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Things to Consider Before Getting a Pet Degu

Rachel M.
by Rachel M.
Published:  October 2nd, 2025

If you’ve ever wanted a pet that’s as curious as a squirrel but as social as a guinea pig, you might want to meet the degu.


These small rodents from Chile aren’t as common as hamsters or rabbits, but for the right person they make engaging, lively companions.


Before you dive in, though, there are a few important things to know.


Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Degu - image via Canva

What Exactly Is a Degu?

Degus are small, highly social rodents, usually about the size of a large gerbil. In the wild they live in groups, dig elaborate burrow systems, and spend much of their time foraging.


In captivity, they’re known for being active, intelligent, and vocal. Unlike many rodents, they’re diurnal (awake during the day), which makes them easier to interact with if you’re on a typical human schedule. With proper care, degus can live 5–8 years.

Is It Legal to Keep Degus?

Laws around degu ownership vary depending on where you live. In some U.S. states (like California and Alaska), they’re restricted or banned because they’re considered potential invasive species. Other countries may also have import restrictions, so always check local regulations carefully.


If degus are legal in your area, make sure to adopt from a reputable breeder or rescue rather than from unverified online sources.

Degu - image via Canva

Housing and Environment

  • Cage size: Degus are energetic climbers and runners, so they need a spacious, multi-level cage.
  • Substrate: Paper-based bedding or aspen shavings work well. Avoid pine or cedar, as they can cause respiratory issues.
  • Enrichment: They need chew toys (to keep their teeth in check), tunnels, shelves, and a solid-surface exercise wheel (not wire, which can injure their feet).
  • Temperature: Keep them in a cool room (18–24°C). Degus are prone to overheating, so avoid direct sunlight or stuffy rooms.

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What Do They Eat?

Degus have specific dietary needs, especially because they’re prone to diabetes. Here’s a general breakdown:

  • Base diet: High-quality degu pellets or chinchilla pellets (without added sugar).
  • Hay: Unlimited access to fresh hay (timothy, meadow, or orchard grass) for digestion and dental health.
  • Water: Constant access to a fresh supply.
  • Vegetables: Leafy greens and herbs (like dandelion, kale, or parsley) can be offered daily.
  • Avoid: Anything high in sugar—fruits, sweetcorn, and sugary treats can cause serious health issues.

Social Needs

Degus are not solitary pets. They thrive in pairs or small groups and can become stressed, depressed, or even aggressive if kept alone. If you’re considering them, plan for at least two.


They bond strongly with their cage mates and, with regular gentle handling, can also build trust with their humans.

Degu - image via Canva

Handling and Interaction

Degus are fast, agile, and curious. While they can become tame with patience, they’re not always the best “cuddle” pets. They often prefer climbing on you or exploring nearby, rather than sitting still in your hands.


It’s important to note you should never pick up a degu by the tail. Their tails are fragile and can “slip” as a defense mechanism, leaving permanent injury. Always scoop them gently with both hands.


Cleaning and Care

  • Daily: Remove uneaten fresh food and check water bottles.
  • Weekly: Spot-clean bedding and wipe down surfaces.
  • Monthly: Do a thorough cage clean.


Like chinchillas, degus benefit from dust baths a few times per week to keep their fur clean and healthy.

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Health Considerations

Signs of a healthy degu include bright eyes, smooth fur, steady activity, and constant chewing/foraging behavior.


Watch out for signs of dental issues (drooling, weight loss), diabetes (lethargy, cataracts), or aggression.


They’re not ideal pets for very young children, since they require careful handling and a lot of daily interaction.

Degu - image via Canva

The Bottom Line

Keeping degus is a bigger commitment than most people expect. They need plenty of space, companionship, and regular attention—but for those willing to meet their needs, they’re one of the most rewarding small pets around.


