Have you ever wondered how hamsters and dogs got along? It seems like they’d never get along, right? But then again, it’s not so easy to say “no” to a tasty hamster snack. If you own a hamster or a small rodent of any kind, you already know that they can be very cheeky. You might even call them playful but cheeky! They’ll often try to get other animals to play with them, or challenge the local hound for dinner. This article explains everything you need to know about hamsters and dogs getting along — including why one would get along with another, when they might get along, and some common problems hamsters and dogs might experience together.
What are the chances of hamsters and dogs getting along?
While getting along with other animals isn’t always an option for every hamster and every dog, it’s not uncommon for hamsters and dogs to get along. Some species of hamsters and most species of canine are very social, forming tight social networks in which one hamster can live with up to 15 other hamsters.
Thus, if one hamster gets along with another, it’s likely that others in the group will too! In fact, studies have shown that when hamsters get along with other hamsters, the ones who don’t get along with the others end up being lonely. Unfortunately, all that social interaction can be pretty demanding on the hamster’s energy, so having a friend to play with is always nice.
Why might a hamster get along with a dog?
Pampering – Hamsters are very cuddly, and they love to be petted and cuddled. If you own a hamster, you might consider yourself lucky — they’re actually higher in the food chain than most of the animals you care for, meaning they get plenty of love from the people who own them. And, of course, there’s the fact that both dogs and hamsters have a fondness for soaking up warm, moist, dark, comfy places. But make sure you have secure tank for hamster so that they can be comfortable.
Hamsters and rats are often considered nocturnal, which means they’re nocturnal in the day and diurnal at night. However, some species of hamsters are crepuscular, which means they’re active during the twilight hours.
Hamster-specific problems
One common problem hamsters and dogs might experience together is boredom. Boredom can be a very dangerous thing for a hamster — it can lead toonductive hyperactivity and motor neuron disease (COGNWE). As with most animals, boredom in hamsters can be a sign of a medical problem. Another common problem hamsters and dogs might experience together is anxiety. Anxiety can lead to secondary problems like stress-induced incontinence, which can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs). In fact, some species of hamsters are obligate UTI-residents, meaning that if they’re given a UTI, they’ll have to pass it on to their babies.
The bottom line
Hamsters and dogs are adorable animals, but getting along can be a challenge. This article will help you understand how they get along, when they get along, and some common problems hamsters and dogs might experience together.