First Aid Kit

Emergencies or illness can strike at any time in even the most healthy chinchillas. Being prepared can be your best defense against potential tragedy. Here is a list (probably incomplete) of items you will want to have on hand.

Number to your nearest exotic qualified ER vet and your normal exotic vet

Travel carrier - one per cage

1, 3, and 6 CC syringes – for giving medication, hand feeding or flushing wounds

Artificial tears – for flushing eyes

Ice pack – for cooling an overheated chin

Cooled (frozen) terra cotta pots - for cooling

Rubber Gloves

Digital Thermometer – for emergencies such as potential heat stroke to determine body temperature (normal is 96F to 100F)

Sterile Lubricant – for helping with a difficult birth and taking a temperature

Gauze and Bandaging – to clean/cover wounds

Antibiotic cream/ointment – for wound care

Betadine or chlorhexidine solution for cleaning wounds

Q-tips – for cleaning wounds

Styptic powder - for stopping bleeding of small wounds

Small scissors – to trim fur away from wounds

Towels – to wrap a squirmy or injured chin in

Stethoscope – to listen for labored breathing in new babies or ill adults

Anti-fungal powder (active ingredient tolnaftate)

Apple Juice (all natural) – help encourage drinking in new moms or ill chins

Unscented baby wipes – for cleaning dirty fur or cleanup after hand feeding

Tweezers - helpful for many things, including hair rings

Bandage tape - to help keep bandages on

Bag Balm, Aloe, or other moisturizer - for dry feet

Acidophilus or other probiotic - to help maintain GI balance during illness or antibiotics

Breeding Specific Only:

Fruit flavored TUMS – in case of a calcium deficiency in a nursing mom

Cuttlebone - Also good in case of calcium deficiency

Goat’s Milk – to supplement/hand feed babies

Heating Pad

Rice/Oat baby cereal – to add to hand feeding formula

Light Karo Syrup – to add to hand feeding formula