FAQ: Health for small pets

Yes, a small animal loses fluids very quickly through diarrhoea, especially youngsters. If droppings are liquid, the fur around the tail is wet or the animal is lethargic, see a vet the same day.

It is the name for severe diarrhoea in hamsters, most common in young animals after stress or a move. A wet, soiled tail area, lethargy and loss of appetite call for urgent vet care.

A swollen, hard belly together with loss of appetite and lethargy can be life-threatening. Do not try to treat it yourself and see a vet immediately.

Yes, especially in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus, whose gut flora is sensitive to change. Introduce new food or vegetables gradually over several days or weeks and watch the droppings.

The main prevention is unlimited hay, water, exercise and regular brushing. Supplements have limited benefit, so ask a vet before giving them.

When grooming, a rabbit swallows a lot of hair, which can upset its digestion. During moults, especially for long-haired rabbits, brush more often to remove loose hair.

No, rabbits and most rodents cannot vomit, so they cannot bring up unsuitable food, hair or objects they swallow. That is why it matters to keep dangerous things out of reach and react early to digestive problems.

Fibre keeps the gut of rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus moving constantly and supports healthy gut flora. Its main source is hay, while too many pellets, seeds or sweet treats raise the risk of digestive problems.

Rabbits are usually vaccinated against myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease, which has several virus types. A vet chooses the right vaccine and schedule.

Yes, vets usually recommend it. Myxomatosis is spread by insects, and the haemorrhagic disease virus can come in on hay, grass, clothes or shoes, so even a rabbit living indoors is not fully protected.

Rabbits are most often vaccinated every year, but the interval depends on the vaccine and how widespread the diseases are. A vet advises when and with what.

Guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, chinchillas and degus usually have no routine vaccinations. Proper diet, cleanliness and regular vet check-ups matter more for their health.

Young rabbits usually start vaccinations at a few weeks old, but the exact timing depends on the vaccine and the kit’s health. Talk to a vet as soon as you get the rabbit.

Unspayed female rabbits face a sharply rising risk of uterine disease with age, and neutering both sexes often reduces aggression and marking and helps with litter training. A vet weighs the right timing and the risks.

A head tilt and loss of balance may be linked to an inner ear infection or parasitic disease. It is a serious sign, so see a vet without delay.

Quiet, soft tooth purring while being stroked often means contentment. But loud grinding while the rabbit sits hunched, does not eat or move usually signals pain and needs a vet.

These animals tend to hide pain. Warning signs: sitting hunched, moving little, not eating, half-closed eyes, teeth grinding, hiding or behaving differently from usual; in that case see a vet.

Daily exercise helps prevent obesity, keeps the gut working, supports muscles and bones and reduces boredom and stress. A rabbit needs a safe space to run and hop freely every day.

A chinchilla’s coat is very dense, and a sand bath absorbs the oils and moisture that build up in it, keeping the fur clean and fluffy. Chinchillas are not bathed in water.

Use special very fine chinchilla sand or bathing dust. Building, play or bird sand is too coarse, may be dirty and can damage the coat and eyes.