ROUTINE CARE

         
The following are some characteristics to look for when Routine Care.
  • Monitor his weight: Does he feel too thin, too fat, or just right?
  • Examine his coat and body: Are there any bald spots or unusual lumps or bumps since you last groomed him?
  • Check his teeth: Are they in good condition, or are they overgrown?
  • Check his eyes, ears, and nose: Does he have discharge from any or all of these parts?
If you find something unusual in your chinchilla, contact your veterinarian. It’s always best to treat minor health problems before they become serious issues.

EYES: Healthy eyes should be clear and almost sparkling, but if they appear very dull and are watery, or if perhaps the eyelids are inflamed and sore, it could be a simple irritant such as a bit of dust, or even an infection -- which must be treated with medicine from the vet. 

EARS: Most  chinchillas do not suffer major problems with their ears. A chins large ears rarely need much groomingm, but if you notice any fluid coming out of the opening, or if  the animal tends to bring its paw up to its ear time and time again or appears to almost have a loss of balance and direction, then you must take it to the vet right away.

NOSE: If your chinchilla appears to have a runny nose but does not have any difficulty in breathing. this could simple be a normal cold. just keeping the animal warm and ensuring that it drinks a lot of fresh water should be sufficient to clear the problem.

MOUTH: Chinchilla teeth grow continuously at an incredible rate throughout their lives, which is why it is very important for them to have something to chew on all the time.

Dental Care:
As with all rodents, a chinchilla’s teeth are vital to his well-being. Any distortion or damage to the teeth will have potentially harmful consequences, especially if the incisors at the front of the mouth are affected. Chins can chip their incisor teeth easily, particularly if they are calcium deficient, but other issues simply could be the result of tooth decay. The most obvious sign of a dental problem is a change in your chinchilla’s feeding habits: he will start to eat much more slowly than usual, sometimes with pieces of food dropping out of his mouth.

The best defense against dental problems is to check your chin’s teeth frequently to see if any have been damaged, are overgrown, or don’t line up correctly. Examine all your chin’s teeth, and look at the condition of the mouth and gums as well. If necessary, a veterinarian can perform a thorough dental checkup to find the specific problem and provide treatment.

Grooming as a Health Check: Grooming  
Combing your chinchilla regularly not only maintains his coat quality and hygiene but also serves as an opportunity to inspect his body and overall condition. Knowing what’s normal for your pet and noting changes in his appearance and routine are the first steps to maintaining his health.