Cat Health Problems | Cat Sneezing

If you own a chinchilla, it is important to know that they need a dust bath. These furry and active animals love this activity. So much, in fact, that the dust container should not be left in chinchilla cages because they will use it too often. In the wild, chins take care of their dust bath by rolling around in the volcanic ash that is found in the Andes Mountains. Weekly baths will ensure that your pet will keep it’s coat healthy and shiny.

The Dust

Chinchillas require a specific kind of dust that you can find at your local pet store. It works its way down to the skin and absorbs excess oil and helps remove dirt. Because the fur is so dense, using water would lead to mold, and then loss of fur and sickness. It does not take much dust for the chinchilla to get itself clean. They roll around pretty vigorously. An inch and a half in your container should be fine. One of the best and most common brands is Blue Cloud. It is a high quality brand, but a little more expensive that store bought. This may depend on how much you buy, though. The dust needs to be changed when it becomes lumpy and contains too many droppings, so around every two or three baths.

The Chinchilla Dust Bath House

When a chin cleans him or her -self, it can get pretty messy. Use a container that is deep and tip resistant. I would suggest something with a top. Your local pet store should have something specifically for this. Some people will use a round fishbowl, and those work very well. You cannot keep the bath house in the cage. Your pet does not know when to say when, and too much exposure can dry out the skin.

Cat Health Problems | Cat Sneezing