This is the first time I will be going on a trip with my hamster (I am a first time owner) and I am going to Sioux City, Iowa and it is very cold there. I need to know if I can leave my hamster in the car for a couple of minutes with my dog, in the cold?
2007-02-18 10:20:49 · 7 answers · asked by You Know You Love Me <3 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Would he be okay if I put a blanket over him with a small opening so he could breathe?
2007-02-18 10:28:03 · update #1
Unless your hamster has been given sufficient time to prepare for the winter, he is probably use to living in the temperate environment of your home. Remember, hamsters are very small bodied, so it takes a lot less time for them to lose heat and essentially go cold. Although, this does not mean he won't survive, as hamsters naturally can live in really cold environments and sometimes go into a hibernation-like state.
However, a rapid change in temperature over a period of days can be quite stressful. Your hamster may fall sick from stress rather than directly the cold itself. Try adding extra bedding and nesting material to his habitat before leaving for the trip, so he can build a cozy spot the best he can as needed. Signs to watch for stress are labored breathing, diarrhea, and crusty eyes/nose.
As for leaving him with the dog, that depends on how your dog interacts with him. If he's always licked his lips at the hammy then probably not a good idea. Even though, it's usually not a great idea to leave your hamster unsupervised with a "predator" lurking around.
Hopefully he makes it to his destination ok. When he does, place the cage in one area and keep his area as quiet as possible. He will want a few days to get accustomed to the new smells and such in the environment. This will help lessen the stress factor. Hope that helps, good luck!
2007-02-18 10:40:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your hamster is used to indoor temperatures. I assume you will heat the car while driving, so the car will not get cold immediately, so a very short absence should be okay, especially if your hamster has plenty of bedding.
Now here is another idea: make your hamster an insulated nest box. Probably the ideal would be a box packed with hay or straw or some such material, that the hamster could burrow into and stay warm.
2007-02-19 01:05:51 · answer #2 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how long you will be away from the car and how cold it is but it is probably not the best idea.
2007-02-18 18:26:22 · answer #3 · answered by Becca 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as it doesnt reach belwo 50 degrees wherever he is or he will go into hybernation until its warmer..so if he isnt moving...do not bury him! cuz thats what happend to my friends..it was hybernating and she buried it...make sure if it is with your dog than the dog cant see it or it will scare the hamster
2007-02-18 19:06:55 · answer #4 · answered by Hi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't know i you could ask someone you know who has a hamster if you haven't tried that they might know. or go to a pet store and ask if they know anything.
2007-02-18 18:31:11 · answer #5 · answered by lilfitzgirl12 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO! Hamster's like it warm.
2007-02-18 18:28:02 · answer #6 · answered by lcritter55118 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u can try hope it works out.
2007-02-18 18:26:18 · answer #7 · answered by simon e 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