Bright eyes, adorable paws, soft fur, and endlessly twitching whiskers are only some of the reasons we love our pocket pet companions. Rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, gerbils, hamsters, mice, ferrets, and more have been joining families and stealing hearts for multiple generations, and they don’t show signs of stopping any time soon.
Pocket pets are a lot of fun, but there is more to caring for one of these small, furry bundles of joy than many pet owners realize. Your pint-sized friend is relying on you for life’s essentials: a quality diet, adequate space and shelter, exercise/play, loving attention, and proper veterinary care throughout the course of his or her lifetime.
Wellness Care For Pocket Pets
All pocket pets should receive an annual wellness exam to ensure that they are receiving adequate preventive care and have a good quality of life. Certain pets, such as rabbits, ferrets, chinchillas, and guinea pigs, will also need a dental evaluation, as these species are prone to oral health problems.
Review the following tips for providing your pocket pet with the wellness care he or she needs in order to thrive:
- Find a veterinarian who is qualified or specializes in the care of pocket pets
- Schedule your pet’s first wellness exam for within a week or two after you bring him or her home; your veterinarian will assess your pet’s current health condition and discuss tips for proper home care
- Proper nutrition is key to raising a happy, healthy pocket pet, and each species has its own specific nutritional requirements. Your veterinarian will be able to guide you in making the best food choices for your little buddy
- Dirty cages or wet bedding can cause a host of problems for your pocket pet, including illnesses and infections. Make sure that cages are cleaned and bedding changed often for optimal health
- Exercise is key to ensuring your pocket pet stays at a healthy weight and doesn’t get bored; exercise wheels, balls, tunnels, and supervised exploration of areas outside the cage are great ways to give your furry friends a workout
- Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any changes in your pet’s eating or drinking habits, physical appearance, or behavior. The sooner your pet is given medical evaluation, the sooner treatment for any health conditions can begin
The VitusVet App Is Ideal For Pocket Pet Owners
The VitusVet app is not just for dog and cat owners. The medical records of any species of pet can be added! Use the “reminders tool” to receive notifications regarding wellness exams, medications dosages and applications, cage cleaning, and more. With the right wellness care and lots of love, your little buddy is sure to thrive and bring hours of joy to you and your family!
