Understanding Degu Pet Health Care

Degus, which are small rodents originating in Chile are becoming more and more popular as pets in the UK, even though a lot of people have never even heard of them. Many people say that keeping degus is similar to keeping a mouse as a pet: provided a little research is carried out this type of pet health care is relatively simple.

Like with other animals, a major starting point for pet health care is providing a suitable home. They’ll need a good sized cage which contains a water bottle and food bowl. Always position the cage away from cold and out of sunlight, in a quiet spot.

Cat litter makes a good bedding base, as do hay and shredded paper in which degus will love burrowing. As with other animals, neglecting to clean the cage will result in pet health care problems, so clean each week.

Carrots, cucumbers and other hard veg are perfect for degus. Avoid sugary foods because they could lead to diabetes. Make sure clean water is readily available. Teeth need to be worn down with fibre because they constantly grow. Yellow or white teeth could indicate a pet health care problem: they should be orange.

You might want to handle your pet. But if you’re careful, there will be no problems. If you pick them up, hold them gently underneath. Trying to pick them up from above will frighten them. And definitely never pick them up by the tail! They have a natural defence mechanism by which their tail will fall off if a ‘predator’ holds them by it. And it doesn’t regrow. If this does happen, talk to a vet.