Pet Rat Health Checks

Your rat’s health is the most important thing, so do these checks every day to make sure all is well and spot illness before it gets too bad.

If your rat has any of the problems below please take him to the vet immediately. It is not worth waiting, whilst your rat is in pain.

Daily:

• Eyes – Check that you rat’s eyes are bright and clear. Check for staining, weeping or cloudiness.
• Nose – Check for discharge, wheezy breathing or blood.
• Ears – should be clean and should not smell
• Face - check for scratches or red, bald patches that could mean mites
• Lungs - Hold your rat up to your ear and listen for any wheezing.
• Skin - Check that your rat does not have any red patches, or scabs. Check around the ears and tail for mites. Gently pinch skin. It should ping back immediately, otherwise your rat may be dehydrated.
• Feet – Check whether their nails need a trim. Are there any red lumps or bumps? They may have bumble foot.
• Coat - Should be shiny and full. There should be no bald patches, scabs or yellowing. If your rat is very fluffed up he may be ill.
• Tail - Check the shape of your rat’s tail. If it is slightly square this could be a result of poor nutrition
• Urine - Check that there is no blood in urine, as this could mean a painful urine infection.

Weekly:

• Check your rat’s teeth. They should be a yellowish colour. Check that they are aligned.
• Check your rat over for any lumps and bumps.
• Check the way your rat walks. Is he hobbling or having any trouble?

Monthly:

• Check your rat’s weight. If he has dropped or gained significantly there could be a problem.

General Behavior

• Keep an eye on how much your rat is eating and drinking each day
• Head Tilting – this could be an ear infection
• Flattening themselves out – if they are doing this they could have stomach cramps.
• Head Weaving – Your ratty could be bored.
• Rapid breathing or rasping – there could be a respiratory problem.

Remember if there are any health problems please go to the vet immediately. Things will only get worse if you leave it. Your rat deserves treatment asap. It may be as simple as antibiotics.

Whatever it is, it is always best to catch it early and by doing these daily checks and staying observant at all times you should keep a healthy, happy rat.

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