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Rachel M.
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A dog whose system is used to eating once a day is less likely to have a problem with this time between meals than a dog who is normally fed three times a day and misses a meal or two.While not a direct cause, eating something they shouldn’t (like garbage) can also throw their digestive system into a state of upset, leading to a period of nausea and subsequent vomiting.More complex digestive issues may also be responsible for your dog’s struggles. If your dog is experiencing issues with gut movement, like slow or abnormal digestive patterns, it can cause a backup of fluids and lead to BVS. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, can cause a similar type of stomach irritation.It’s also important to be aware that BVS may be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition. Pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even a gastrointestinal obstruction can all cause episodes of vomiting. Because of this, what may seem like a simple case of BVS may actually be a sign of a more serious, developing problem. This is why paying close attention to the frequency and other symptoms is so important.When to Contact Your VeterinarianKnowing when to be concerned is an important, but sometimes challenging, part of being a dog parent. The occasional, one-off episode of bilious vomiting in an otherwise happy and healthy dog may not be an immediate cause for alarm, especially if it happens after a long period of fasting. However, if vomiting becomes a regular occurrence or is accompanied by other signs of trouble, it’s a clear signal that a vet visit is warranted.Here are some red flags that indicate it’s time to see a vet:Frequency: Your dog is vomiting bile multiple times a day for more than 24 hours.Accompanying Symptoms: The vomiting is accompanied by other signs of illness, such as lethargy, a significant loss of appetite, diarrhea, or signs of abdominal pain.Changes in Vomit: The vomit contains blood, which can appear as bright red streaks or have a dark, coffee-ground-like appearance.Signs of Dehydration: Your dog shows signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, lethargy, or loss of skin elasticity (the skin stays “tented” when you gently pinch and release it).Unproductive Retching: Your dog is repeatedly trying to vomit, but nothing is coming up. This could be a sign of a potential obstruction or a serious condition like gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, which is a life-threatening emergency.Your vet can perform a thorough physical exam and, if necessary, run diagnostic tests such as blood work, fecal analysis, or abdominal X-rays to rule out other potential medical conditions. A proper diagnosis is essential because if a more serious underlying issue is present, addressing it is the only way to truly resolve the symptoms of BVS.

Lost Ferret Found 10 Miles From Home

Reading about missing pets being reunited with their families is always wonderful. Sometimes, it’s with the help of AI or drones, while other times, a microchip saves the day. Whether it’s days, weeks, months, or even years later, when a lost pet is able to go home again, it’s a time to celebrate. But you typically hear about lost dogs and cats, not ferrets.

