These pint-sized, adorable mammals are a lot of fun to own. And, the rewards are great! Read on to learn about the basics when it comes to pocket pets. Pocket pets are small, household mammals, such as gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, mice, chinchillas, degus, and sugar gliders. While we tend to group them into this broad category, it is important to remember that they are each an individual species with unique needs.
The biggest hurdle when it comes to pocket pet ownership is to do your research before taking the plunge. Proper care and husbandry are a huge component when it comes to enjoying these small pets and helping them thrive. If you are thinking of getting one, be sure to let us know so that we can get you off to a great start. What does the animal eat, and how specialized is their food? Can I easily purchase this food in my area? When does the animal sleep — night or day? How will this affect my household?
How much interaction does this animal require? Do I have the time to fulfill these needs? How messy is the animal and how often will I need to clean the habitat? Gerbil Care. Hamster Care. Hedgehog Care.
Mice Care. Rat Care. Sugarglider Care. Go to Top. For this reason, it can often be difficult to determine if your pocket pet is experiencing a health issue. Subtle changes in eating habits or behavior may signify that a deeper problem is occurring that is impacting the health of your pet. By bringing your pet in for a twice yearly examinations examination, you can rest easy knowing that illness or injury can be detected before the problem gets worse. Many pocket pets have common maintenance needs like nail trimmings or teeth trimmings.
Other serious complications like tumors, parasites and unique skin conditions are also a concern based on the species of pocket pet you have. If any alarming issues arise that are not or normal for your pocket pet, consult a licensed veterinary professional to rule out any potential health issues that may be affecting them. For the safety of your pet and your own peace of mind, it is important to take the time to find the right vet to meet the care needs of your pocket pet.
While many of these animals are considered low maintenance, it is important to ensure you know where to turn in the event your pocket pet needs veterinary care. Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital has the experience and expertise to not only provide preventative care for your pocket pet but also illness and diagnostic care should the need ever arise.
While pocket pets can receive many of the same traditional services that other animals are subject to, they may also need specialized services for the best experience possible.
As a leading provider of veterinary services in the Tulsa area, Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital is here to ensure you have access to the resources and assistance you need to make the most of your companionship with a pocket pet. Some of the services we provide for pocket pets include:. Maintaining the health of a pocket pet requires regularly scheduled veterinary care. Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital is committed to identifying and preventing illness in all animals to allow them to live a happy and healthy life.
During a preventative examination, your veterinarian can also provide nutrition advice or information regarding husbandry. If you have just purchased a new pocket pet from a breeder or pet store, it may be a good idea to schedule a post-purchase examination. Many pocket pets can become stressed when entering a new environment and this will often allow illness to occur. One added benefit of a post-purchase examination is the ability to gain new insight into the unique needs of your new companion.
Proper husbandry and nutrition for an exotic pet can seem like a challenge; however, the small size of pocket pets makes early implementation critical.
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