Pet Health Care for Degus
Generally little known in the UK, degus are rodents originating in Chile which are increasingly being kept as pets. Degu pet health care is relatively simple as long as owners are prepared for the commitment.
As with any animal, pet health care means providing a suitable home. Degus need a good sized cage complete with water and food bowls. Always position the cage away from cold and out of sunlight, in a quiet spot.
Use cat litter, hay and shredded paper for bedding because degus love to dig and burrow before sleeping. Make sure to clean the cage at least once a week to avoid pet health care issues.
Diet wise, hard vegetables and hay 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. Healthy degu teeth are orange: if they are yellow or white this could be indicative of a serious pet health care problem.
You might want to handle your pet. As long as care is taken, degus can be handled. If you pick them up, hold them gently underneath. Don’t reach for them from above because it might make them nervous. And if you try to pick them up by their tail you could be in for a surprise. Degus’ tails will fall off if they are grabbed there. And it doesn’t regrow. If this happens head to the vet’s as soon as possible.
