Can Hamsters Become Constipated? Find Out Now

Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 06:40 pm

Hamsters can become constipated which is very uncomfortable and can result in fatal consequences for the hamster including death.

Hamsters often get constipated due to poor nutrition, stress, intestinal parasites, dehydration, and when they are pregnant.

Hamsters mostly get constipation due to intestinal problems, but with timely detection, they can be cured and fatal consequences for our pet can be prevented.

In order not to be constipated, hamsters should have a varied diet, fresh water, and fruits and vegetables with large amounts of fiber, because they help to have normal pooping and prevent constipation.

In today’s article, we will find out why hamsters get constipated, how to find out and what to do in such an unpleasant situation for your hamster.

Do hamsters get constipated?

Yes, hamsters can get constipated, although it doesn’t happen too often because they have a good diet with fiber that helps prevent constipation.

Hamsters usually suffer from wet tails and diarrhea, but constipation can also occur if they have problems with their diet and intestines.

When hamsters get constipated it is very bad for them, they have pains that are very unpleasant and can lead to the death of your pet.

When hamsters become constipated, the most important thing is quick detection and appropriate therapy because otherwise, it will not go away by itself.

Why are hamsters constipated?

As we said at the beginning, the most common causes of constipation are the following:

  • poor diet
  • pregnancy
  • bowel problems or blockage
  • intestinal parasites
  • intussusception or folding of the intestine
  • dehydration
  • stress

Hamsters get constipated if they don’t eat fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber.

Hamsters usually eat dry food such as pellets and seeds, but obviously, a lack of fiber can cause constipation. The more varied the hamsters’ diet, the less likely they are to get constipated.

Of course, regular drinking and access to water should be included here, because it helps in the proper functioning of their digestive system and reduces the chances of constipation.

How do you know when a hamster is constipated?

The most important thing is to detect when hamsters are constipated so that you can react promptly and help your hamster.

Therefore, here are the symptoms that will make it easier for you to find out when your hamster is constipated.

They won’t want to eat

The first sign that a hamster is constipated is a refusal to eat food. They will first start eating less and then stop eating altogether.

Try giving him some of his favorite foods and you will see that he will refuse to eat, which means you have to take him to the vet immediately.

It will be difficult for them to poop

Constipation is very painful and hamsters will have trouble pooping.

However, you may or may not be able to notice this sign easily because they poop mostly in the burrows and you will not be able to see how much they are pooping and how difficult it is for them.

Lethargy

When hamsters are constipated they will not want to run on the exercise wheel, as they always want to use their wheel, this sign will be very easy to spot.

When hamsters are constipated they will spend most of the day sleeping and will look much more tired than on normal days.

They will spend most of the time in their burrows and will only come out to drink water.can hamsters become constipated

Hamsters will appear hunched over

When hamsters are constipated you may notice that they will be hunched over due to the pain of constipation.

And when they move around they will do it slowly and all the time with a hunchback or they won’t even move much in the cage.

Bloating

When hamsters are constipated you will notice that their stomachs are bloated.

This happens because they cannot poop and it looks very uncomfortable for your pet.

The longer constipation lasts in hamsters, the more bloated they will be and their stomach will be bigger and harder.

Hamsters will begin to lose weight

When hamsters are constipated, they immediately start to lose weight and it is very visible.

They will not want to eat because of the pain of constipation, which is dangerous because of the possibility of other diseases due to poor intake of nutrients.

If you notice that the hamster seems to be losing weight, measure its weight 2-3 days in a row to see if this is really the case.

How often do hamsters poop when they are constipated?

Hamsters poop many times a day because they eat a lot and have a fast metabolism and digestive system.

But when they are constipated they will poop very little, but it will be hard to notice.

Hamsters are very clean animals and you will not be able to know for sure if and how often they poop when they are constipated.

Constipation in hamsters can be noticed in their feces

When hamsters are healthy and not constipated, their feces are dry and firm but not too hard, odorless, and brown or black in color.

If you notice that their feces are very hard, as well as other changes in color and smell, then the hamster is constipated.

Such changes in their feces are not normal and you must take the hamster to the vet immediately.

How to help a constipated hamster?

When hamsters are constipated there are several ways you can help them so that it is not so painful and difficult for them in those moments.

Let’s see how we can better help our little friend when he is constipated.

Temporary constipation

Constipation can be temporary and passed on to your pet, although most of the time constipation will still have to be treated by a veterinarian.

Try and give your hamster a small amount of laxative which may help if the constipation is not that severe.

Vegetable oil solution for constipation

Give your hamster a little olive oil, or rather one drop, in its diet to see if it helps with constipation.

Olive oil helps to stimulate the work of the intestines, but you should pay attention to the amount.

Too much olive oil can cause diarrhea, which is very dangerous for hamsters.

It is best, however, before you decide to give them olive oil to consult a veterinarian about the dose and how long to use it.

Less stress

When hamsters are constipated they should have less stress which will ease their pain and make it easier for them to survive while they are constipated.

So try to provide them with some of the following steps:

  • less noise around him
  • move the other pets to another room
  • a suitable temperature of 65-75 F
  • speak softly and do not hold your hamster too much

The less stress, the easier it will be for the hamster to persist until he is cured of constipation.can hamsters become constipated

Help him poop

When hamsters are constipated they can have major problems with pooping.

The droppings can get stuck when they need to come out of the hamster and you have to help your pets.

To do this you will need a paper towel soaked in warm water which you will place around the hamster’s bottom. The heat will soften their droppings and come out of the hamster.

More Activity

When hamsters are constipated they need more activity even though they will refuse to be active.

When hamsters run and play, their colon works better and they poop more easily. They will need to drink more water to help soften their stools.

To encourage the hamster to be more active, give him more toys when he is constipated so that he becomes interested and uses them much more.

Artificial stimulation to poop

Trying to artificially stimulate the hamster to poop can help with constipation.

To do this you will need to place the hamster in your palm and rub its back with one finger.

This will be similar to hamsters licking and will encourage them to poop and reduce the effect of constipation.

More fruits and vegetables

When hamsters are constipated you should give them more fruits and vegetables so that they can relieve constipation.

The fiber they contain will help the digestive system to work better and to have a better level of moisture.

With their action, they will make the poop of the hamsters softer and easier for them to expel from their body.

Fruits and vegetables should be part of their diet and when they are not constipated, they can prevent this unwanted situation in hamsters.

Here are the vegetables and fruits that are rich in fiber:

  • peaches
  • spinach
  • plums
  • apricots
  • dandelion

The more vegetables and fruits they eat, the lower the chances of constipation in hamsters.

When should you take your constipated hamster to the vet?

If the hamster is constipated, it is best to take it to the vet as soon as you notice it.

However, if you decide to wait in the hope that the situation will improve, do not wait more than two days.

A veterinarian may use urine or blood analysis, X-rays, and ultrasounds to more accurately diagnose constipation in your hamster.

Treatment will begin immediately because hamsters, if not treated promptly, may die in a short time.

Read more: How Long Can You Leave a Hamster Alone? Let’s Discover

Conclusion

Constipation, although not a common occurrence, can still happen to hamsters.

When hamsters are constipated, they are lethargic, weak, do not move, and have very strong pain.

Hamsters can die if constipation is not treated in time, so don’t wait, they should be taken to a veterinarian.

In order to prevent constipation, the diet must be varied with fruits and vegetables that contain fibers that help prevent constipation in hamsters.

Read more: Why Do Hamsters Spit Out Their Food? Find Out Now