FAQ: Health for small pets

Routine preventive deworming is not standard for most indoor small pets. Whether it is needed depends on the species and risk, so a vet decides, sometimes after testing a stool sample.

In warm weather flies can lay eggs on soiled fur, usually near the tail, and the hatched maggots damage the skin very quickly. It is an emergency: if you find maggots or a wound, take the rabbit to a vet immediately.

Check the rabbit’s rear end daily and clean off any dirt, change bedding often and fit insect mesh on an outdoor run. Obesity or dental problems stop a rabbit grooming itself, so address them with a vet.

Most small pets should not be bathed: it is stressful and can cause chills, and chinchillas are never bathed in water. If treatment needs a shampoo, use only one prescribed by a vet and follow the instructions.

During treatment all bedding is usually replaced, and the cage, bowls and toys are washed, while wooden items are often replaced. Vets often advise treating all animals living together at the same time.

A quarantine of a few weeks lets you spot signs of illness or parasites before they pass to other animals. It is worth having a vet check the newcomer during that time and washing your hands after handling it.

Lice and their eggs can sometimes be seen near the base of the hairs, but many mites are invisible to the naked eye. A vet usually examines hairs or a skin scraping under a microscope.

Yes, outdoor rabbits can be reached by ticks, fleas, flies and diseases spread by wild rabbits. Regular checks, insect mesh, cleanliness and the vaccinations a vet recommends all help.

Remove the tick with a tick-removal tool as close to the skin as possible, without squeezing its body or covering it in oil. If part stays in the skin, the area reddens or the animal seems unwell, see a vet.

Seasonal moulting is normal. But bald patches, severe itching, sores or dandruff may point to parasites, fungus, diet problems or stress, so in that case see a vet.

Fur chewing in chinchillas is often linked to stress, boredom, unsuitable housing or diet. Review the cage location, enrichment and diet, and a vet can help find the cause.

Dandruff is sometimes caused by dry air, but it is often a sign of mites or fungus. If it increases, or bald patches or itching appear, have a vet look at the animal.

Watch a small scratch and keep the cage clean. Deep, bleeding, bite or pus-filled wounds need a vet, as infections and abscesses develop quickly in small pets.

No. Rodents and rabbits lick off whatever is applied, and some ingredients in human products are toxic to them. Use only products prescribed by a vet.

Foot sores are encouraged by hard, wire or wet floors, dirty bedding and obesity. Soft, dry, frequently changed bedding and weight control help, and redness, swelling or sores on the feet need a vet.

Remove wet bedding, droppings and uneaten fresh food every day. Replace all the bedding and wash the cage about once a week, or more often with several animals or a small cage.

The safest option is warm water with mild soap or a cleaner made for pet cages, then a thorough rinse and drying. Avoid bleach, ammonia and strongly scented household chemicals.

Hard white urine scale soaks off well in diluted vinegar or a cleaner made for pet cages. Then rinse the tray thoroughly with clean water and dry it so no smell remains.

Use only products made for animal environments and follow the label on dilution, contact time and rinsing. Keep the animal elsewhere until the cage is fully dry and aired.

The smell comes mostly from ammonia in urine, so cleaning the toilet corner more often, absorbent bedding, a litter tray and ventilation all help. Do not mask the smell with scented sprays.