▲ 4 r/Degus

Possibly looking to adopt Degus. I have some unresolved questions after my research.

TO START: I am not new to exotic pet ownership. I've owned many rodents and constantly do research. I know basic animal care, I know how to research, and generally I know what I'm doing. I just need confirmation on a few things. I would love links to any resources and communities that may help.

Here are the questions I could think of:

- Are there any medical risks with bar biting/chewing?

- Is scatter feeding unsafe for Degus? Is there risk with primarily forage feeding?

- How much space per degu do you reccomend? I've found varied answers, nothing consistent.

- How many inches of bedding do they prefer? Do they burrow?

- Favorite diet to feed?

- Toxic treats/foods that are frequently used for other animals? (Not store bought, single ingredient)

- Degutopia claims birch and Aspen are toxic and link studies done on toxicity for mice. Said studies have been disproven. Is there anything proving Aspen or birch are toxic to degus?

- Should the dust bath be provided in the cage at all times or only on occasion?

- Cardboard safe for them?

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u/ArtisticDragonKing — 9 hours ago
▲ 79 r/MiniatureSchnauzer+1 crossposts

Clients dog has been having troubles for a year now

This girl has been having major irritation, excessively licking her bottom and crying. She's clearly experiencing a lot of discomfort, and has been to the vet many times, but still seems to struggle. Last time I pet sat for her she had bloody stool, and her stool is constantly runny or soft when we go for walks. She gets less and less like herself to the point she no longer wants to play. I thought it may have been stress of missing her owner, but the problems continue when her owner is home. It is not consistent with the groomer, because regardless of how often, when, or where she gets groomed she still experiences these issues.

She hasn't pooped much in the last three days so I'm curious if she's constipated, her belly feels hard as well. But I would assume the vet would be able to tell if that was the problem? So I'm wondering if that's it, or if this sounds like something anyone here has experienced before.

She's on a urinary diet to lower UTI risk since the vet did see some crystalization in her urine, and she has improved in that at least.

But overall, she will go from loving life and being her crazy, playful self to being super uncomfortable and no longer wanting to engage in anything. Has anyone experienced this before? What was it with your dog, and what can I reccomend to the owner?

Thank you 🙏

u/ArtisticDragonKing — 26 days ago

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u/ArtisticDragonKing — 2 months ago