Pocket Pet Care

From rabbits to sugar gliders, pocket pets have captured the hearts of many pet owners. However, along with their special qualities comes extra care requirements that must be heeded to keep them healthy and happy. In fact, we end up seeing many pocket pet species when their specific nutritional or housing needs have been misunderstood.

To help keep your pocket pet in optimum health, we’ve compiled some basic information to eliminate some of the confusion around their care.

WHAT IS A POCKET PET?

The term “pocket pet” is commonly used to describe small companion animals that are not dogs or cats and are often kept in enclosures or habitats within the home. Despite their size, pocket pets have very specific care requirements and benefit greatly from routine veterinary care and informed ownership.

Pocket pets may include animals such as:

• • Rabbits
  • Ferrets
  • Guinea pigs
  • Gerbils
  • Hamsters
  • Mice
  • Rats
  • Sugar gliders
  • Chinchillas

Each species has unique nutritional, environmental, and medical needs that differ significantly from one another. Because of this, care recommendations are not one-size-fits-all, and what is appropriate for one pocket pet may be unsafe for another.

Understanding your pet’s specific needs is an essential part of helping them live a long, healthy, and comfortable life.

POCKET PET HUSBANDRY: HOW TO PROPERLY CARE FOR YOUR PET

Improper housing and feeding are the leading causes of illness and even death in many pocket pets. Since these cute little creatures have an innate ability to mask signs of sickness until the problem has reached an advanced, sometimes even fatal stage, it is imperative to educate yourself on what specifically your pocket pet needs to lead a happy, healthy life. With each species comes a different set of needs, ranging from:

• Specialty diets and supplements (oftentimes in pellet form)
• Consistent housing temperatures
• Specific bedding
• Proper shelter
• Fresh water
• Different handling instructions
• Unique bathing requirements
• Appropriate and safe toys or cage accessories

Pocket Pet Care: The Importance of Wellness

Like dogs and cats, our goal for pocket pet wellness care is to keep these small pets looking and feeling their best. We also use diagnostics and other tools to detect any changes in health before they become problems. Because the signs of illness can occur suddenly in small mammals, it’s very important to maintain regular checkups and to respond quickly when any signs of illness are observed.

Given the fragile nature of some of these furry pals, we strongly suggest at least twice-yearly exams. During your pet’s wellness exam, we can answer any of your questions about daily care and make recommendations about diet, enrichment, and other factors that may benefit your small mammal companion.

We highly encourage you to contact us today if you have questions on how to properly care for your little loved one. We can provide you with plenty of professional advice and veterinary guidance to help ensure the wellbeing of your pet.

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