Chinchilla Health
Chinchillas don’t get as sick as other pets which can make them less costly to own. However, there are still some health related issues worth keeping an eye on so that you can react to them in the early stages. Despite what you read on this site and on any other web site, we do recommend that you seek the professional opinion of a vet whenever you have concerns about your chinchilla’s health.
Digestive Problems
Chinchillas have delicate digestive systems. It is therefore important to be vigilant about changes in behavior that can indicate digestive issues.
Heatstroke
Chinchillas have fur for a reason. In the wild they live in the Andes mountains where it gets cold. Their fur is what keeps them warm. However, domestic chinchillas are prone to over-heating since most people's homes are much warmer than the Andes.
Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Mouth
Chinchillas are generally energetic creatures. When they are ill, their energy level drops so it is important to watch for this sign. A change in the amount of water and food consumed can also be a sign of illness. Whenever you suspect there may be problems, examine your chinchilla's eyes, ears, nose, and mouth for clues as to the underlying ailment.
Chinchilla Teeth
As with all rodents, Chinchillas' teeth grow throughout their lives, including their front teeth and their molars. From a "survival in the wild" perspective, this constant growth is required to ensure that chinchillas' teeth don't get worn down to nothing from all the chewing their food requires. As pets, we need to make sure our chinchillas have many items to chew on plus their food.
Entries (RSS)