How to Know if a Pet Fox is Ill

Knowing if your pet fox is ill takes careful observation and information about your fox. Find a veterinarian who is familiar with the kind of fox that you have and spend time getting to know your fox's normal behavior and activity levels. Illnesses can be dangerous for small, exotic pets so don't hesitate to seek professional help.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Have regular check-ups done for your pet with a vet who is familiar with foxes and the health issues they may face. You vet may recommend doing baseline tests so you'll have something to compare other tests to.

2. Monitor your pet's feces. Look for worm eggs as this can be a sign of internal parasites. Changes may also indicate gastrointestinal problems or other illness. Your vet may test your fox's feces for parasites at annual check-ups.

3. Examine your pet fox for fleas or other external parasites regularly. For flea prevention products, make sure that it is safe to use on cats. Although foxes are part of the canine family, they have more delicate systems than domesticated dogs.

4. Watch for any changes in your fox's activity levels and food intake. Significant changes in these areas warrant a closer look for possible illnesses and a trip to a knowledgeable vet may be required. Small changes will occur from time to time but large ones should be watched closely.

5. Look over your pet fox regularly for things like hair loss, irritated skin or injuries. With small pets, injuries can happen easily and be more severe.

6. Call your vet if you have any questions about whether your pet may be ill or not. Waiting to seek help for small exotic pets can be deadly.

Tips & Warnings

• Although Fennec foxes can go for long periods of time without water in the wild, they should always have a fresh supply when kept as a pet.
• Fennec foxes are part of the "dog" family and are susceptible to most of the illnesses that dogs can get. See the Critter House website for more information on some of the preventative vaccines and products that can be safely used.

Resources

• The Critter House website has information on Fennec fox health and care that will aid you in knowing if your pet fox is ill.
• Visit the Fennec Fox website for more information on the care and health of foxes.