Pet Health Care for Your Degu

Many people haven’t even heard of degus: they are small rodents native to Chile which are increasingly popular UK pets. Often likened to keeping mice or chinchillas, the pet health care responsibilities of keeping a degu are relatively simple provided the owner does their research and is prepared to make a commitment for the duration of the degu’s life.

Like with other animals, a major starting point for pet health care is providing a suitable home. Degus need a good sized cage complete with water and food bowls. The cage ought to be kept somewhere quiet away from cold draughts and out of direct sunlight.

For bedding, paper based cat litter is perfect and hay and shredded paper should be available for burrowing and sleeping. Pet health care problems can arise through lack of regular cleaning, so clean once a week at least.

Carrots, cucumbers and other hard veg are perfect for degus. Avoid sugary and starchy foods because they could cause 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. As long as care is taken, degus can be handled. When picking them up do so gently, holding them underneath. Trying to pick them up from above will frighten them. And never, ever pick them up by the tail. Degus’ tails will fall off if they are grabbed there. And it will not regrow. If this does happen, talk to a vet.