t feel like their lives are dull and unfulfilled.
Change in Diet
Your hamster’s water intake can be affected by changes in his diet. If you’re giving him new food, or if he has accidentally eaten something that upsets his stomach, he may be drinking more water than usual. In this case, check with your vet and ensure nothing is wrong with his diet or bowels.
Why is My Syrian Hamster Drinking So Much Water?
![Why is My Syrian Hamster Drinking so Much Water](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Why-is-My-Syrian-Hamster-Drinking-so-Much-Water.jpg)
Although it is extremely unlikely, a Syrian hamster developing diabetes is not entirely unheard of. Have you fed the hamster a lot of sugary snacks, and is she overweight? If so, this could contribute to her drinking so much water. There are other reasons why a Syrian hamster may drink more than usual as well:
Dry Food Diet: If your hamster is eating dry food exclusively and not getting enough water from it, she might start drinking too much water.
Mental Stress: When hamsters are under pressure, they may start drinking too much water because it makes them feel better. (The same goes for humans)
Change of Environment: If you recently moved your hamster into a new cage or home, she may be stressed out by the change and thus start taking more water than normal.
Pregnancy: Female hamsters tend to drink more water when pregnant.
Is My Hamster Drinking Enough Water?
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If you’re concerned about your hamster’s water intake, there are a few ways to tell. One way is to look at the color of your hamster’s urine. If it’s yellow or brown, try giving your hamster more water.
Another way to check your hamsters’ hydration levels is by looking at their eyes. They likely need more fluids in their diet if they appear red and puffy.
Also, check if your hamster is drinking from their water bottle. Sometimes they’ll chew on the spout or “play” with the bottle by pushing it around instead of drinking from it. If this is happening, try moving the bottle closer to where they sleep or hide during the day so they’ll be more inclined to use it.
FAQs
How Much Water Should a Syrian Hamster Drink in a Day?
A hamster typically requires 10ml per 100 grams of body weight each day. That amount to 0.33 fluid ounces every 3.5 ounces of hamster. This applies to both syrian hamsters and little hamsters.
Should I Worry if My Hamster Drinks Too Much?
Hamsters do not drink too much, but it would be a good idea to remove any excess water from their cage as soon as you notice them drinking more than usual.
Is My Hamster Drinking Enough Water?
Looking at their droppings, you can tell if your hamster is drinking enough water. If the droppings are wet and look like rice, that’s a good sign that your hamster is taking in enough water. It’s also a good idea to check the water bottle and see if it has been emptied or not.
Final Thoughts
If your hamster is drinking too much water, there might be something wrong with them. It could be an issue with their health, or it could be a sign that their environment needs to be changed. If it turns out there’s no underlying medical issue, change up their diet or make sure the pet is getting enough fluids from other sources. But if you’re not sure about the situation, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help.