Budget-Friendly DIY Rabbit Enrichment Ideas for Every Bunny Parent

As a dedicated rabbit parent, your commitment to providing the very best for your furry companion is undeniable. You want them to thrive, not just survive. That is where the world of mental enrichment comes in. But why is it that when you walk the aisles of your local pet store, all the enrichment toys and products seem to be made for dogs and cats? The good news is that providing excellent enrichment doesn’t require special toys or a hefty budget. In fact, many of the most engaging toys and activities for your bunny can be created using items you have lying around your home. In this post, I’ll explain why enrichment is so important for your rabbit’s overall well-being and share a list of fun, budget-friendly ideas that will have your bunny hopping with joy in no time! When Enrichment Matters for Your BunnyWe often see trends or buzzwords pop up in the pet space, trying to convince us that something is important or necessary for our furry family members. But enrichment is more than that… It is truly a game-changer for your rabbit’s health and happiness. Here’s why: Mimicking Natural Behaviors In the wild, rabbits are high-energy creatures and are constantly on the move. They spend much of their time foraging for food, exploring their surroundings, digging intricate networks of burrows, and interacting with their environment. These aren’t just random activities; they are deeply ingrained instincts. Domestication, while providing these sweet pets with a safe and comfortable home, often limits these outlets. Confined to enclosures, even spacious ones, our pet rabbits can miss out on the mental and physical stimulation they would enjoy from these natural behaviors. By recognizing this, we can find ways to replicate these opportunities and provide safe outlets to fulfill these instinctual needs within the safety of their own home (your home). Combating Boredom and Stress Like us, our rabbits can experience boredom when they aren’t given sufficient stimulation. This lack of mental engagement can lead to a variety of negative behaviors and signs of stress. Signs of bunny boredom include: Excessive grooming, sometimes to the point of creating bald patches Lethargy Lack of interest in their surroundings Sitting hunched in a ball Persistent chewing on cage bars or inappropriate household itemsDigging in their enclosure or beddingRepetitive, seemingly aimless pacing or restlessness Out-of-character escape attempts Making a grunting noise Aggressive behaviors, including nipping or biting Enrichment provides crucial mental stimulation, offering them entertainment, puzzles to solve, new scents and textures to explore, and challenges to overcome. This reduces their boredom and promotes a calmer, more content mindset. Promoting Better Physical Health We often discuss the mental health implications of enrichment, but it also plays a vital role in promoting physical health. Encouraging movement and activity helps prevent the development of obesity, a common and growing serious health concern in domestic rabbits (and, quite honestly, nearly all pets in the US). Regular activity can be encouraged by providing enrichment opportunities, like exploring tunnels, hopping over obstacles, and reaching for hanging treats, all of which help keep their muscles strong and their cardiovascular system healthy. Some enrichment items contribute to your rabbit’s dental. A rabbit’s teeth continuously grow. In the wild, they wear down their teeth by chewing on grasses, hay, and other abrasive surfaces, but not all food provided to domesticated rabbits will fill this need. You can provide your bunny with safe and appropriate items to chew on, such as untreated wood or cardboard, to meet this need and prevent painful dental issues. Strengthening the Human-Animal Bond Engaging in enrichment activities with your rabbit is a great way to spend quality time together and strengthen that all-too-special human-animal bond. When you take the time to create a new puzzle toy, design a foraging box, or simply observe and interact with your rabbit as they explore their enrichment environment, you’re building trust and deepening your connection. Watching their curiosity and problem-solving skills in action is not only rewarding for you but also creates positive associations with your presence. These shared moments of play and discovery are a great way to boost your relationship and build the long-lasting bond we all want to enjoy with our furry family members. DIY Enrichment Ideas: Foraging Fun Foraging is a deeply ingrained natural behavior for rabbits, extending beyond simply searching for their food. In the wild, rabbits will spend much of their day searching for, selecting, and acquiring their meals. This process is highly stimulating, engaging many senses, including smell, sight, and touch. It also helps to keep their minds actively engaged. By providing opportunities for foraging in their home environment, we can tap into these instincts and give our bunnies crucial mental enrichment. Here are a few ways to create foraging opportunities at home: Treat Balls/RollersTurn simple cardboard tubes, such as those from toilet paper or paper towels, into engaging treat dispensers. Cut a few small holes in the tube and place hay or small, healthy treats inside. When given to your bunny, they will need to nudge, roll, and manipulate the tube to release the tasty rewards. Of course, you should always prioritize safety. If you are using glue, do so sparingly, or simply fold the ends of the tubes to securely keep the goodies contained. Hay Boxes/Digging Boxes Repurpose larger cardboard boxes to create stimulating digging and burrowing opportunities. Fill these boxes with rabbit-friendly textures like loose hay, shredded plain paper, or safe, untreated soil. This provides both physical activity and a chance to tap into their natural sense of curiosity and exploration. Different textures also offer a more satisfying tactile experience. Cardboard Castles/Tunnels Encourage exploration and discovery by creating simple structures from larger cardboard boxes. By cutting openings and connecting boxes, you can build tunnels, hiding spots, and multi-room “castles” that offer a change of scenery and opportunities for your rabbit to hop through, hide, and feel secure. Is your rabbit hesitant to explore their new fort? Consider using small treats to create a trail guiding them through the space. Once they have checked out and seen every corner, they will be far more likely to embrace their new castle.

Study Finds Dogs Really Are Surrogates to Having Children

Research finds pooches are not only a key member of the household, they've become the much-loved child in a childless family.

