Small animals get sick just like we do. Following are some tips to help recognize problems.

» Is a Small Animal Right for You?
» Choosing the Right Small Animal
» Small Animal Health
» External Warning Signs
» Care Tips

Small, furry animals can make wonderful pets. Examples include chinchillas, ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits, hedgehogs and rats.

Small animals that DO NOT make good pets include flying squirrels, monkeys, foxes, game animals, mink, raccoons and skunks. Many of these animals cannot be tamed, some are vicious and most of them smell bad. They may be legally protected from being displayed or sold, prohibited by local/state laws, or require a special federal or state permit.

Check with the Wildlife Agency in your state before you adopt a unique pet. A veterinarian should examine all new pets before or soon after you bring them home.

There are a variety of places from which you can purchase small animals. Here are just a few:
Animal shelter
Breeder
Pet Store
Private Home

Just as you would with any other animal, be sure to think through your purchase of a small animal. They are great companions, but be sure you are ready for the commitment that owning a small animal requires.

When choosing a small animal, you should select one whose personality suits your own. For younger owners and first-time buyers, guinea pigs make great pets, as they are unfussy eaters and infrequent biters. Consider the following:

Hamsters, for instance, are nocturnal and must be kept in a part of your house where they can sleep by day and be active at night.

Guinea pigs are social creatures that need the companionship provided by other guinea pigs. Be careful of mixing sexes, though—you may end up with more guinea pigs than you bargained for!

Rabbits are cuddly and soft, but they chew constantly. If you are considering keeping rabbits inside, you’ll need to rabbit-proof your house.

Gerbils are cute, but they’re quite feisty. Like guinea pigs, they are very social animals that need constant attention and companionship.

Ferrets are a long-term commitment, often living up to ten years. They are also known to “play rough,” nipping and tussling, much like puppies. Though cute and furry, they may not be the best pet for households that contain small children.

For more information on any of these or other small animal species, talk to your veterinarian.

You must also take into account the fact that most small animals are considered prey by cats and dogs. If you have a cat or dog in the house and want to have a small animal, it MUST be kept in an escape-proof cage in a location where it won’t be terrorized by your cat or dog.

Before you bring your small animal home, be sure to “proof” your house. Tidy up electrical cords, seal cosmetic or cleaning products, cover open appliances and securely latch windows. Small animals (especially ferrets) are often very curious. This can lead to trouble if you don’t properly proof your house. Depending on the species you choose, it is often best to keep a small animal in an escape-proof (but large enough) cage.

Physical health is important for your small animal, but you also need to think about its mental health. Many small animals are highly social creatures that need constant companionship and attention to stay healthy. This includes daily attention from its owner, exercise and, in the case of social animals such as gerbils and hamsters, interaction with others of its species.

Get to know your small animal so you know what is “normal behavior.” This can help you identify possible signs of illness. Call your veterinarian immediately if you notice any difference in appearance, behavior, activity or eating habits. Don’t wait!

Appearance – Loss of fur or a change in its texture might be a warning sign. Loss of weight is another warning sign that your pet may be sick.
Behavior – Any noticeable changes in your pet’s behavior could be an indication that it is sick.

Eating – Your pet must eat to grow and develop. A healthy diet is also important in fending off disease. If your pet isn’t eating enough – or worse, if it isn’t eating at all – its health can deteriorate rapidly. If you notice a change in diet, talk to your vet.

Urine – Veterinarians can evaluate abnormal urine output and its condition for early diagnosis of many health problems.

Stools – When your pet’s feces are different than normal, it indicates problems. Condition, color and odor can all be evaluated to diagnose the problem.

Other signs – Vomiting, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge or ocular (eye) discharge are all immediate danger signs and can indicate illness.

Always contact your veterinarian for specific treatment advice.

• Before bringing your pet home, make sure you have the right size cage and that it’s clean and ready with food and water.

• Cages should be large enough to provide space for your pet to exercise.

• Depending on the species, accessories such as exercise wheels can stimulate your pet’s mind and body. For small burrowing creatures, PVC piping can provide hours of scampering fun. Companies such as Habitrail® manufacture modular, see-through piping specifically for gerbils and other small animals.

• Food and water dishes should be easily accessible.

• Daily litter changes and weekly cage washings are recommended.

• If you have other, larger pets, such as cats or dogs, keep your small animal’s cage in a place where it won’t be constantly bothered or threatened by your other pets.

• Healthy animals can tolerate normally comfortable human temperatures. Sudden changes in temperature may be a potential threat.

• Playing with your pets daily will bolster trust and create a bond.

• Ask the person who sold you your small animal what he or she has been feeding it, and continue that diet. Sudden dietary changes may result in stress.