He is only a couple of months old. We use pine shavings in their cage and 1 times weekly we clean their cage with windex. Is this the problem? Next, what do I do about this poor little rattie. I really love him and want to keep him alive. His heart is beating, but thats about all I can get from the little fella. Any suggestions?
2006-12-07 12:56:07 · 22 answers · asked by safjbielabglv 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Use a bedding made out of recycled paper. Pine and cedar create dust that they inhale into their lungs that can cause infection and other respiratory illnesses. Also never use Windex. It has ammonia in it and is not healthy for your rat to be breathing the fumes. Clean the cage with warm water and a mild soap like dial or even a mild dish washing soap and rinse several times to remove all suds.
2006-12-07 13:00:30 · answer #1 · answered by jenny 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I have owned a few rats, the last one lived a year past her expected life span. I used to use pine shavings as well, but switched to corn Cobb bedding. Extremely low dust and natural and a whole lot healthier. They also like to chew on some of it. If the rat seems sick and hasn't been outside of the cage then your problem lies with the habitat. Maybe a resp. illness as everyone has suggested. If so, go to a feed mill or a pet supply place like Southern Agriculture and you can get some antibiotics to dilute in water and give to the little guy. When they become sick they are very fragile and time is not on your side so the sooner the better. If the rat doesn't make it, I'm sorry. I know we can get attached to the little cuties. Don't beat yourself up about what you did or didn't do, life is a learning experience. You can get another at some point and use your new found knowledge and enjoy your pets. Good Luck!
2006-12-08 14:05:40 · answer #2 · answered by Kimberly D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TAKE HIM TO THE VET! He needs antibiotics, probably Baytril, which you can only get from a vet. The Windex is not good. It contains ammonia which is bothering his lungs. Wash the cage with soap and water and TAKE HIM TO THE VET! He will NOT get better on his own. I have had 7 rats and each one has had to go to the vet at some point in their lives for respiratory problems.
If you don't get him medication, he WILL,sadly, die.
You can take him into the bathroom and run the shower on SUPER hot. Put him on the floor of the bathroom and he will breathe in the steam. This might help him to breathe easier before you can get him to the vet. Don't put him IN the water or shower obviously, but in the bathroom.
2006-12-09 17:18:21 · answer #3 · answered by Laura M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you clean his cage with windex therefore you obviously keep him in an aquarium which makes me think this is a respatory problem. their urine gives off ammonia which would be the main cause of this problem along with the dust from the pine shavings. i suggest that you take him to the vet ASAP and if this poor lil guy survives get him a wire rat cage so he has the ventilation he needs and use news paper as bedding to eliminate the dust. good luck
2006-12-07 13:36:23 · answer #4 · answered by pcdo_universe 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
u should never use pine shavings for rats.it messes up the respitory system. get him out of the pine shavings and dont clean with windex only the outside glass. they have untreated bedding you can use. cages for rats need to be kept clean at least 2 to 3 times per week. they pee alot. my son raised rats. they live to be around 2 or so.there is a site on internet. pet rats.com check it out. rats are very smart. they need things to chew on to keep thier teeth filed downand lots of fresh water daily
2006-12-07 14:00:37 · answer #5 · answered by petloverlady 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as he isn't in the cage when you use Windex, it shouldn't affect him, if you allow the glass to dry completely before you put him back in. You really need to see the vet, it is possible that he just has a respiratory infection, but only a vet can tell you what is wrong.
2006-12-07 12:59:19 · answer #6 · answered by mizbehavingirl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
vet now. OR just switch your bedding. Also are you using an aquarium or cage? Aquariums have to be aired out before pets can be placed back in. Try carefresh bedding and get to a vet asap
2006-12-07 14:00:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like he may have an upper espertory inffection. You really should get em to the vet. If you cannot afford that you may have some luck by going to Like Petco or Petsmart or something. i know they have medicated drops for minor cases.
You may not have enough time for that tho. Just get em to the vet, sweety.
2006-12-07 13:12:19 · answer #8 · answered by XaiJai R 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
CPR
1.check airway breathing and circulation ABC's
2. give two breaths through the nose or mouth
3.10 Compressions to the rat chest with your pinky
if you wait longer that 10 minuets, it probaly will become brain dead.
2006-12-07 13:00:52 · answer #9 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd take him to a vet ASAP. Good luck, all the best to your rat, I hope everything turns out well :)
2006-12-07 13:04:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