Ferrets are adorable and entertaining pets. Though ferrets are generally healthy, like any other pet, they require proper care and attention to remain happy and healthy. The average lifespan of a ferret is 7-10 years. To ensure that your ferret lives a long and healthy life, you will need to provide proper housing, good nutrition, exercise, grooming, and preventative veterinary care.    1. Housing Ferrets love to play and explore, which means that they need a spacious cage with plenty of room to move around. Their cage size should be at least 24 inches long, 24 inches wide and 18 inches high. Make sure the cage is big enough to separate your ferret’s food and water, bedding and litter. Multi-leveled cages work well for young healthy ferrets. Your ferret’s cage should be made of durable materials such as metal, plastic, or wood, with secure doors and locks to prevent your ferret from escaping. Midwest makes this very nice deluxe cage that works great for ferrets.    In addition to the cage, you will need bedding to cover the cage floor. You can use recycled paper products, aspen chips, and wood pulp products, such as carefresh®. carefresh® is ideal for ferrets because it is twice more absorbent than shavings, can suppress odors for up to 10 days, is 99% dust-free, and is soft and comfortable. Newspaper is not ideal since it is not very absorbent and needs to be changed frequently. Cedar and pine shavings are not recommended because they can cause respiratory problems. Corn cob products are also not recommended as they can be ingested and lead to obstructions. No matter which bedding you ultimately chose, the bedding needs to be changed regularly to keep the cage clean and odor-free. Ferrets can be trained to use a litter box. You’ll need a corner litter boxes and a litter made from paper such as carefresh Rabbit and Ferret Litter. Finally, remember that your ferret needs a place to sleep and hide. They should have a hiding place where they can feel safe and secure. They also like to lounge in soft hammocks or slings.   2. Feeding Ferrets are obligate carnivores with high metabolisms. Ferrets require a high-protein diet that is specially formulated for them. Feed your ferret high-quality commercial ferret food that is high in protein and avoid foods that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and sugar. Remember to always provide clean water and change it frequently. Treats should also consist primarily of meat. It is important to know that cat and dog food do not fulfill the nutritional needs of ferrets.   3. Exercise and Play Time Ferrets are naturally playful and social pets. They are not cage pets. To stay healthy, ferrets need regular exercise and playtime. Let your ferret go out of their cage for at least two hours per day so they can play and explore in a designated ferret-proof room or playpen. You can also take your ferret outside for walks using a special ferret harness. Purchase toys that are safe for your ferret to play with, like balls, tunnels (ferrets love tunnels), and chew toys. Make sure the toys you provide have nothing your ferret can chew off and swallow. Be sure to always supervise your ferret, as they are very curious and can get themselves into trouble if left unattended.   4. Grooming Ferrets have a sleek coat that requires little maintenance. However, they do need to be groomed occasionally to prevent hairballs and maintain healthy skin. Brush your ferret's coat with a soft-bristle brush at least once per week. Like other mustelids, ferrets normally have a slightly musky odor. Regular bathing is not required, but if done should be no more than once a month as it can strip their skin of natural and essential oils leading to dry itchy skin.    5. Veterinary Care Just like other animals, Ferrets need to see the veterinarian annually for a complete physical exam and vaccinations for canine distemper and rabies. As ferrets get older, they may require more frequent check-ups and need dental cleanings.  In conclusion, ferret are relatively low-maintenance pets. However, to stay healthy and live a long life, they need proper care. Follow these tips to ensure that your ferret lives a long healthy life.  

Besides cats and dogs, chinchillas rank behind guinea pigs as the most popular pet in the US (based on Google search data). Chinchillas are adorable rodents native to the Andes in South America. They are popular for being low-maintenance, affectionate pets that are famous for their ultra-soft, dense fur. However, like any other pet, they are susceptible to certain health problems and can become ill if not properly cared. To help keep your chinchilla healthy, you should become familiar with the following most common chinchilla health issues. Dental problems A chinchilla's teeth are consistently growing throughout the lifespan, and if their teeth do not wear down sufficiently, it can lead to dental issues. The dental problems in chinchillas commonly include overgrown incisors, malocclusion, and “slobbers” (excessive drooling). To prevent dental issues, provide your chinchilla with a balanced diet containing hay, fresh foods, and chew toys. Chinchillas need a high-fiber diet with lots of hay to help wear down their teeth. Gastrointestinal Stasis Gastrointestinal stasis or 'GI stasis' is an issue where a chinchilla's digestive system slows down, resulting in a backup of gas leading to abdominal pain, and even death. This issue may be a result of stress, pain, or a diet devoid of fiber. If you notice your chinchilla is sitting still, sitting in an unusual manner, or not grooming, visit your veterinarian since GI stasis may become a serious or even life-threatening health issue. Fur Biting Chinchillas are known to nibble on their fur due to stress, boredom, or hunger, leading to hair loss and bald patches. If you notice your chinchilla gnawing themselves excessively, provide them with plenty of toys, try to soothe them by cuddling, and make sure their diet is well-balanced. Heatstroke Chinchillas are susceptible to heatstroke in hot environments. This is because they are mammals that can't sweat like humans and have a lot of fur on their bodies to keep them warm in their frigid native environment. If your chinchilla is suffering from heatstroke, they may appear lethargic or struggle to breathe. You can prevent heatstroke by ensuring that your chinchilla's living space is air-conditioned or at least well-ventilated. Respiratory issues Respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, rhinitis, and bronchitis can occur in chinchillas. Prolonged exposure to dust, damp living conditions, or bacterial infections may cause respiratory issues in your pet. Symptoms of respiratory infections in chinchillas include discharge from the eyes and nose, noisy breathing, and coughing.   In conclusion, chinchillas are fantastic, low-maintenance pets. However, as a pet owner, it's essential to be mindful of their unique health concerns, and if they display any of the aforementioned symptoms, consult a veterinarian promptly. Understanding the health issues that chinchillas face ensures that you can provide them with timely appropriate care, and by keeping their health in check, deter the development of serious ailments.   The makers of carefresh™ bedding are dedicated to making the best bedding and committed to helping pets live longer, healthier lives by educating pet parents about important pet health topics.

