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Why is my chinchilla's mouth and chest wet? Is it a problem?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Exotic | Unknown - Exotic | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 4 months old

Hello! My chinchilla has been wet around the mouth and chest area lately. I upped his dust baths and even tried cleaning him myself, but it’s not helping. What is going on?? Thank you!!

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM

Veterinarian

Published on July 31st, 2018

Thanks for your question, and thank you for the pictures - they are very helpful. When we see wetness around the mouth, chest, and sometimes even the feet, of chinchillas one of the first concerns that we have is that there may be some dental disease present. Chinchilla teeth are always growing (unlike ours) so they need to be eating a lot of fiber (mostly hay) to wear them down. If they don't eat enough fiber, or if their genetics are predisposed to having them develop dental issues, then their teeth grow abnormally, causing points and spurs to form. These can cut up the tongue and cheeks, and are painful, which results in drooling. This would be an important disease to rule out in Izzy. To do this, you will need to take him to a veterinarian, as it is very difficult to see all the way to the back of a chinchilla's mouth at home. They will also feel the jaw bones of Izzy, as often there are changes with the jaws when dental disease is present. Depending on what your vet finds, they may recommend diagnostic imaging, such as radiographs (x-rays) to further evaluate the teeth. I hope that gives you a place to start, and I wish you and Izzy the best of luck!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 23rd, 2018

    The most likely thing is that he has a problem with one or multiple teeth. This is actually a fairly common problem in chinchillas. I suggest you get Izzy to your vet for an examination. If you don't already have a vet you use, be sure to find one that is used to treating chins. ( http://foothillpethospital.com/about.html ) ( http://azeah.com/chinchillas/dental-problems ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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