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With
proper nutrition, a clean living environment, and
plenty of playtime and attention, your rat should
remain healthy and happy throughout his life. If
these needs are not met, however, your sensitive
animal companion can become ill. Knowing what to
look out for can help you to help your pet should
a problem arise.
Rat Health & Diet
Did
you know that many diseases commonly occurring in
pet rats can be attributed to a POOR DIET? Rats
love to eat, and their caretakers love to indulge
them. But too much junk food and other treats high
in fat and sugar can lead to obesity, high cholesterol,
heart disease and stroke--all of which can shorten
your pet's time with you. If your rat is overweight,
eliminate unhealthy treats and meet his nutritional
needs with a pelleted diet and fresh fruits and
veggies.
IMPROPER
HOUSING can cause problems, too. Rats who are forced
to live in wire-bottom cages can easily get their
feet stuck, resulting in open wounds and even broken
limbs. The constant pressure of standing on the
wires can cause swelling and abscesses, which can
become infected without veterinary attention.
Pet Rat Health & Heatstroke
Some
animals may like it hot, but not rats. This species
is highly susceptible to HEATSTROKE, which can be
fatal. Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting,
drooling and lying flat on the stomach. Rats prefer
temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so
take care that your pet's cage is not in direct
sunlight. If you live in a warm climate, wire cages
provide the best possible air circulation.
Parasitic
infections have bugged many a rat. MITES can enter
your home via wood shavings or other wood toys or
chewing blocks in your rat's cage. These pesky critters
may show up as little red dots on the skin, and
can cause your pet a lot of distress. Animals infested
with mites tend to scratch constantly, and commonly
have scabs on their face, hind legs, back and shoulders.
A trip to the veterinarian is in order to clear
up the infestation, and you may have to bathe your
pet and treat the cage and surrounding area, too.
Pet Rat Health Problems & Respiratory Ailments
Rats
seem to be prone to RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS, ranging
in severity from the common cold to the serious
Mycoplasma pneumonia. Symptoms of infection include
constant sneezing with the production of mucus,
wheezing and labored breathing accompanied by rattling
in the chest. The onset of stress or another infection
can cause an outbreak of Mycoplasma. Unless the
disease is extremely advanced, it can be controlled
with antibiotics. Please note that respiratory illnesses
are highly contagious, so if you have more than
one rat, you will definitely need to quarantine
the infected individual.
If
you notice any unusual symptoms in your pet, do
not wait until a regularly scheduled check-up to
consult the vet. Signs of illness, in addition to
those discussed above, include lethargy, weight
loss, dull eyes, diarrhea and difficulty breathing.
If you think your rat is ill, contact the veterinarian
immediately.
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