Traditional pets like cats and dogs aren’t for everyone. That’s why many people turn to small pets to provide hours of fun and companionship. Smaller pocket pets like hamsters, mice, gerbils, and rats, as well as larger ones like guinea pigs, rabbits, and ferrets, make delightful family additions. However, just because these pets are small doesn’t mean they need any less care compared to their larger counterparts.
Traditional pets like cats and dogs aren’t for everyone. That’s why many people turn to small pets to provide hours of fun and companionship. Smaller pocket pets like hamsters, mice, gerbils, and rats, as well as larger ones like guinea pigs, rabbits, and ferrets, make delightful family additions. However, just because these pets are small doesn’t mean they need any less care compared to their larger counterparts.
Many people are attracted to pocket pets because of their small size. These pets are perfect for people who live in small apartments or condos or perhaps have restrictions from a landlord regarding the type of pets they can house.
Furthermore, many pocket pets are hypoallergenic, making them a perfect option for people suffering from allergies. Pocket pets are also generally easy to care for and are compact. Their housing, food, and play area are often restricted to a small cage or area which can be easily monitored and managed.
Many people are attracted to pocket pets because of their small size. These pets are perfect for people who live in small apartments or condos or perhaps have restrictions from a landlord regarding the type of pets they can house.
Furthermore, many pocket pets are hypoallergenic, making them a perfect option for people suffering from allergies. Pocket pets are also generally easy to care for and are compact. Their housing, food, and play area are often restricted to a small cage or area which can be easily monitored and managed.
Called pocket pets because they’re so small they could fit in a pocket, these cute pets may appear on the outside to be fairly self-sufficient. Whether you have a guinea pig, ferret, hamster, gerbil, rabbit, chinchilla, hedgehog, sugar glider, mouse, or rat, your pet needs more than just food, water, and a clean cage. Regular veterinary care is a must. Without it, your pet may suffer unnecessarily if it develops an injury or illness.
Called pocket pets because they’re so small they could fit in a pocket, these cute pets may appear on the outside to be fairly self-sufficient. Whether you have a guinea pig, ferret, hamster, gerbil, rabbit, chinchilla, hedgehog, sugar glider, mouse, or rat, your pet needs more than just food, water, and a clean cage. Regular veterinary care is a must. Without it, your pet may suffer unnecessarily if it develops an injury or illness.
Benefits of regular veterinary visits for pocket pets include:
Although it’s true that pocket pets have shorter lifespans than dogs and cats, many of them die too soon because they don’t receive veterinary treatment when they first become ill. It’s not always easy to tell that your pet is sick, as pocket pets may hide signs of illness. Regular exams help your veterinarian spot potential or current health issues and offer treatments that will improve your little friend’s health.
Pocket pets, depending on their type, are prone to developing several serious or chronic health issues. Rabbits are more likely to develop respiratory tract infections, while a vitamin C deficiency can cause a health problem similar to scurvy in guinea pigs. During annual exams, your veterinarian checks for signs of the diseases or illnesses common in your type of pocket pet.
The teeth of rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, rats, and mice never stop growing. Chewing on leafy greens, hay, untreated wood, and chew toys usually prevents tooth overgrowth. Unfortunately, sometimes teeth grow too long even if you provide ample chewing opportunities for your pet. Overgrown teeth make it harder to eat and may damage your pet’s mouth. If overgrowth is a problem, your veterinarian can trim your pet’s teeth during an annual visit. Also, during the exam, your vet will check for dental abscesses, broken teeth, and other dental issues that could affect your pocket pet’s health and well-being.
Annual exams are the perfect time to ask your veterinarian questions about diet, behavior, cages, bedding, health conditions, and other questions about pocket pet care. For example, what if you’re thinking about bringing home a friend for your pet? Although some animals just want to be alone, others thrive with cage-mates. Your veterinarian can help you decide if it’s a good idea to add another hamster, gerbil, rabbit, mouse, ferret, guinea pig, or other pocket pet to your situation.
It’s not always easy to tell that a pocket problem is injured or sick. These signs could indicate that your pet needs to see the veterinarian:
It’s not always easy to tell that a pocket problem is injured or sick. These signs could indicate that your pet needs to see the veterinarian:
Our veterinary care team is dedicated to helping pet owners care for their pockets pets. Help your pocket pet live a long and happy life with exceptional veterinary care and treatment! Call (425) 771-6300, email info@lynnwoodanimalhospital.com, or schedule online.