Although small mammals are cute and tiny, they can be a big responsibility. If you’re interested in owning a chinchilla, ferret, hamster, hedgehogs, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, and other small mammals, it’s important to learn how to properly care for each of these furry creatures before bringing them home with you.
Consider what size, temperament, and activity level are right for your household so you can choose the option that best matches your lifestyle. Are you looking for an animal that will take kindly to being petted and interact with you? Rabbits or guinea pigs are pets that enjoy cuddling once they’re gotten used to you. Be sure to choose a small mammal that has what you’re looking for and you’ll love having it around. Check out the articles below to learn more about the general care of each of these animals.
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Advantages & Benefits
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Children and Pets
If you’re still on the fence about getting a pet for your child, you should know that there are many benefits of owning a pet for children. Of course, there are responsibilities and other aspects of pet ownership that need to be considered. Owning a pet is a big decision. But there are definitely more
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Introductions
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Children and Pets
Bringing an animal home to become a member of your family is certainly an exciting time. However, you want to be careful when your new cat or dog first meets your kids. Here are a few of our best tips on how to introduce new pets to children in a way that fosters a bond from the very start.
Have Plenty
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Mistakes to Avoid as a Cat Owner
Category:
Newsletter Library
Do you make any of these common mistakes with your cat?
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Arthritis
Category:
Pet Health, Orthopedics, Pet Health
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which can be due to wear and tear on joints from over use, aging, injury, or from an unstable joint such as which occurs with a ruptured ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in the knee.
The chronic form of this disease is called degenerative joint disease
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Leptospirosis
Category:
Pet Health, Diseases and Viruses, Pet Health
Leptospirosis is a serious, life-threatening disease caused by a spiral shaped bacteria. Dogs, cats, other animals and even people can be infected through exposure to urine, bite wounds, ingestion of infected flesh, or contact with contaminated soil, water and even bedding. Certain environmental conditions
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Luxating Patella
Category:
Pet Health, Orthopedics
Luxating patella is a condition where the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal position. Luxating patella is one of the most common knee joint abnormalities of dogs, but it is only occasionally seen in cats. It may affect one or both of the knees. In some cases it moves (luxates) towards the inside
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Parasites
Category:
Pet Health, Pests and Parasites
There are many types of parasites that are found in the GI tract of cats and dogs. Worms such as roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms are very common in almost all parts of the world. These parasites shed their infective eggs in the pet's stool and contaminate the environment; some eggs can live on yards
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Hookworm
Category:
Pet Health, Pests and Parasites
Hookworms are small, thread-like parasites of the small intestine where they attach and suck large amounts of blood. These parasites are found in almost all parts of the world, being common in dogs, and occasionally seen in cats.
Symptoms are usually diarrhea and weight loss. The parasites can actually
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Obesity
Category:
Pet Health, Chronic Conditions
Excess weight is a serious health problem for dogs and cats and is common in many countries. The two main causes of obesity are too much food and too little exercise. Other contributing factors can be due to hormonal influences, certain genetic factors, and other disease processes.
If you pet is carrying
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Mites
Category:
Pet Health, Pests and Parasites
There are many types of mites that infect dogs, cats, and other animals. Mites are microscopic arthropod parasites that, for the most part, infect the skin or mucous membranes. Mites can even be present on birds and reptiles. The most common mites that infect dogs and cats are ear mites, Demodex, scabies,
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Heartworm
Category:
Pet Health, Pests and Parasites
Heartworm has been diagnosed in dogs in all parts of the world and is actually very common. This may be due to the fact that heartworm has a virtual 100% prevalence rate in unprotected dogs living in highly endemic areas. Heartworm, also known as Dirofilaria immitis, is transmitted by mosquitoes. The
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Prairie Dogs
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Prairie Dogs
Prairie dogs are cute, affable creatures. But before taking one on as a pet, check your local laws. In some states, such as Colorado, it's illegal to keep prairie dogs as pets. Mostly, this is because they may spread monkeypox. If you live in a state that welcomes pet prairie dogs, be sure to buy from
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Skunks
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Skunks, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals
Home and Veterinary Care for Pet Skunks
If you're an adventurous pet owner, you may love exotic animals such as skunks. You'll be happy to learn that skunks can indeed make excellent domestic pets, but only if they receive the proper care to enjoy a happy, healthy life. Your veterinary team can help
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Flying Squirrels
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Flying Squirrels, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals
Much like sugar gliders, flying squirrels make affectionate pets when purchased young and raised by their owner. Unlike sugar gliders, however, flying squirrels are rodents that need veterinary care specific to the species. Your veterinary team can help with the care and treatment of flying squirrels.
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Fennec Foxes
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Fennec Foxes, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals
Fennec Fox Care Guide
With oversized ears and mischievous faces, fennec foxes are cute as can be. But these exotic pets require a lot of care to stay healthy and happy.
Health
At just three pounds, fennec foxes are the smallest member of the fox family. Native to the Sahara desert, fennec foxes are
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Rats
Category:
Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Pocket Pets, Rats
Did you know rats make surprisingly affectionate pets? If you're thinking of bringing home a pet rat, here's what you need to know.
Health
Rats that are bred especially as pets are safe to keep and should be free of disease. But common conditions may affect your rats from time to time. Your veterinarian
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