Before Buying An Exotic Pet, Please Do Your Homework First

Whether they are hamsters, parrots or iguanas, exotic pets have specific veterinary needs. Don’t get an exotic pet until you read this first.

What is an exotic pet? Good question.

In my experience, it’s anything but a dog or a cat. That leaves a lot of fantastic creatures that people keep in their homes in between the “dog” and “cat” label.

Veterinarians usually specialize in large or small animal medicine. Large means, well, large, like cows and horses. Throw in the other ruminants — and don’t forget the poultry. “Small animal medicine” means dogs and cats.

To read more on this story, click here: Before Buying An Exotic Pet, Please Do Your Homework First

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Choosing the Best Pet for Your Family

Twice when I was a child, my parents surprised my brother and me with a pet. When I was 8, it was a puppy at Christmas. And when I was 13, a kitten, several months after a beloved cat had died.

We always had a dog or a cat, or both, in the house, and those pets were completely woven into the fabric of our family life. The dogs went on vacations with us; the cats were a fixture at the foot of my bed, or firmly planted between my face and whatever book I was reading. We were devastated when they died.

Of all of the pets that came and went, though, the two I remember most were the ones Mom and Dad sprung on us when we weren’t expecting it. Being a kid, I figured they had stopped somewhere on a whim and picked up the new animal on the way home.

Now I know better.

My husband and I surprised our own children with a kitten a few years ago, much to their delight. Just as my brother and I didn’t know how much planning went into my parents’ surprises, our kids didn’t know that we spent many evenings weighing the pros and cons of getting a cat. I had lived with cats my entire life, but I read “Cats for Dummies” and found out how much I didn’t know. (Cats have a pattern on their noses that is unique, just like a human fingerprint!)

We visited the shelter and played with several animals before choosing one. Then we waited a week for our application to be approved, and for her to get spayed. There was a lot that went into her popping her little head out of a picnic basket one Saturday morning and worming her way into all of our hearts.

The right pet in the right home can be one of the best experiences you can give your child. Pet ownership can teach a child about responsibility and unconditional love. But the wrong pet at the wrong time can lead to a heartbreaking disaster for everyone, including the animal.

To read more on this story, click here: Choosing the Best Pet for Your Family

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Considering Getting A Pocket Pet? Do Your Research First

What is a pocket pet?

Pocket pet is a term used to refer to a small pet mammal commonly kept as a household pet. The most common pocket pets are rodents such as hamsters, gerbils, degus, sugar gliders (a marsupial), fancy mice, fancy rats, chinchillas, and guinea pigs.

Gary Riggs, DVM, spends most of his time working with exotic pets. So when it comes to advice on pocket pets—small animals such as guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rats, gerbils, chinchillas, and sugar gliders—he’s a good person to ask. Riggs is a veterinarian at three Ohio clinics, NorthCoast Bird and Exotic Specialty Hospital, Barberton Veterinary Clinic, and The Animal Clinic of Wadsworth.

The most popular pocket pets are guinea pigs and smaller rodents, such as mice, rats, gerbils, and hamsters. Hedgehogs, chinchillas, and sugar gliders are also popular, Riggs says, though they require more specialized care and are illegal to own in some states and provinces, so check with your local government before attempting to bring one home.

The bottom line for anyone thinking of getting a pocket pet is: Do your research first.

Different animals require different care.

Some questions to ask:

• Do I have room for the animal’s cage?

• What space and exercise needs does the animal have? Does she need to run or climb?

• What does the animal eat? How specialized is his food?

• When does the animal sleep? At night or during the day?

• How much interaction does the animal like and need? Do I have enough time to spend with her?

• How messy is the animal? How often am I going to have to clean up after him?

• Because some pocket pets need to climb, they may require a larger or more complex cage with multiple levels, Riggs says. It also is important to remember that some pocket pets are comfortable being handled and are a good fit for owners who want to tote them around while others are not.

Knowing what your pocket pet eats is similarly important, Riggs says. Guinea pigs, for example, need Vitamin C supplements. Sugar gliders eat a variety of foods, including insects and produce.

“It can be anywhere from a fairly simple diet with hay and pellets up to a very specialized diet,” Riggs says.  

As for the time question, some pocket pets tend to be messier and require more frequent cage cleanings.

It is also important to be aware that, with some pocket pets, you may need to buy two. Guinea pigs often prefer to have another guinea pig in their cage, in which case you’ll want to avoid matching a male and female unless you want guinea pig babies!

Spaying or neutering is an option for some pocket pets. Chinchillas, for example, need to be spayed or neutered, Riggs says. Guinea pigs are prone to reproductive tract problems, so they may need a hysterectomy.

As for which pocket pets are going to keep you and your family up at night, chinchillas and hedgehogs are more nocturnal, Riggs says. Rats and guinea pigs are less so.  

