Expert: Sandra Todd - 6/20/2008

Question
Hello, I have a problem with 1 of my 4 rats, its the eldest 1 - Ratty, he seems to be scratching rather alot lately and has a few cuts from scratching,he doesnt appear to have any fleas, ive given them all a bath and a thorough brush, but Ratty still seems to be scratching a bit, i wondered if you would be able to advise me on a product of some kind that i could put on him to ease the scratching?
mandy

Answer
You can use cortisone cream on the itchy spots and if he has any sores, neosporin. Both are over the counter and safe to use on rats.

He may have mites however. Fleas are not as common on rats as mites are. They only safe product for mites has to come from the vet, however.

One thing you can try though in case it is dry skin is to also give him a bit of olive oil on a cracker a few times a week. This has been known to add mositure to the skin and ease itching too. Rats can get dry skin that causes itching too.

However, in many cases, mites are the culprit. I would try these things first and if it persists, he will need to see a vet for treatment. Petstore treatments can poison your rat and the stuff they may sell for small animals is not worth your money or the expensive gas to get there to buy it. They dont work, period.

If you have a vet for another animal such as a dog or cat your vet may be willing to sell you a vial of revolution, kitten strength. If that is the case, let me know and I can tell you how to dose him once I know his weight.