How to Know if a Pet Opossum is Ill

Opossums can make great exotic pets, but there are some health concerns that owners need to watch out for. Owners should watch for potential problems like skin cancer, pneumonia and digestive problems. A good vet and preventative care will help keep diseases and illnesses away.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Get regular check-ups for your pet at a vet who is familiar with opossums and the health issues that they may face. Preventing an illness is healthier than treating an illness once it has occurred.
2. Weigh your pet opossum when it reaches its adult size and monitor any changes. Unusual weight gain or loss for your pet can be a sign of something wrong.
3. Pay close attention to changes in your opossum’s activity levels, food intake and droppings. Significant changes in these areas warrant a closer look for possible illnesses.
4. Give your opossum plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Pets who are walking unsteadily, trembling or shaking may be suffering from a lack of water. Offer water and high moisture foods and check to make sure that your pet’s water bottle is working correctly.
5. Introduce new foods slowly and keep an eye on dairy intake to help prevent diarrhea in your pet. If your pet is suffering from this, you will almost always know from the smell and droppings. Watch for dehydration issues if your pet seems to be ill with this.
6. Seek professional help if your opossum seems lethargic, is shivering or has labored breathing. These are all signs of pneumonia and by the time symptoms appear, opossums are often very ill.
7. 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.