General Introduction To Pocket Pets

Guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, and rabbits often are called pocket pets. Over the last few years, the popularity of pocket pets has increased dramatically. This increase in popularity is due to several factors.

In today's modern family, it is not unusual to have both adult members leaving for work early in the morning. Since no one is at home during the day, a dog is often an impractical pet. Aside from the fact that dogs need to be exercised and walked throughout the day, many residences and condominium communities do not allow dog and / or pet ownership.

The popularity of exotic pets has increased significantly over the last few years. Pocket pets in particular have become extremely popular due to the fact that they are small, cute, fuzzy, relatively inexpensive, and found at most local pet stores.

Small size and low cost do not mean that pocket pets can be neglected. To remain healthy, these little creatures need the same care and attention as other domestic pets. Often overlooked by most people, pocket pets can have very special nutritional and housing needs.

Housing

Proper housing is a major factor in keeping pocket pets healthy. Your pet's house should be made of glass, stainless steel, or durable plastic. Avoid wood and other porous substances as they are difficult to disinfect properly. Also, remember that these little creatures are avid gnawers. They can easily destroy (or even escape from) a poorly constructed home.

The house should be large enough to allow the pet(s) enough room for exercise. The exact area needed depends upon the species and size of the pet. Be sure to provide an area where your pet can hide. A hide box gives the animal a safe refuge if scared.

Bedding materials should be nontoxic, dust free, and absorbent. Wood shavings, ground corncob, or shredded butcher paper meets these criteria.

All bedding should be changed at least twice a week. The entire area plus all of its furnishings should be cleaned and disinfected with a dilute chlorine - bleach solution once a week.. (one part bleach to thirty parts water).

Food and water

It is best to use ceramic food dishes to prevent damage from gnawing. This type of dish also is less likely to tip over, decreasing the chances of contaminating the food with urine or droppings. A water bottle with a sipper tube is preferred to a dish.

Good quality, fresh commercial food, appropriate for each species of pocket pet, should be the main part of your pet's diet. Fresh foods such as green leafy vegetables, carrots, alfalfa sprouts, or hay should also be fed three to five times a week. Many pocket pets do not tolerate sudden changes in diet; be sure to introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts.

If you are feeding a balanced commercial diet, most pocket pets do not require vitamin or mineral supplements. However, it is recommended that guinea pigs receive additional vitamin C. Supplementation can be provided by adding 200 milligrams of vitamin C per quart of drinking water.

Handling

Pocket pets often are given to children as a first pet. However, the inexperienced child can easily mishandle these animals, resulting in injury to the pet or a potentially serious bite or scratch to the child. Adult supervision is recommended until the child gains experience in handling the pet.

Handling always should be gentle, but be sure that support is firm. Go slowly and try not to startle your pet before picking it up. If it is asleep, leave it alone or carefully awaken it first.

Signs of Illness

General signs of illness in pocket pets include

• decreased appetite
• discharge from mouth, eyes, or nose
• loose stools
• lethargy (inactivity)
• lumps or bumps
• flaky skin or hair loss

Call the animal hospital if your pet is showing any of these signs. However, it is best not to wait for disease symptoms to appear. Just like dogs and cats, pocket pets benefit from a yearly veterinary examination.