It's always a devastating moment when any pet dies, especially if you've had them since childhood.
Dogs, cats, rabbits and hamsters are all firm family animal favourites.
But did you ever have a hamster that died? Well sorry to bring bad news but it might not have been dead, it could have simply been hibernating.
Hamsters actually go into hibernation mode when it's too cold - which here in Scotland is likely to be nine months of the year - and can go days without breathing or moving.
So to avoid any further doubt surrounding the possible 'death' of wee Charlie, here's what you can do to check if your furry friend is dead or just hibernating.
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Consider the temperature
This is the first thing to do. Anything over 20C is optimum temperature, so anything under is considered cool.
If the cage is next to an open window or sitting in a cold corner of the room you will need to slowly increase the temperature and your hamster should wake over the next few days.
Check your hamster is breathing
During hibernation your hamster's breathing rate will slow to as little as one breath every two minutes, according to Veterinary Practice .
So the best thing to do is monitor your pet closely for several minutes to check it is breathing.
Check for a heart beat
If you can't see if your hamster is breathing you will have to check for a heart beat.
It can be difficult so it may take some time. Place your forefinger and thumb on either side of the hamster's chest above the elbows.
Apply pressure, around the same pressure you would when you are trying to stop your hamster running away.
After a few minutes you should begin to feel a heart beat.
If in doubt take your hamster to the vet to be checked over, it's always best to avoid being traumatised into thinking you've buried your pet alive.
