How to care for your pocket pets – guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets and mice

Pocket pets, such as guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, and mice, are popular additions to many family households and are often an excellent choice for first-time pet owners.

Although these pets may seem pint-sized and easier to care for than a cat or dog, it’s essential to understand that they are unique creatures that require specific care for their species.

If you’re thinking of adding a pocket pet to your family, or you already own one and want more information about how to care for them, you’re in the right place!

This guide will give you an insight into how to care for your pocket pet, including common health issues and prevention, as well as their proper diet, habitat, and regular health check requirements.

Common health problems of pocket pets and how to prevent them

Health problems of guinea pigs

Vitamin C deficiency: Guinea pigs can’t make their own Vitamin C (needed for general health and skin), so they need a constant supply to prevent deficiency (scurvy). Symptoms can include swollen joints, lethargy and reduced appetite. To prevent scurvy, you must provide a diet high in Vitamin C, including fruit and vegetables.
Dental issues: Guinea pig’s teeth are constantly growing! If not worn down properly, their teeth will overgrow and become uncomfortable. To prevent this, you must give them unlimited access to grass hay with aids in their dental health.

Health problems of rabbits

Gastrointestinal issues: Rabbits are prone to stasis (their tummy has slowed), bloat or intestinal blockages. If you notice your rabbit hasn’t grazed or eaten in a few hours, lying on their side, shifting weight or rocking, or has a swollen belly, it’s a sign you must get to a vet immediately. Feeding them a proper diet can help avoid these issues.
Dental issues: Like guinea pigs, rabbits have teeth that continue to grow. A hay-rich diet can help maintain proper tooth wear and prevent overgrowth.
Uterine Cancer: We recommend spaying your rabbit as studies have shown that 100% of rabbits will develop uterine cancer by age 4 if left intact. Spaying is crucial for their long-term health and well-being.

Health problems of ferrets

Insulinoma: This is a really common health issue for ferrets where their blood glucose severely decreases. You’ll notice they have no energy and can’t lift their heads. You’ll need to get to the vet immediately, and you can try a little bit of honey on their gums to give them a little energy hit.
Cancer: Ferrets are also prone to developing cancer, primarily lymphoma. Regular vet checkups can monitor for cancer so treatment can be started as early as possible.
Estrogen Toxicity: It’s important to spay ferrets because without mating, they stay in season which can lead to estrogen toxicity. This condition causes suppression of the bone marrow and spontaneous bleeding, which can be fatal.

Health problems of mice

Respiratory infections: Mice can develop respiratory issues, including sneezing, wheezing, and a runny nose. Their cages need the correct bedding to prevent respiratory infections and be well-ventilated.
Skin diseases: Pet mice can get parasites like mites, which can cause scabby areas on their skin, redness, and dandruff. Keeping their enclosure clean and providing fresh bedding and the correct diet is essential to prevent parasite infections.

Understanding the proper diet, habitat and health checks for your pocket pets

How to care for your pet guinea pig

Diet: Unlimited access to grass hay, dark green leafy vegetables (e.g. Kale), vegetables and fruits high in Vitamin C (carrots, lettuce but not iceberg, corn, capsicum, celery, baby spinach) and a small portion of pellets.
Habitat: Guinea pigs need spacious enclosures to run around. They also love lots of hiding spots to feel safe. Make sure their bedding is dry, clean, and free from drafts.
Health checks: Yearly checkup to have their teeth cleaned and filed (if needed). Your vet will also do a nose-to-tail health check to ensure your guinea pig is happy and healthy. Each day, you should check that their nose, eyes, and ears are clear, their fur and skin are healthy, they’re eating and drinking, and their toileting habits haven’t changed.

How to care for your pet rabbit

Diet: Grass hay and water must be provided at all times, along with a mixture of leafy greens, vegetables (cucumbers, pumpkin, spinach, celery) and a small amount of fruit (apples, strawberries, kiwi, banana).
Habitat: Rabbits need space to hop around in a secure cage with hiding places. They need lots of hay and a grass area to nibble as much as they want, with places for them to dig, like soil boxes. Their enclosure will need to be kept in the shade on warm days.
Health checks: You’ll need to regularly check their teeth to ensure they’re not overgrown, along with their nails and fur, for signs of parasites or skin conditions. A yearly vet checkup is recommended to ensure your pet rabbit is healthy.

How to care for your pet ferret

Diet: A ferret’s body is designed to eat meat and meat byproducts and only handles a small amount of carbs or fibre. Their diet must be high in animal protein, such as raw meat (organs, muscles) and high-quality ferret kibble.
Habitat: Ferrets are active and curious, so they need a large, secured cage with areas for sleeping, eating and going to the toilet. Most owners ferret-proof their homes and allow them to run and explore their homes and spend time with the family.
Health checks: Ferrets need annual vaccinations against distemper. They also require heartworm prevention, and you may use a monthly preventative for a cat of similar size. A health check can be performed at your annual vet visit to check their teeth and overall health.

How to care for your pet mice

Diet: Your pet mice should be fed good quality mice pellets with a protein content of at least 14-16% (your vet can advise what’s best). They can also eat small amounts of dark green and non-starchy vegetables (bok choy, kale, broccoli) and occasionally enjoy a treat of fruit (apples, berries, kiwi). Fresh water should always be available.
Habitat: Mice love wire cages (with small spaced bars so they don’t escape) with places to climb. Their bedding should be shredded paper or dust-extracted bedding that is changed regularly to prevent respiratory illness. A water bottle clipped to the cage, gnawing sticks, toys and feeding bowls are also needed.
Health checks: Watch your pet mice for signs of illness, such as weight loss (or obesity), lethargy, or changes in behaviour. Also, check their teeth to ensure they’re not overgrown.

Keeping your pocket pets happy and healthy

Caring for your pocket pets (guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets or mice) involves more than meeting their basic needs. You need to create a suitable environment where they can thrive.

Understanding their common health issues, maintaining a proper diet, providing a stimulating habitat, and conducting regular health checks will ensure your pocket pets live long, healthy, and happy lives.

If you ever have concerns about your pocket pet’s health or need advice on its care, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Direct Vet Services in Point Cook.

Our caring team loves animals of all shapes and sizes and is here to provide compassionate care and guidance, whether it’s an annual checkup or a medical emergency.