You love watching your small pet zoom around its cage, play with its carefully curated selection of toys and nibble its food with those impossibly tiny paws. You know its daily habits and what to expect at certain times of the day.
A big—or even small—deviation from its usual activity can be an indicator that your furry friend is feeling funny or faint. If this is the case, time is of the essence. Your small pet may need veterinary attention, so don’t delay!
What are the signs that your small animal is sick?
Behavior Changes
You love watching your small pet in its element, so you are the expert on what’s normal and what seems off. If your usually zoomie-prone small pet is sleeping more (or at odd times of day or night), moving less, or appears lethargic, this is an excellent indicator that your small pet is not well.
Other telling signs include if your pet is eating less or not at all, or they’re hunched in a strange posture while moving or sitting. Additionally, vocalizations—a normally quiet animal making strange sounds—can be an illness indicator.
Physical Appearance Differences
Changes in your furry pal’s physical appearance can also tip you off to a potential illness. Indicator signs include discharge from their eyes or nose or drooling.
Some small pets, like gerbils, can actually catch a cold from a human! If your furry friend is sniffling, sneezing or coughing, they may have a cold. In this case, keep your pet warm, provide plenty of water, and visit the vet if symptoms don’t improve in a few days.
Your furry friend’s coat/hair can also point to a possible ailment. A matted coat, bald spots, hair loss or an overall unkempt appearance could mean your pet is not well.
Lumps, bumps, swelling or irritated feet can also point to a small pet sickness, so inspect your pet often while you’re socializing with them. You’ll quickly notice if something is amiss.
Change in Stool
You already clean your pet’s living quarters, and so add a stool check to your to-do list. A change in stool from what you normally see can suggest your pet is under the weather. Color, consistency and amount don’t vary much when your small animal is healthy.
I think my pet is sick… now what?
Call your vet if you believe your pet is “off” in any way. Then ensure your pet has access to food, fresh water and a clean cage while you wait for your appointment. If your furry friend seems to be worsening rapidly and you can't get in with your regular vet, consider taking them to an emergency vet to get them immediate attention.
You are the expert on your small animal, and since they can’t speak, you’re also their voice. Best case scenario, your vet gives advice over the phone and your pet improves. If not, a vet visit will be able to diagnose your furry friend’s affliction and start the road to recovery.
Here’s to happy, healthy pets!
