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Somerset Veterinary Hospital

1322 Berlin Plank Rd.

Somerset, PA 15501 US

814-443-1323

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  • March Newsletter: Care Tips for Your Pocket Pets

March Newsletter: Care Tips for Your Pocket Pets

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Adorable pet rats live in their tiny house

Care Tips for Your Pocket Pets

Do you have a guinea pig, hamster, gerbil, mouse, rat, ferret or rabbit? Called "pocket" pets due to their small size, these pets have a few special care requirements. Here's what you need to know about caring for your special pet.

Choose a Sturdy Cage for Your Pet

The ideal cage provides plenty of room for your pet to move and explore, yet is safe and secure. If the latch on your pet's cage doesn't close properly, you might return to an open cage in the morning. Unfortunately, small pets may become prey for cats or dogs or may hurt themselves if they're out of their cages without supervision. If the latch is difficult to work or doesn't catch completely, replace the cage with a more secure version.

Cages should also:

  • Offer Exercise Opportunities for the Smallest Pets. An exercise wheel offers the perfect place for your hamster, mouse, gerbil or rat to work off a little excess energy. The Spruce Pets notes that wheels aren't a good idea for guinea pigs, as back injuries can occur when these pocket pets use the wheels. Climbing tubes and tunnels added to cages provide exercise and keep your pet's brain engaged.
  • Provide Hiding Places. Just like you, pets like their privacy from time to time. Every cage should include an enclosed structure that offers a quiet place to sleep or enjoy a little downtime. Pet supply stores offer a variety of these enclosures, called "hideouts."

Don't Use Cedar or Pine Shaving as Bedding

Both cedar and undried pine shavings can cause respiratory infections and irritate your pet's eyes. Safer choices are bedding made of cellulose, paper, oat hulls, ground corn cobs or aspen shavings.

Clean Cages Regularly

Don't wait until your pet's cage is smelly to clean it. Living in a dirty cage is stressful for your pet and could cause health problems. Cages should be cleaned once or twice per week. The ideal cleaning frequency depends on how many pets you have and how quickly the cage becomes dirty.

Before cleaning, move your pet to another cage or secure location. Throw away bedding and thoroughly clean the cage with mild soap and water. In between cleanings, remove feces and areas of urine-soaked bedding daily.

Offer Out-of-Cage Playtime

All pocket pets benefit by spending an hour or more daily outside their cages. Since small animals, like gerbils, hamsters and mice, can quickly disappear behind furniture and appliances or even into air ducts, it's best to use a small pet playpen to create a secure play space.

Does your rabbit, ferret or guinea pig enjoy exploring your family room or kitchen? Before you open your pet's cage, make sure you've pet-proofed the space. Put electrical cords in cord protectors, remove trash, and place houseplants out of reach.

Rabbits are natural chewers and don't care if they gnaw on a chew toy or your antique table. Prevent damage to your home by covering furniture legs with protective tubes and placing plastic barriers in front of baseboards. Shut doors or use baby gates to keep pets confined to the room you've pet-proofed.

Make Regular Veterinary Care a Priority

Pocket pets need to see the veterinarian every year just like larger pets. Some pocket pets may need vaccines in addition to exams. For example, ferrets need distemper and rabies vaccines, while your veterinarian may recommend vaccinating your pet against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). Vaccinations for RHDV and RHDV2 prevent a serious, often fatal illness in rabbits. According to PetMD, your pet could catch the virus if you bring it into your home on your shoes or clothing.

Since signs of illness aren't always obvious in pocket pets, annual veterinary visits help you ensure your pet is healthy. In between visits, regularly examine your pet's body for signs of illness or disease, which can include:

  • Lumps on the Body
  • Discharge from Eyes or Nose
  • Hair Loss
  • Excessive Scratching
  • Low Energy Level
  • Weight Loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Poor Appetite

Does your pocket pet need to see the veterinarian? Contact our office to schedule your appointment.

Sources:

The Spruce Pets: Guinea Pig Musts: Must Have and Must-Not Items, 4/20/2022

https://www.thesprucepets.com/product-guinea-pigs-must-have-2662211

PetMD: Rabbit Vaccines: Everything You Need to Know, 8/24/2022

https://www.petmd.com/rabbit/rabbit-vaccines-everything-you-need-know

American Animal Hospital Association: Is a Pocket Pet Right for Me?

https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/is-a-pocket-pet-right-for-you/

PetMD: Hamsters vs. Gerbils: What’s the Difference

https://www.petmd.com/exotic/hamsters-vs-gerbils-whats-difference

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        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "The staff at Somerset Vet Hospital have been taking care of my "Sophie" for 11 years. They are such caring and wonderful people."
    Karen L.
  • "Thanks for providing great care for my little Tortie, Tallie when she was suffering from her skin allergies. You prompt care and tender kindness was wonderful. Being new to the area I feel very fortunate to have found your practice! Thanks!"
    Nancy
  • ""Doctor Robert Henry, We want to thank you for literally - SAVING OUR BEAUTIFUL DOBERMAN'S (Precious) LIFE. Your excellent diagnostic skills accurately diagnosed our Doberman's condition. Your protocol in treating him have made for a healthy, happy, loving and playful dog. We can never forget what you did for our dog. We cannot thank you enough"
    Kathy & Roger
  • "I came here 6 years ago when they were the only ones who would see my sick pup, and they were the best! They helped my girl get better and provided her years of loving service until we lost her to lymphoma last year. They still take care of my other babies and do an excellent job of doing so! We're patients for LIFE! Thank you guys for ALL you do :) With Love, Gina & The Crew Mountain Pride Pits."
    Gina
  • "I just wanted to take a minute to say how very grateful I am for the entire team at Somerset Veterinary Hospital. I recently had a cat and two kittens spayed/neutered, and they all came through the procedure wonderfully. Dr. Penny is THE BEST!! The vet-techs and front desk girls are always super nice and helpful. I feel good knowing that my 'family' is in good hands when being treated. Thank you all for all you do!!"
    Thomas B.

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