Why Can't My Cat Pee? Understanding Urinary Blockages

One of the most terrifying and often misunderstood emergencies that cat parents may encounter is a urinary blockage. It’s not just a simple accident outside the litter box or a minor discomfort when using the bathroom; it’s a critical, life-threatening situation that can escalate fast. That’s why it’s so important to be familiar with the urgent warning signs and know how to act quickly.This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the earliest clues to watch out for to steps you can take to prevent a urinary blockage from occurring in the first place. While we can’t promise you’ll never face this frightening condition, we ensure you have the information necessary to address the problem properly and give your best friend the best quality of life.What Exactly is a Urinary Blockage in Cats? Let’s start at the beginning. A cat urinary blockage is a condition that occurs when something blocks the urethra (the narrow tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body). Picture a kink in a garden hose, preventing the water from flowing through. In a cat, this means urine backs up in the bladder, which can become painfully full and swollen. Not only does this cause a lot of discomfort, but it can also be incredibly dangerous when the bladder can’t empty. Toxins that would usually be flushed out in the urine begin to build up in the bloodstream. This can lead to kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, and even potentially cause a bladder rupture. Any cat can experience a urinary blockage, but male cats are particularly at risk. This is due to their anatomy: a male cat’s urethra is much longer and narrower than a female’s, making it easier for even small obstructions to get lodged and cause a complete blockage. Watch Out for These Signs of TroubleYour cat’s litter box is often the first place you’ll notice a problem. Paying careful attention while cleaning their box can literally save their life! Some litter box-related warning signs include: Straining to Pee: This is the most common and critical sign. You might notice your cat is squatting repeatedly in the litter box, often for extended periods, but producing little to no urine. They may vocalize, cry out, or grunt while attempting to go. Frequent Trips to the Litter Box: Your cat might go in and out of the litter box multiple times within a short period, appearing anxious or restless, often without success.  Accidents Outside the Litter Box: If your cat, who is typically well litter-trained, suddenly starts peeing outside the box in places like the bathtub or on laundry, it’s likely not just “bad behavior.” These accidents are a sign of discomfort or a medical issue. Look for small puddles, even just drops, to identify that a urinary blockage could be responsible. Behavioral and Physical Warning SignsBeyond the litter box, a blocked cat will often show other signs of pain or distress, especially as the condition worsens. Here are a few changes to watch out for:  Vocalization: Your cat may be more talkative than usual, crying, howling, or meowing excessively, especially when attempting to use the litter box or if you touch their abdomen. This is a sign they are in pain. Restlessness or Hiding: A cat in pain may become restless, start pacing, or be unable to settle. On the other end of the spectrum, some cats will hide when feeling uncomfortable. Weakness or Loss of Energy: As toxins build up in their system, your cat will become lethargic, weak, and depressed. You may notice they lose interest in their favorite activities, play toys, or even physical interaction with their person (you). Abdominal Pain or Bloating: If you gently feel your cat’s lower abdomen (behind their hind legs), it may feel hard, firm, or bloated due to a full, painful bladder. Your cat will likely try to pull away or react negatively to being touched in this area. Vomiting and Loss of Appetite: These are later signs, indicating that toxins have built up to the point of significantly impacting their system. When a cat reaches this stage, they are experiencing serious medical complications. The “No Urine” Red Flag If your cat is straining repeatedly and producing no urine at all for several hours, this is a serious and life-threatening emergency. Do not wait! Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency clinic immediately. What Causes Urinary Blockages? Urinary blockages are often part of a broader condition known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), an umbrella term used to describe several disorders that affect a cat’s bladder and urethra. In many cases, the exact cause of FLUTD isn’t found. Experts say it is often a combination of contributing factors, including: Diet: Cats on an exclusively dry food diet often have lower water intake, leading to more concentrated urine, which can increase the risk of crystals forming. Diets high in certain minerals (like magnesium and phosphorus) can also increase the risk. Finally, diets that don’t promote an ideal urine pH may increase the risk of crystals and bladder stones. Water Intake: Dehydration is incredibly common in cats. This could be due to a dry food-only diet or a reluctance to drink enough water throughout the day. Stress: Environmental stress is a massive trigger for FLUTD flare-ups. Stress may be caused by changes in routine, new pets, changes to the family members in your home, household conflict, home renovations, or even a dirty litter box.  Obesity: Overweight cats may be at a higher risk for urinary issues. Genetics: Some individual cats or breeds (like Persians and Himalayans) may be genetically more likely to develop urinary problems.

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