FAQ: Health for small pets

Without water a small animal dehydrates quickly, its digestion is upset and the risk of bladder stones and kidney disease rises. Clean water must be available around the clock, and the bottle should be checked daily to make sure it works.

Signs of dehydration are lethargy, sunken or dull eyes, small dry droppings, less urine and a skin fold that flattens slowly. It is dangerous, so see a vet and check that the water bottle works.

Chocolate is toxic to rodents and rabbits, and salty, sweet and fatty human snacks upset digestion and cause obesity. Give only food and treats suitable for their species.

Low-dust hay and bedding, cleaning the cage with gloves and a mask, washing your hands and keeping the animal out of the bedroom all help. Talk to your own doctor about treating the allergy.

Rabbits have scent glands in the groin where dark deposits sometimes build up and cause a strong smell. If that happens, a vet can show you how to clean them safely, and alcohol-based products must not be used.

In older male guinea pigs droppings sometimes build up around the anus as the muscles weaken. If you notice build-up or a smell, a vet will advise how and how often to clean it gently.

Yes, hamsters are active in the evening and at night, so they sleep a lot by day, and waking them causes stress. Worry if the hamster is also inactive at night, does not eat or looks stiff.

A sudden change in behaviour often signals pain, illness, fear or hormonal changes. Check whether anything changed in its environment, and if the aggression does not pass, have a vet see the animal.

Some respiratory infections can pass between people and rodents such as rats or guinea pigs. When you are ill, cuddle the animal less and wash your hands more often.

They are usually mild and short-lived: a small swelling at the injection site or tiredness for a day. If the rabbit stops eating, the swelling grows or the symptoms do not pass, see a vet.

Natural daylight helps maintain the animal’s daily rhythm, but direct sun, especially through glass, quickly causes overheating. Outdoors the animal must always have shade and a hiding place.

Constant urine on the fur can scald the skin and attract flies. Common causes are dirty bedding, obesity, sore joints or urinary disease, so a vet check is needed.

Brush long-haired guinea pigs daily so the coat does not mat, and trim the hair around the rear so it does not get soiled. Mats pull on the skin and trap moisture and dirt.

It usually happens when the animal keeps rubbing its nose on the cage bars or digging at corners out of boredom or lack of space. A bigger cage, more bedding to dig and more enrichment help, and sores should be seen by a vet.

Yes, gerbils love rolling in sand, which keeps their coat clean and not greasy. Use fine sand made for small pets or chinchillas, not building or play sand.

Some gerbils have an inherited tendency to brief seizures, usually triggered by a fright or sudden change. Do not touch the animal during an episode and keep things calm, and if they recur or last long, see a vet.

Yes, fine dust irritates small pets’ airways and eyes. Choose low-dust hay and bedding, shake the hay away from the animal before putting it in the cage and store it dry.

Electric cables, toxic plants, household chemicals, medicines, rodent poison and traps, and rubber or plastic the animal could chew are all dangerous. Before letting the animal out, protect cables and remove anything within reach.

Even a small bite from a cat or dog is dangerous for a small pet, as bacteria from their mouths cause serious infections and internal injuries may not be visible. See a vet immediately, even if the animal seems fine.

Rats and mice on complete food made for them usually get all the minerals they need, so a stone is not necessary. For gnawing, untreated wooden chews or hard food are more suitable.