Signs of Dehydration in Fancy Rats

All animals, fancy rats included, require water for survival. The maintenance of good general health is highly dependent on consuming regular and adequate amounts of water. While some animals can go without water for long periods of time, the fancy rat cannot without risking fatal injury. Due to the pet rats' small size, their body systems have a low tolerance for dehydration.

  1. Restless and Irritable

    • Any animal that is struggling to meet its basic needs, including the adequate consumption of water, is going to exhibit signs of stress. Continual movement around its cage is an early indicator that a fancy rat may be dehydrated. As the critter experiences continued failure in obtaining water, it will become increasingly irritated.

    Sunken Eyes

    • One of the first physical signs of dehydration is highly noticeable in the appearance of the animal's eyes. A fancy rat whose eyes are beginning to appear drier than normal, and sunken into the eye sockets, is potentially experiencing dehydration.

    Weight Loss

    • As fancy rats are not large animals, any fluctuation in their weight is cause for concern. Water is weighty, and all mammals carry a certain level of water to maintain body systems. The typical fancy rat typically drinks up to 2 oz. of water per day. With females weighing between 8 and 14 oz. and males weighing between 14 and 18 oz., the cessation of liquid consumption can significantly alter a fancy rat's weight.

    Refill Regularly

    • Fresh and clean are two attributes to describe the type of water source a fancy rat should be able to access within its habitat. Providing water to a fancy rat in a demand-type bottle attached to the inside of the cage is the preferred method. Using a bowl that sits on the bottom of the cage leaves the water source vulnerable to being tipped over by scurrying critters; also, water in an open bowl on the floor of a cage can easily become contaminated by feces and urine.