Why do rats have a long bald tail

The rat tail terrifies many, but this part of the body helps the animal a lot in life. Contrary to popular belief, this process is not bald – there are small hairs on its surface. Also, this part of the body is very mobile and tenacious.

Why do rats have a tail

The tail in animals is a continuation of the spine. It has a conical shape. In the middle are small bones surrounded by tendons covered with skin. Also, quite large blood vessels stretch along the entire length of the process.

The rat tail has two main purposes – thermoregulation and balancing: Inside this process are blood vessels. When the animal is hot, they expand, which leads to cooling of the blood passing through them. As a result, the body temperature of the animal decreases slightly. If the rat is cold, the vessels narrow as much as possible, the blood practically does not circulate through them, due to which heat is retained.

Thanks to the tail, rodents can climb almost sheer walls, crawl along thin ropes or bars. This part of the body allows the animal to maintain balance.

Thanks to her, the rodent can stand on its hind legs, roll over from its back to its stomach, and cling to twigs. Also, the dexterity of the animal depends on the length of this part of the body. The longer the tail, the more confident the rodent will feel.

INTERESTING! In moments of danger, when the animal is caught by a predator, a natural defense mechanism is triggered. The skin is removed from the tail and remains in the paws of the enemy, and the rodent quickly runs away. But, unlike lizards, in rats this part of the body is not restored, and the animal becomes a little awkward.

Why do rats have a bald tail

Many people think that the tail of a rat is completely bald, but this is not so. In fact, its surface is covered with many small and smooth hairs. To the touch, it is not at all nasty and slippery, but on the contrary, a little rough and warm.

This part of the body has acquired this form in the course of evolution. In nature, rodents settle near water bodies. They are excellent swimmers, and the smooth and bald tail helps them to cross the waters. In addition, in nature, the fluffy tail of these animals would be constantly dirty and stuck together, as they crawl into the smallest minks.

Is it possible to take a rat by the tail

The tail of a rat is rather fragile. In no case should you lift the animal for him, as there is a great risk of simply tearing off his skin or breaking him. The animal is lifted by the body, gently taking the chest and shoulders.

Particularly mobile decorative pets can be carefully held by the base of the tail, but the animal itself must be supported on its paws.

If you accidentally damaged your pet’s long tail, give him first aid: Stop the bleeding by treating the injury site with Chlorhexidine. It can be replaced with Miramistin. It is better not to use hydrogen peroxide, since treatment with this drug causes severe pain.

Apply a healing-accelerating drug to the tail: Terramycin Spray (veterinary remedy), Levomekol.

Stick a patch with a bactericidal insert on the affected area.

Both domestic and wild rats need a tail. Thanks to him, animals regulate body temperature, quickly and deftly move on any surface, overcome various obstacles. This part of the body is covered with small hairs and scales, which makes it rough.