When Chinchillas are dying, the general symptoms that begin to show in them are lack of appetite, reduced water consumption, and dental issues. However, it goes beyond these.

Similar to humans, these rodents could begin to exhibit a series of illnesses as they age and approach the end of their lifespan. These dying symptoms may also appear unexpectedly, which is why it is critical to be aware of them so that you can keep them under control before anything tragic occurs.

The lifespan of Chinchillas is between fifteen to twenty years, depending on how well you take care of them. In this article, we will go through the common symptoms that your chinchilla can exhibit when it tells you they are about to give up and how to prevent that from happening.

Meanwhile, it is important to note that these signs aren’t always a prediction that your chinchilla will die; they are, of course, indications that your pet is sick, and as you know, a sickness that isn’t controlled can lead to death.

Now let’s go over these signs, in no particular order:

Lack of appetite

Lack of appetite is usually the first sign of any strange behavioral changes you may observe in your Chinchilla, which should make you worried. This symptom is usually followed by ridiculously reduced water consumption.

However, the lack of appetite is usually caused by dental issues or, in more serious cases, other advanced illnesses that you can’t diagnose with normal eyes.

As you know, chinchillas need to drink freshwater, and they are fast feeders, so when their consumption slows down, it means something is wrong with their health. If it is left unchecked, the lack of appetite could lead to something as tragic as death.

Change in appearance

One of the many reasons people want a chinchilla is because of their beautiful fur. However, as they approach death, most likely as a result of an illness or another, they may begin to change appearance. The culprit behind this symptom is bacteria or fungi.

The silver lining in this situation is that they can be detected with the human eye. Signs like irritated skin and bald patches should give you a clue that your Chinchilla is going through a lot (to put it in a more trivial tone)

Loneliness

You are right; as with other pets, loneliness doesn’t always mean they are ill. Chinchillas, on the other hand, should be expected to be social. If they are now recoiling from the love and attention that they used to enjoy, you should be concerned.

They poop less

Of course, it is a relief when your Chinchilla reduces feces production because we know how much these rodents poop nonstop, but the development is also enough to raise an eyebrow.

One of the common signs of a Chinchilla dying is when their feces production goes down because it means they are battling with a blockage in the intestine or any related digestive illness that often leads to an untimely death.

Heatstroke

Your pretty furry Chinchillas are supposed to be kept in a chilled spot at home and not exposed to harsh temperatures since they barely survive hot temperatures.

If you expose them to an environment that is not cool and has high humidity, they can develop complicated health issues like heat stroke, which is a fast ticket to untimely death.

Respiratory infections

Because temperature is such an important factor for Chinchilla owners, it can be difficult to keep track of. When your Chinchilla begins to have intense breathing or air exhalation from the nose, it means they have an infection in the respiratory system.

In some situations, the infection leads to anorexia and then death, especially when it is not addressed. This is why we always advise Chinchilla owners to check their pets’ weight regularly to keep this aspect in check.

Tooth issues

I mentioned earlier that dental issues are one of the common signs that a chinchilla is dying. However, it is more complicated than it sounds because these rodents are prone to dental issues even when they are living a healthy life.

It is normal for their teeth to grow rapidly over time since they are rodents, but the grown tooth could be infected. When you see chips, curls, or a change in color on the tooth, you should take it up.

P.S. The healthy color of a chinchilla’s tooth is yellow or orange.

What to do when a chinchilla is dying

If you notice any of the symptoms that point to the possibility that your Chinchilla may be dying, the next immediate action to take is to carry your pet to the veterinarian. There, you will find a professional who will look into their behavioral and physical changes to diagnose the actual health status of your chinchilla.

As you know, these creatures are delicate, and you can’t take the chance of ignoring even the slightest symptom.

How do most chinchillas die?

Considering the average owner report, respiratory infection is a leading cause of many Chinchillas’ deaths, and this is often because the illness makes them eat less. Other illnesses, such as heatstroke and dental problems, are also possible.

What can cause a chinchilla to die suddenly?

In some cases, chinchillas may not show symptoms of dying and will give up suddenly. In such a case, it is usually because they suffered from sudden physical trauma, exposure to hostile environmental temperatures,

The only way you can diagnose the cause of a chinchilla’s sudden death is by performing a “necropsy.” (More like a human’s autopsy.) So you should consult a vet in that regard.

Can a chinchilla die from stress?

The short answer is yes; several owner reports have shown that chinchillas die from stress. This happens because stress in these creatures is often caused by high humidity, high temperatures, and wet conditions that affect their respiratory systems. You can read this study on how stress leads to sudden death in chinchillas to know more.

Parting thoughts

Now that you’ve learned the signs of chinchilla death, the big question is: How do I keep my chinchilla alive? Well, apart from observing every precaution that prevents the above-mentioned health conditions, always keep your chinchilla indoors.

In addition, make sure their living environment is well-ventilated (10–18 C), draught-free, and dry. These lovely furry pets also live longer in quiet and calm areas, so it’s a bad idea to put them where you have your dogs and other pets.