Also ask yourself how long of a commitment you are willing to make. Rats live only a couple of years. Chinchillas can live up to 20 years, which is longer than most dogs.

Veterinary care is another consideration. How often a pocket pet needs to see the vet varies by type of animal. According to Riggs, hamsters and guinea pigs often go to the vet two or three times per year. Others need only an annual exam. Guinea pigs and rats are more prone to dental problems, so they may require more frequent dental exams by a veterinarian.

So what’s the easiest pocket pet to own in terms of maintenance? A rat, Riggs says. They like being handled, but their space needs aren’t as great, and it’s fairly simple to feed and clean up after them.

Gerbils are also easy, Riggs says, especially if you don’t want to be as hands-on.

“You can set them up with the wheels and tunnels,” he says.

What is the highest maintenance pocket pet? A sugar glider, Riggs says, because it requires more time and space and has a more complex diet, not to mention it is illegal to own them in some states and provinces.

So, do your research before bringing a pocket pet home, but once you do, enjoy your new family member.

“They’re great pets,” Riggs says.

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Have You Ever Owned A Guinea Pig, Would You Consider Having One As A Pet?

Have you ever owned a guinea pig? Then you know they make wonderful companions! They are docile members of the rodent family, rarely bite and are known for squeaking with delight when their favorite humans enter the room.

Guinea pigs are excellent pets for older children who have learned proper handling techniques. They are the gentlest of the pocket pets, which include mice, hamsters, rats and gerbils and so are ideal pets for responsible children.

Guinea pigs drink a lot of water and love to run the water out of the bottles! Water bottles with stainless steel ball bearing sipper tubes are the best kind to use.

Before buying a guinea pig, please consider these facts:

1. They are social animals.

2. They are usually quiet they can call out quite loudly.

3. They can be active both day and night.

4. Consider keeping a same sex pair so they have company.

5.  Their life span is around 5-7 years, however, they have been known to live longer.

6.  They are a long-term commitment.

7. They can generally become very tame with frequent handling.

8. A pair of females is a good choice, while a pair of males may fight.

9. They may be a little nervous at first, but they rarely bite.

10. You can purchase a cage…or make your own.

11. Keep the cage in an area where temperatures range between 65 - 75 F (18-25C). Guinea pigs handle cold quite well but they are very susceptible to heat stroke.

Appearances:
Guinea pigs are larger than hamsters, but smaller than rabbits. They have rounded stout body, with no visible tail. However, a few tail vertebrae can be felt under the skin. They are approximately 10 inches long, and can weigh between  2-3 pounds. They also come in a variety of colors

Health:
You should choose a Veterinarian that works with exotic pets, guinea pigs, parrots and other small animals. Always contact your Vet if you observe any of the following: Your pet has not eaten for more than eight hours; has very labored breathing; is bleeding from mouth, rectum or genital area; inability to urinate; extreme lethargy; and diarrhea that is watery and foul-smelling.


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Have You Ever Owned A Guinea Pig? Would You Consider Having One As A Pet?

Have you ever owned a guinea pig? Then you know they make wonderful companions! They are docile members of the rodent family, rarely bite and are known for squeaking with delight when their favorite humans enter the room.

Guinea pigs are excellent pets for older children who have learned proper handling techniques. They are the gentlest of the pocket pets, which include mice, hamsters, rats and gerbils and so are ideal pets for responsible children.

Guinea pigs drink a lot of water and love to run the water out of the bottles! Water bottles with stainless steel ball bearing sipper tubes are the best kind to use.

Before buying a guinea pig, please consider these facts:

1. They are social animals.
2. They are usually quiet they can call out quite loudly.
3. They can be active both day and night.
4. Consider keeping a same sex pair so they have company.
5.  Their life span is around 5-7 years, however, they have been known to live longer.
6.  They are a long-term commitment.
7. They can generally become very tame with frequent handling.
8. A pair of females is a good choice, while a pair of males may fight.
9. They may be a little nervous at first, but they rarely bite.
10. You can purchase a cage…or make your own.
11. Keep the cage in an area where temperatures range between 65 - 75 F (18-25C). Guinea pigs handle cold quite well but they are very susceptible to heat stroke.

Appearances:

Guinea pigs are larger than hamsters, but smaller than rabbits. They have rounded stout body, with no visible tail. However, a few tail vertebrae can be felt under the skin. They are approximately 10 inches long, and can weigh between  2-3 pounds. They also come in a variety of colors

Health:

You should choose a Veterinarian that works with exotic pets, guinea pigs, parrots and other small animals. Always contact your Vet if you observe any of the following: Your pet has not eaten for more than eight hours; has very labored breathing; is bleeding from mouth, rectum or genital area; inability to urinate; extreme lethargy; and diarrhea that is watery and foul-smelling.

Please take a look at this cute video showing 3 guinea pigs fighting over a cucumber!


                                                                       Click on image to enlarge.
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