Dehydrated hamster: Is diluted fruit juice safe, or what else works?

It is very concerning that Camilla is too weak to eat or drink - I would recommend consulting with your local veterinarian who prescribed her medications, as she needs to be evaluated again. She should have improved, or had her signs resolve, by now and she may need to have her medications switched. Hamsters can lose weight very fast, and can also dehydrated quickly, without food and water. You can use a small syringe to try to provide her with water, however please go slowly as it is very easy for hamsters to aspirate water or other materials into their airways and lungs. The discharge around the eyes can be cleaned with a warm, wet cloth. This may be occurring because she doesn't feel well, or it may be that she has an infection going on as well. For food, your veterinarian can provide you with a powdered food that can be mixed with water and given to Camilla. I hope that gives you a place to start, and I hope that she feels better soon.

Yes, there are veterinarians that will treat small mammals, or "pocket pets". Honey should be examined and treated if it is wet tail and this can be a life threatening condition in such a small pet. She will likely need antibiotics and medication to treat diarrhea. Keep her cage clean. Replace bedding daily. Make sure she continues to eat and drink normally. Discontinue feeding treats, fruit and vegetables until she recovers.

Hamsters don't drink a lot of water in general so I don't think this is pathological if everything else seems normal. Keeping a high water intake is always good for the kidneys so continue to give them the damp veggies. You can also give them berries and fruits which have a naturally high water content. You could also try a water bowl and mix in something tasty like fruit juice (make sure to get the organic and unsweetened variety). I hope this answers your questions!

Thanks for reaching out about Travis. It is highly recommended that you take Travis to the veterinarian. With him being lethargic, not eating much and not drinking well, it sounds as if she is very sick. Trying to get her to drink some water might attempt to re-hydrate her. Good luck.

Yes, there is. I would recommend Oxbow Critical Care for Herbivores: http://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/vets/products/critical_care There are good instructions on the label on how much to feed and how to mix it up. Hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Geri.

Thanks for reaching out about Jessie and including a photo. It sounds as if she is very sick and hiding. Offer food and water through a syringe, but a veterinary visit is highly recommended, ASAP. This probably means an emergency visit today. Good luck.

Too much water can also pose a problem, so I would be inclined to allow her to hydrate orally. If there is a veterinarian who sees guinea pigs in your area they may want to give some subcutaneous fluids. This is helpful because it replaces electrolytes in addition to fluid. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.