Pocket Pet Care
RABBITS AND POCKET PET CARE IN MOODY AL
Small pets, such as ferrets, chinchillas, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, rats, mice, gerbils and hamsters, need veterinary care too! Regular veterinary care, balanced nutrition, human interaction, and appropriate management of his/her environment are all important to the good health of your small pet. Our sister hospital, Crossroads Animal Hospital in Moody, AL, has a veterinarian who specializes in veterinary care for small pets, exotic animals and birds, Dr. Sophia Cruzat.
Crossroads Animal Hospital offers a wide range of veterinary care for small pets, including:
- Annual wellness physical examinations
- Professional nail trimming
- Vaccines as needed
- Dental care
- Diagnostic testing such as x-rays, endoscopy, blood tests, skin scrapings, and biopsy of growths
- Surgeries for growth removal, fractures, and internal problems
- Nutritional counseling
- Behavioral and environmental counseling
We Would Love to Meet Your New Pet!
If you have acquired a new rabbit or pocket pet, we recommend you have your new pet examined by Dr. Cruzat within 1-2 weeks after purchase to ensure their good health. She will discuss nutrition and behavior issues with you at your first appointment.
Annual Examinations are Important for All Pocket Pets
All pets need to be seen annually for a wellness exam. An annual exam gives us the opportunity to ensure that your pet is healthy and have baseline records and baseline blood values for future reference in the event that your pet is ever sick. Depending upon the type of pet, we will discuss vaccination options with you. An annual exam gives you one-on-one time with us so we can answer all of your health and behavior questions.
Microchipping your pocket pets
This is an easy procedure that can be done in-office without anesthesia. Microchipping is the safest permanent identification. We microchip identification for all pets, especially small pets.
Small Pets Are Masters at Hiding Signs of illness
Since rabbits and pocket pets are very good at hiding their signs of illness, an annual checkup is a good way to screen for problems we can’t see. Annual vaccines are also important to keep current.
Emergencies
If your rabbit or pocket pet exhibits signs of illness, please call Crossroads Animal Hospital right away. Your pet may be experiencing an emergency situation. It is good to learn to recognize a sick pet—it is common for the first signs go unnoticed. Usually the first signs include:
- Changes in behavior, such as decreased activity level
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea or persistent abnormal droppings
- Coughing, sneezing, abnormal breathing sounds
- Weight loss, rapid weight gain
- Vomiting
- Change in water intake
- Weakness