Emergency Chinchilla Care
If your chinchilla is experiencing a medical emergency, please seek veterinary care immediately. This page provides resources for urgent situations.
Medical Emergency: If your chinchilla is showing signs of heat stroke, respiratory distress, seizures, or severe injury, contact an emergency vet immediately. Do not wait.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Heat Stroke
- "Panting or open-mouth breathing
- "Lethargy or weakness
- "Drooling excessively
- "Red or pale gums
Respiratory Distress
- "Labored breathing
- "Wheezing or crackling sounds
- "Blue-tinged gums
- "Gasping for air
Gastrointestinal Issues
- "No droppings for 12+ hours
- "Severe diarrhea
- "Bloated abdomen
- "Loss of appetite for 24+ hours
Trauma or Injury
- "Bleeding that won't stop
- "Broken bones or limping
- "Eye injuries
- "Seizures or convulsions
Emergency Veterinary Clinics
Always call ahead to confirm they can treat exotic pets (chinchillas). Not all emergency vets have exotic animal specialists on staff.
Toronto Emergency Veterinary Clinic
Veterinary Emergency Clinic
Alta Vista Animal Hospital
Emergency First Aid
Heat Stroke Response
- Move chinchilla to a cool, air-conditioned room
- Place cool (not cold) water bottles wrapped in towels near them
- Gently wipe paws and ears with cool (not cold) water
- Contact emergency vet immediately
- Never submerge chinchilla in water
Choking or Respiratory Distress
- Keep the chinchilla calm and reduce stress
- Ensure good air circulation
- Do not attempt to remove objects from throat
- Transport to emergency vet immediately
- Keep chinchilla upright during transport
Bleeding or Injury
- Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to stop bleeding
- Keep chinchilla warm and calm
- Do not give food or water
- Minimize movement and handling
- Seek immediate veterinary care
Need Help with Rescue or Surrender?
If you can no longer care for your chinchilla or have found one in need of rescue, please contact us. We're here to help.