FAQ: Health for small pets

Rabbits cope with cold better than heat, but they need a dry hutch protected from wind and rain with a thick layer of hay. Check daily that the water has not frozen and watch that the rabbit eats and stays active.

A constant draught chills a small animal and raises the risk of respiratory disease. Do not place the cage near opening windows, doors or an air conditioner.

No. Air near a radiator is dry and hot, and by a sunny window a cage can heat up to a dangerous temperature quickly. Choose a bright spot away from direct sun and heaters.

An ageing animal should see a vet more often and be weighed regularly, with an eye on teeth, appetite and mobility. Lower entrances, softer bedding and easier-to-reach bowls help.

It depends on the species: hamsters, mice and rats are ageing in their second year, guinea pigs and rabbits around the middle of their lifespan, and long-lived chinchillas later still. Signs of ageing are best discussed with a vet.

A vet may recommend joint supplements or pain relief for some older animals, but do not give them without advice. Keeping a healthy weight, soft flooring and low ramps matters just as much.

Weight loss in old age is often caused by dental problems, kidney or other chronic disease, or tumours. Weigh the animal regularly and see a vet if you notice steady weight loss.

Fit low ramps instead of high levels, use soft bedding, and place food, water and the toilet within easy reach. A vet will assess the pain and choose treatment.

A change in weight is often the first sign of illness and is easy to miss under the fur. Weigh the animal on kitchen scales about once a week and write down the results.

For the first days give the same food the youngster was eating before, and introduce new food gradually. Let it settle in quietly, watch its appetite and droppings, and visit a vet for a check-up.

Young rodents are often sexed wrongly, so pairs kept together have unexpected litters, and early pregnancy harms young females. If in doubt, a vet can check the sex.

If a guinea pig has her first litter when older, her pelvic bones may already have fused, making birth difficult and dangerous. Always consult a vet about breeding and pregnancy.

Provide peace and quiet, enough food, hay and water, avoid changes to the environment and ask a vet about diet. Separate the male in advance, as many rodents can conceive again right after giving birth.

The most common cause is stress: noise, disturbing the nest, touching the babies or lack of food. For the first weeks do not touch the nest or deep-clean the cage, and provide quiet, food and water.

In an obese animal you can no longer feel the ribs and spine, fat folds appear, it moves less and struggles to groom itself. A vet can best judge whether the weight is normal.

Gradually cut back pellets, seeds and treats, give herbivores more hay and provide more space to exercise. Never starve the animal: breaks in eating are dangerous for rabbits and guinea pigs.

Weight loss can come from dental problems, illness, stress or another cage mate taking the food. If the animal loses weight without a clear reason, see a vet.

Long-term stress weakens immunity, can upset digestion and encourage fur chewing or other unusual behaviour. A quiet cage spot, hiding places, a steady routine and suitable company help.

Yes, a severe fright, for example from a predator, a dog or very loud noise, can be very dangerous for a small prey animal. Protect the cage from other animals, fireworks and sudden noises.

Rodents and rabbits are prey animals, so being able to hide lowers their stress. Each animal should have at least one hideout in the cage, and with several animals there should be more than one.