The early detection of symptoms plays a vital role in your small pet’s health and happiness.
Our pets are like family, and like our family, we want to take care of them. But, taking care of small pets can be difficult. As a result of their smaller size, issues are more difficult to spot.
The early detection of problems can play an important role in your small pet’s health, so we have detailed some of the signs that you should look for to ensure your small pet is in good health.
Check Your Guinea Pig & Rabbit For
- Symmetrical, open, bright, clear eyes with no discharge.
- The milky-type liquid is also considered normal in Guinea Pigs. It is produced during the grooming process and usually wiped away with their front feet.
Normal Eyes
- Crusty, red, or swollen eyes indicate a possible bacterial infection.
- Watery, crusty, dull, or receding eyes indicate a possible upper respiratory infection.
- Bulging eyes may be a result of infection, injury, or tooth root problem.
- Sunken eyes may indicate dehydration.
- Opaque or cloudy eyes indicate an injury to the eye. Appear quite quickly and normally disappears once the eye starts healing.
- Cataracts are usually a sign of diabetes or old age.
- If something gets into your pet's eye(s), do not remove it without veterinary expertise.
Abnormal Eyes
Normal Ears
- Smooth and clean.
- Abnormal Ears
- Inflamed or crusty ears may indicate parasite infestation or fungal or bacterial infection.
- The wax buildup could attract parasites.
- A tilted head tilt may indicate an ear infection.
Normal Hair and Skin
- Healthy-looking hair and skin.
- Some modest amount of shedding is considered normal.
Abnormal Hair and Skin
- Dandruff (white flakes in the fur) is considered abnormal. A veterinary examination is recommended.
- Excessive hair loss, combined with excessive itching could indicate mites or parasites.
- Dry or flaky skin or skin with scratches, sores, or scabs is considered atypical.
- A rough or puffed-up coat may indicate a possible upper respiratory infection.
Normal Breathing
The normal regular respiration rate is:
- 40-150 breaths per minute for a guinea pig.
- 30-60 breaths per minute for a rabbit.
- Abnormal Breathing
- Labored breathing
- Wheezing
Normal Drinking/ Eating
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Water consumption differs for each guinea pig or rabbit. It is dependent on several factors including temperature, the taste of water, activity, and personal preference.
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Food and hay are normal food choices for a guinea pig/rabbit.
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Chewing on paper, cloth, rubber, plastic (and everything in the universe) is normal. However, try to limit this and keep it under control.
Abnormal Drinking/ Eating
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Drinking a lot more than normal (first, consider the temperature of the weather). Possible causes of excess water consumption include diabetes, kidney failure, pain, or hunger.
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Struggling to eat may indicate a dental problem.
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If a small pet refuses to eat bring it to the vet immediately.
A Safe Home For Your Rabbit & Guinea Pig
- Providing your small pet with a safe home is vital for your small pet's health and wellness.
- To ensure your small pet is happy and well-cared for, you should choose a cage that will feel like a comfortable, safe home for your pet.
- When selecting a cage you should ensure that there is plenty of space for your furry friend to live and play in and choose a design and material to suit your pet's needs.
- The Habitrail range of cages is a perfect home for a small pet.
- They have a mixture of tubing, connectors, and accessories creating a fun and stimulating environment for small pets.
- With plenty of space, lighting, and room for play and interaction, they will make your pet feel right at home!
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Important Notes For Rabbits & Guinea Pigs
- Hay makes up 70-80% of a guinea pig/rabbits diet. Remove old hay from your pet's cage and add fresh hay daily.
- Guinea pigs/rabbits need a constant supply of fresh water.
- Guinea pigs and rabbits should feel warm to touch.
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If you have more questions, reach out to our nearest petworld store or call us now