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As a Degu owner, your Degus health is extremely important. For the most part, Degus are healthy little animals, but they are prone to specific problems, most of which can be prevented. Here is the information that you need regarding the health of your Degu.
The first health concern is diabetes, which is common in Degus, because they cannot process sugar. This can easily be prevented by cutting sugar completely out of your Degus diet, and by limiting nuts, which contain high levels of fat. High fat diets can also cause liver disease. Signs of diabetes in a Degu include weight gain, excessive thirst, and in some cases excessive hunger.
Mouth problems are also common. Degus teeth continually grow, and chewing is important to them, because this helps to keep the teeth worn down, preventing them from growing into the jaw. Mouth infections are quite common. The Degus teeth, however, are naturally orange, which some people see as yellow. If the teeth are actually white, this is an indication of a problem. Keeping the water bottle clean, and full of fresh water, usually helps to prevent mouth problems.
Foot injuries are common in Degus that are kept in wire cages, when a condition exists where the Degu cannot get off of the wire. Wire exercise wheels can also create foot problems. Prevent foot problems by providing your Degu with solid flooring, and by using a solid material exercise wheel.
Some Degus have cataracts, which are not life threatening, and usually not treated. You may notice a gray film over the eyes. When a Degu gets cataracts, he will get by just fine using his other senses.
Stress is an issue. Degus can easily become stressed, and some signs include distressful sounds, excessive hiding, trying to escape, and fear where there should be no fear. Try to provide a calm environment for your Degu, away from a great deal of human activity or noise.
Living in direct sunlight is bad for Degus. It can kill them, as they become overheated easily. Likewise, homes that are kept too cool can kill a Degu. Drafts are not healthy for them either.
Like most animals, Degus have a high tolerance for pain, and even if they feel pain, they will try to hide it. In the animal world, only the strong survive, and in most animal communities, the weak are weeded out quickly by the healthier animals. This is why a sick or injured Degu will try to hide his ailment.
Overall, you can keep your Degu healthy by feeding him appropriate foods, in the appropriate amounts, by making sure that he always has fresh water, by keeping up with his weight, by providing dust baths, by monitoring his food and water intake, and by paying attention to his overall behavior.
Degu information,Degu tips, Degu advice,pets,Degu pet
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