Degu Pet Health Care
Generally little known in the UK, degus are rodents originating in Chile which are increasingly being kept as 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.
Just as with other animals, degu pet health care requires a proper home for the animal. 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.
Cat litter makes a good bedding b ase,
as do hay and shredded paper in which degus will love burrowing. Make sure to clean the cage at least once a week to avoid pet health care issues.
Carrots, cucumbers and other hard veg are perfect for degus. Avoid sugary foods because they could lead to diabetes. Provide your degu with clean water. The degus’ teeth constantly grow so must be worn down. Healthy degu teeth are orange: if they are yellow or white this could be indicative of a serious pet health care problem.
Another part of pet health care is handling your pet. But if you’re careful, there will be no problems. When picking them up do it from underneath them with a great deal of care. Trying to pick them up from above will frighten them. And never, ever 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. It will not grow back. Consult a pet health care expert at the vet’s or the pet shop if your degu’s tail falls off.