Dust Bath for Your Chinchilla

In order for your chinchilla to be in the pink of health, it requires dust bath as the dust will ensure that it is germ free. Housebound chinchilla does not have the volcanic ash of the Andes to refresh themselves; therefore a regular dust bath is indispensable. Chinchilla is capable of keeping their fur spick and span because of the dust that causes the oil and dirt to be released. Devoid of a regular dust bath, chinchillas will feel traumatic and give rise to various health concerns in addition to other behavioral matter. Dust bath is essential in a warm day to keep the fur fresh as the fur will be greasy and matted as a result of the heat and if you do not provide the dust bath, it can cause overheating. During the cooler season, it is not necessary to dust bath every day, maybe twice a week.When the chinchilla has been playing all day, a day bath is needed to thwart the fur from being matted and greasy. If you are a smoker, abstain from smoking near the chinchilla as the tar will contaminate the fur. The tar give off a strange smell and the chinchilla is able to swallow it when they lick their fur; as a result a wet bath has to be given to the chinchilla.To keep your chinchilla smelling fresh, you can blend the dust bath with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. Just let the chinchilla roll on the dust as this is natural but remember to wipe the fur with a cloth if it is contaminated with urine. For Chinchilla that is affected by dust, always wipe the nose clean after a dust bath. Other symptoms that the chinchilla is allergic to the dust are the watering of the eyes but it could mean other health concerns such as pneumonia or respiratory problem so a consultation with the vet is required.If your pet chinchilla is not accustomed to dust bath, try massaging them every day until it becomes customary to use the dust bath to keep itself clean. Sometimes there are other issues such as an injury if they do not feel like rolling on the dust bed. On the other hand, the consistency of the dust bath may have an effect on the chinchilla. If that is the case, confirm with the pet store to get a lighter consistency but the objective of the dust bath is to keep the chinchilla feeling refresh and clean.