Basic First Aid is something every chinchilla owner should be familiar with. It is equally just as important to know what is basic first aid and what requires medical attention. Having a trusted veterinarian who you can trust is by far the most important part of first aid.

The items that should be in your First Aid Kit

• Critical Care - An adult chin needs at least 60 ml per day
• Syringes 20-35 ml - For hand feeding critical care
• Syringes 5 ml - For giving medications
• Bag Balm - For keeping ears and skin on the feet from cracking
• Vaseline - To help remove hair rings
• Terramycin Ointment - For minor eye infections used to be able to get now need prescription
• Raisin to raise blood sugar in sick or animals in shock
• Sterile eye wash - To flush and clean eyes
• Saline Solution - To flush and clean wounds
• Q-Tips - To apply medications
• Simethicone -baby gas drops To help with gas relief
• Betadine To disinfect wounds
• Tinactin – athletes foot power To treat or prevent fungus

Warning Signs of illness

• Fewer or no poops
• Eating less
• Drinking less
• Weight loss
• Wetness around eyes
• Drool and wet chin

Small ailments can easily be handled at home by you with a simple first aid kit.

Remember, if in doubt. call your Vet!

List compiled by the Northwestern Branch of Empress Chinchilla Breeders Cooperative (ECBC). Changes by Jackie Omalley-gomez