Keep My Hamster Cool in the Summer: 7 Ways To Keep Furbabies Cool

Summertime is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your family, but it can also be tough keeping your hamster cool. Here are six tips to help keep your furry friend cool this summer.

Why Should You Keep Your Hamster Cool?

Hamsters are small mammals that are best kept in cool temperatures. They are popular because they are low-maintenance and inexpensive. Hamsters need a cool environment to live in, and changes in temperature can be dangerous for them.

If the temperature is too hot, hamsters can get heatstroke. Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, redness around the ears and mouth, lethargy, and seizures. If your hamster has any of these symptoms, take it to a veterinarian immediately.

keep hamster cool in summer - 7 tips

What Temperature Is Too Hot for Hamsters?

Hamsters like it cool, and should never be subjected to direct sunlight or high temperatures. The ideal temperature range for hamsters is 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Our Pick For Best Hamster Bedding

Studies and research suggest that paper bedding is best for our hammies. The Carefresh natural paper bedding for small animals is our top pick to use, today.

What We Like:

  • Natural paper bedding
  • 99% dust free – Reduced cause of respiratory issues for hamsters and human in some cases.
  • Up to 10 Days of ammonia odor control
  • Good for tunneling and burrowing
  • Reduced chance for cuts from sharp portions
  • Good absorbency

Learn more about hamsters and their best environments from our Hamster Learning Hub. Get quick access to all of our hamster care articles from one place.

Hamsters are native to the Middle East, where the average summer temperature is in the 80s. In North America, the temperature can easily exceed 100 degrees during the summer months. This can be dangerous for hamsters If the temperature exceeds 80 degrees, the hamster could overheat and die.

So what do you do when you are experiencing a heat wave in your area? Let’s look at a few options to get through the temporary excessive heat.

1. Keep the Cage in a Cool Part of the House

When it comes to having a pet, one of the most important things to remember is their environment. Not all animals thrive in the same conditions, so it’s important to do your research before bringing one home. If you have a hamster, you may be wondering if there are any specific tips for keeping them comfortable.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep their cage in a cool part of the house. Make sure there is good ventilation in the area, and avoid putting it in direct sunlight.

If you have a cage or tank of some kind that needs to be cooled, it’s best to keep the cage in a cool part of the house and use the air conditioner to cool the entire house. This will save you money on your energy bill and keep your pet comfortable.

Keep the door to the room with the cage open if in a home with central air conditioning. It helps the efficiency of central air conditioning systems and helps cool the warmer air. Put your hamster in a room that is not too cold, but not too warm. Now, if you have a single room air conditioner, then keep the room door closed to help maintain the temperature of the room.

Certainly, do not keep your hamster in the garage, especially during the hot summer. It basically becomes an oven and is not safe for your pet. 

2. Wire Cages Are Best in Summer

Wire hamster cages are better in the summer because they have better ventilation. Hamsters can overheat very easily, so it is important to have a cage that allows for plenty of airflow.

An aquarium or bar cage is not as good as a wire hamster cage in the summer because they are not as well-ventilated. A plastic cage can also get hot and stuffy in the summer. Plus they are typically way too small for hamsters.

3. Place a Fan Near the Hamster Cage

Don't setup fan to blow directly on your hamster
Do not blow fans directly on your hamster. Instead use a fan to circulate air around the hamster cage.

Keeping the air moving helps keep things slightly cooler, but we don’t want to put our hamster in the middle of a mini-tornado.

A fan placed near the hamster cage will help keep the air circulating and will also help keep the water bottle cool. Be careful not to point the fan directly at your hamster, as it could cause him to become cold.

4. Provide Plenty of Water For Your Hamster

It is important to provide plenty of water for your hamster. Place a bottle or bowl of cool water in the hamster’s cage and check it periodically to make sure it is clean and filled.

Adding a few drops of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the water will help keep it fresh and encourage your hamster to drink more.

Providing plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits for your hamster to eat will also help keep them hydrated.

Additionally, try placing a shallow, ceramic water dish in your hamster’s cage will give them easy access to water.

5. Give Your Hamster Partially Frozen Water Bottles

cool water or ice cubes help cool your hamster
Partially frozen water bottles or ice cubes in water bottles can help keep your hamster cool.

Another option to keep your hamster cool in the heat is using frozen water bottles. Sounds simple, but read on.

To do this, fill a water bottle up with water, and then put it in the freezer for 2-3 hours. You want some of the water frozen and some of it still in liquid form.

It is important to have some of the water in liquid form so that your hamster can still drink water as soon as you put it into the cage. For the next few hours, the water your hamster gets from the bottle will be cold and help it stay cool.

Just make sure that the water bottle isn’t completely frozen. If it is, pair it with a second bottle that is not frozen so that there is always liquid water available.

Now, pair this with the next tip for an even cooler idea.

6. Use Frozen Towels or Sheets

There’s nothing quite like a cold, refreshing towel on a hot day. But did you know that you can also use frozen towels or sheets to cool your hamster’s cage down?

To use this method, soak a towel of sheets in water and lightly wring it out. Then place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours. Once the towel is frozen and you want to cool the hamster cage, drape the towel over the top of the cage. The cold air will fall towards the bottom of the cage while the hot air rises and is cooled by the towel. Be sure to only place it on the top and do not block good airflow throughout the cage.

Alternatively, use frozen lunch or packing packs. Once these are frozen, place a few on top of the hamster cage and watch the natural process of air cooling to begin.

Of course, never take your hamster outside in the heat as all of these cooling methods are intended to help cool your hamster in the shade or in interior rooms.

7. Chilled Fruit and Vegetable Treats To Keep Your Hamster Cool In Summer

Another way to make sure your hamster stays cool and comfortable is to offer them chilled fruit and vegetables as treats. Cucumbers, carrots, apples, and melons are all good choices. Simply wash the produce, cut it into small pieces, and pop it in the fridge or freezer for a few hours.

Once chilled, place the chilled bits in your hamster’s cage. As they enjoy their refreshing snack, they’ll also be helping to keep their body temperature down.

Conclusion

In conclusion, following these six tips will help keep your hamster comfortable during the summer. Keep in mind that some of these tips may not be necessary, depending on the climate and how active your hamster is. By being proactive and keeping a close eye on your hamster, you can help make sure they stay cool and healthy all summer long!

If you think your pet is ill, call a vet immediately. All health-related questions should be referred to your veterinarian. They can examine your pet, understand its health history, and make well informed recommendations for your pet.

903pets.com Staff

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