Small pet

Yes, it can be safe—and even enriching—for guinea pigs to spend time outside. But you don’t want to just set your guinea pig in the grass and walk away.   To safely take your guinea pig outside, you need to consider the weather, protect them from predators, and avoid exposure to chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides. A secure setup and close supervision are essential to keep them safe while they explore. Additionally, not every guinea pig is a good candidate for outside time.   According to Colleen Roman, DVM, RVT, an exotic animal veterinarian and founder of AnimALL Mobile Veterinary Service in the Atlanta area, all healthy guinea pigs can enjoy the outdoors, including skinny pigs (hairless guinea pigs). However, skinny pigs require special consideration. Because they are sensitive to temperature changes and sun exposure, they should always be kept in full shade. And while it might seem like a good idea, sunscreen is a no-go—even pet-safe versions can irritate their delicate skin, and human products are toxic if ingested.  Outdoor time is not recommended for sick guinea pigs, especially those with respiratory conditions. These piggies are more vulnerable to stress and heat-related complications, and being outside could worsen their condition.   Rae Porter-Blackwell, DVM, ABVP, a board-certified exotic companion mammal specialist at The Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine and vice president of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV), adds that guinea pigs taking doxycycline (a type of antibiotic) should be kept out of the sun because their skin can be more susceptible to burning, even if they are fully furred.  ,Outdoor time can be a fantastic way to enrich your guinea pig’s life and boost their well-being—as long as it’s done safely. Guinea pigs are curious creatures who enjoy new sights, sounds, and smells, but their small size and delicate nature mean they’re vulnerable to a range of outdoor hazards.  From keeping them safe from predators to avoiding harmful chemicals and extreme weather, here are essential safety tips for taking your guinea pig outdoors. 

Jump to section How Long Do Rabbits Live? 7 Tips To Increase Your Bunny’s Longevity

A hamster could be trying to escape for several reasons—their cage might not be big enough, or they may be on a mission to give in to their natural urge to explore.   Here are some of the most common reasons your hamster keeps trying to escape. ,If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Why is my hamster trying to escape?” you’re not alone!   Hamster escape attempts are more common than you might think, and understanding the reasons behind their adventurous behavior can help you create a safer, happier environment for your furry friend. 

Jump to section Fun Facts About Mice Supply Checklist Mouse Cages What Do Mice Eat? Handling a Mouse Mouse Health Choosing a Pet Mouse FAQs About Pet Mice

The ferret skeletal system is made up of roughly 200 bones. These bones are similar to most other mammals including humans, but there are some unique differences specific to ferrets. The skeleton can be divided into three main parts. The axial skeleton is made up of the skull, vertebrae, ribs and sternum. The appendicular skeleton is made up of the bones of the front arms, rear legs, shoulders and pelvis. The heterotopic skeleton is made up of the kneecaps, the fabella in a tendon of the rear legs and, in males, the os penis.

A common health problem seen in pet ferrets is hair loss. Hair loss is frequently called baldness; however, the correct medical term is alopecia. Alopecia means partial or complete hair loss from an area that normally has hair. There are different locations for the hair loss depending on the underlying cause of the alopecia.

Yes, rabbits can eat watermelon in small amounts and in moderation.   Fresh watermelon that has been washed and had the seeds removed is the safest for rabbits to eat.   Avoid dried or frozen watermelon. Dried watermelon contains high amounts of sugar, and frozen watermelon can be too cold for rabbits to eat.  You can also treat your pet rabbit to store-bought treats that feature watermelon, such as: ,Watermelon makes for a sweet, refreshing snack any time of the year—but especially on a hot summer day. Considering our beloved bunnies are herbivores, it’s only natural to wonder, “Can rabbits eat watermelon too?”   The short answer is yes! But like any other delicious treat, moderation is key.  While watermelon is deemed to be a healthy food, fruits are treats that are meant to supplement a rabbit’s diet. A well-balanced diet is essential for a healthy and happy rabbit.  Before introducing any new food into your rabbit’s diet, always check with your veterinarian. 

What can hamsters eat? What can’t hamsters eat? You may be surprised to learn that some foods generally considered healthy and beneficial to your nutrition, like almonds, can be harmful to your hamster. Small rodents, including hamsters, live very short lifespans. As such, it is vital to feed them properly to keep them with us as long as possible. Feeding your hamster an unhealthy diet—even unintentionally—can increase the chance of her experiencing an early death from an illness like heart disease, diabetes or other nutritional-related ailments. The first step to keep your furry friend in tip-top shape is to knowing what to feed—and what not to feed! Just because you can eat a food safely does not mean your hamster can as well.

Epizootic catarrhal enteritis (ECE) is a highly contagious viral infection in ferrets. It often recognized by the inflammation it causes in the ferret’s intestines. Older ferrets develop the severest form of the viral infection, and also take the most time to recover — about a month. Symptoms and Types The viral infection causes damage to the villi — hair like projections in the lining of the intestines. Due to the damage, the intestine looses its ability to properly digest and absorb food. ECE display symptoms in the ferret about two to fourteen days after the infection, including: Loss of appetite Greenish, watery or slimy diarrhea (green poop) Stools stained black with blood Dehydration Sluggishness (lethargy) Weight loss Weakness

Rats are omnivores and will eat nearly anything you put in front of their whiskers. In the wild, these nocturnal creatures can make a meal of nearly anything—their diet is a mix of seeds, grains, vegetation, and even insects and other invertebrates. While a pet rat certainly won’t need to scavenge as much as their cousins in the wild, pet parents should ensure their little friend consumes a diet that’s nutrient-rich and diverse enough for their omnivorous instincts. But that doesn’t mean offering up just anything that crosses your kitchen counter. In fact, your rat’s favorite foods probably aren’t the healthiest choices. Like humans, rats tend to overdo it on junk food when given the option between high-fat, high-sugar snacks and healthy ones. Obesity in rats is a serious health concern, so limiting snacks and making sure they’re eating the right amount can help fend off obesity and heart disease and help them live longer, happier lives.,Jump to section What Can Rats Eat? What’s a Healthy Diet for Rats? What Not To Feed Your Rat How To Find the Best Food for Your Rat Obesity in Rats FAQs About What Rats Eat