Small Pet Coat Care — Shine, Softness & Skin Comfort

Tackle dull, flaky or rough coats with gentle, species-aware care for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice and chinchillas. Curated by Canine & Co for South African homes, this collection focuses on low-dust habitats, proper grooming, and balanced nutrition—the real drivers of a healthy glow.

What you’ll find

• Grooming tools: Soft slickers, rubber curries, fine combs and gentle de-shedding aids.
• Waterless clean-up: Pet-safe wipes and dry shampoos for quick tidy-ups (no routine water baths).
• Dust-bath supplies (where suitable): Chinchilla/hamster bath sand and sturdy bath houses.
• Bedding & liners: Low-dust paper/aspen options and fleece liners for clean, comfy footing.
• Nutrition & supports: Premium grass hay (herbivores), species-specific pellets and Vitamin C for guinea pigs.
• Habitat care: Unscented, pet-safe cleaners and deodorisers to keep airways and skin happy.

Pick by pet

• Rabbits & Guinea Pigs: Weekly brushing (daily for moults/longhair). Unlimited grass hay + measured pellets; Vitamin C is essential for guinea pigs. Avoid routine water baths; spot-clean only.
• Hamsters: Provide a sand bath (species-safe, unscented) 2–4× weekly; soft brush for loose fur; no full water baths.
• Rats & Mice: Balanced lab blocks/pellets; improve ventilation; add soft hammocks to reduce rubs. Clean porphyrin staining gently with saline/wipes.
• Chinchillas: Dust bath 2–4× weekly (10–15 min); keep habitat cool and dry; use pumice/wood chews to reduce stress-related overgrooming.

Simple coat-friendly routine

• Brush briefly, often: 2–4 short sessions/week; detangle from the ends; never yank mats.
• Keep it low-dust: Paper/aspen bedding; shake linens outdoors; place hay in racks off the floor.
• Stay dry & clean: High-back loo with paper/plant-based pellets; spot-clean damp areas daily.
• Feed for shine: Fibre-first diets for herbivores; species-appropriate pellets; introduce new foods slowly.
• Hydration & rest: Fresh water at all times; cozy, draft-free hides for quality sleep.

Home tweaks that help

• Fragrance-free zone: Avoid perfumed cleaners, aerosols and essential oils near habitats.
• Airflow & temperature: Bright, ventilated room out of direct sun/heaters; no drafts.
• Soft surfaces: Add fleece pads where pets rest to reduce friction on sensitive areas.

Safety notes

• No routine water baths for rabbits, guinea pigs or chinchillas—risk of chill and stress.
• Species-specific only: Avoid human shampoos/powders and dog/cat products unless vet-advised.
• Patch-test new wipes/topicals; stop if redness appears. Use round-tip scissors; never cut close to skin.

When to see an exotics vet

• Persistent dandruff, bald patches, sores, scabs or intense scratching.
• Oily coat, wet chin/drool (dental), sudden shedding, weight loss or lethargy.
• Eye/nasal discharge, noisy breathing or porphyrin staining that quickly returns.

Use filters to choose by species, grooming tool, bedding type and price. Order online for fast delivery anywhere in South Africa—then build a calm, clean routine that restores softness and shine.