Small Animal
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, gerbils, rats, mice and other small rodents are fun pets to keep. As long as they are kept healthy, provided with a warm home, given plenty of attention and fed a good diet they are fairly easy to keep happy.
Some small animals, such as guinea pigs, are particularly suitable for a young child’s first pet allowing them to share responsibility with you for the pet’s upkeep.
Our Vet Mark’s Advice on Getting a New Pet:
If you have already taken the plunge and bought a small animal, you need to ask yourself if you are fully prepared before you bring your new pet home! Simple things like deciding on a name for your new pet can be difficult. Here are a few tips and things to consider.
Small Mammals
We now see plenty of "house" rabbits and well as the "small furries" such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rats and mice along with the more unusual Degus and Chinchillas.
Housing - this will probably be your single biggest item of outlay that you need to organise before you bring your new pet home. Make sure that it is appropriate to your new pet. Small rodents have sharp teeth and if they are not designed for your pet - you may find that they escape very quickly!
Diet is extremely important for these guys. Please, please ensure that you get a good quality food that is suited to your new pet. If you are unsure get good advice from your pet shop or vet.
Water - like all of us they will need water. Normally a water dropper bottle will come with the housing.
Bedding - your pet will need its bedding kept clean and therefore it should be changed regularly. Do get the right bedding materials when you get their housing.
I would always recommend getting your new pet checked by your vet at the earliest opportunity to ensure that s/he is fit and healthy. Dogs, cats and rabbits should be vaccinated to prevent some of the infectious disease - normally BEFORE they go out - do ask your vet for advice on this.
This list is not meant to cover everything but hopefully they will help you think through some of the issues that you should be thinking about. They are not meant to put you off having a new pet! On the contrary - pets have been shown to have a great and positive influence on our lifestyles, but there are too many unwanted animals that go on to become RSPCA statistics. Too many of the rehoming centres are full to bursting point, so you should ensure that you choose well and are ready for your new family member so that s/he can come into your lives and enrich them as only pets can!
Fleas and Small Animals
Always make sure you use a flea product that has specifically been developed for small animals such as Bob Martin My Little Friend products. Spot On Flea treatments that contain fipronil are potentially lethal for small animals, but are very suitable for cats and dogs. In addition, as cats and dogs are generally bigger than small animals, you should never use a cat or dog product on the small animal unless specifically advised that it is safe to do so.
General Small Animal Care
These basic steps should be followed when keeping a small animal:
1. Feed a good balanced diet.
2. Provide a safe and warm home with plenty of fresh bedding, away from predators.
3. Treat fleas and mites quickly and effectively, especially during warming months.
4. Groom longer haired animals as appropriate.
5. Practise good hygiene for you, your pet and its home and bedding – clean the cage and replace the bedding at least once a week!
6. Veterinary check-ups and vaccinations as appropriate.
7. Always wash your hands after handling your pet.
We offer a wide range of products that will help you give your pet the best possible care. All of our products are carefully tested to ensure they are effective, safe and easy to use. We are constantly improving our products to offer you the best in pet healthcare and provide choice and value.
-
-
Bob Martin My Little Friend Range
Specially developed to protect pet rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and other small rodents from flies, fleas, ticks, lice and mites.
Small animals are natural timid and like to be able to burrow deep into a safe, warm place.
A tasty and nourishing complementary pet food that provides needed protein for pet rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, rats and mice.
View the full range of Bob Martin My Little Friend range of products.