As a pet owner, it’s imperative for you to be able to identify if your pet is sick. However, as prey animals, hamsters are naturally good at hiding their illnesses. As a result, it is hard to tell if your hamster is sick, especially if you don’t know what you are looking for.  The goal of this blog is to share some of the common signs of illness in hamsters and discuss what you should do if you notice any of them. 1. Change in behavior One of the first signs of illness in hamsters is a change in behavior. If your hamster becomes more lethargic than normal, is not as active, or is sleeping more often, this may be an indication that they are not feeling well. Additionally, if they are not eating or drinking as much as usual, or are refusing to eat altogether, this is another major warning sign of illness and a reason to call your veterinarian. 2. Changes in their physical appearance Changes in your hamster’s physical appearance may be another sign your hamster is sick. Be sure to check your hamster’s appearance daily and look for any changes. Does your hamster have any discharge from their nose, eyes, or mouth? Does their coat look unkept, matted or do they have any hair loss or bald spots? Does your hamster have any lumps, bumps or swelling anywhere? How do their feet look? Are they red, irritated, scaly, swollen? Do they seem to be having any trouble walking?   3. Change in stool Stool is another indicator of your hamster’s health. Change in stool can be sign that your hamster is sick. Be on the lookout for changes in your hamster’s stool color, consistency, and amount.  If you notice any changes in their behavior, appearance, or stool, it could be a sign that your hamster is ill and needs to see a veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian will examine your hamster and may need to run some diagnostic tests to determine the problem. Then they will recommend an appropriate treatment plan for your hamster.   Signs of Illness Change in appetite Nasal or ocular discharge Lumps, bumps or swelling on the body Change in coat Red irritated feet Change in stool Prevention Is there anything you can do to help keep your hamster healthy? Yes! Providing your hamster with a healthy diet and access to fresh water at all times is crucial to their overall health. Avoid placing your hamster's cage in drafty areas and utilize a high quality, dust-free bedding, like carefresh® bedding. Carefresh® bedding is dust-free, twice more absorbent than shavings, can suppress odors for up to 10 days, and is soft and comfortable. Be sure to keep your hamster’s cage clean and free from moisture. While we can’t prevent all illnesses, taking these important steps are the best way to prevent many common medical problems seen in hamsters.   In conclusion, being aware of and looking out for changes in your hamster's behavior and physical appearance is crucial in identifying if they are sick. Prompt veterinary care and preventative measures will help keep your furry friend healthy and happy. As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to stay vigilant and take action as needed to ensure the best possible care for your hamster.  

Did you know that February is Adopt-a-Rabbit Month? While rabbits make great pets, many people do not realize the commitment of being a rabbit parent. Rabbits can live 8 to 12 years. To make sure that your bunny has a long and healthy life, you will need to provide a nutritious diet, proper housing, and become familiar with their health issues. Here are some of their most common health problems.   Overgrown teeth Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously. Unfortunately, this means that if they do not wear them down, their teeth can become sharp and overgrown. This can cause trauma to the cheeks and tongue and be painful. In severe cases, the front incisors can get so long that they curl around and prevent a rabbit from closing their mouth and even eating. So how do you know if your rabbit’s teeth are too long? Rabbits with dental problems often stop eating. If you notice your rabbit’s face is wet or they aren’t eating like they used to, be sure to check their teeth or see your veterinarian. The best way to prevent your rabbit from having overgrown teeth is by making sure your rabbit always has access to fresh hay, like carefresh Timothy Hay from chewy, and toys to gnaw on. Chewing hay, or gnawing on toys, helps wear down teeth and prevents them from getting too long.       Upper Respiratory Illnesses Respiratory infections are common in rabbits, especially when rabbits are housed in crowded stressful conditions. Likewise, rabbits kept in dirty enclosures with inadequate ventilation are more susceptible to these types of infections.  Pasteurellosis is the most common causes of bacterial upper respiratory infections in domestic rabbits and its often referred to as “snuffles.” It is highly contagious and spread through sneezing, coughing and direct contact. It causes an inflammation of the mucous membranes and lungs and left untreated can lead to pneumonia. The typical signs of an upper respiratory infection in rabbits are: runny nose, nasal or eye discharge, sneezing and coughing, and decreased appetite. Rabbits wipe their noses with their front feet, so sometimes people will notice their bunny has wet matted fu on their front legs. Infected rabbits require treatment with antibiotics and supportive care.   Gastrointestinal Stasis For many years, it was believed that rabbits stopped eating due to intestinal blockage caused by hairballs from excessive grooming. This condition was often referred to as “wool block.” However, we now know that it is normal for rabbits to have some amount of hair in their stomach since they are fastidious groomers. When rabbits stop eating, it is usually caused by gastrointestinal (GI) stasis rather than true blockage. GI stasis refers to slowing of the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract. Veterinarians now believe that GI stasis in rabbits is caused by a change in the intestinal bacterial, also known as gut microbiome. These bacteria are beneficial and help a rabbit digest its food. When rabbits develop GI stasis, they stop eating, stop passing stool, become bloated, and can die if untreated. Treatment involves IV fluids, syringe feeding if the rabbit is not eating, antibiotics if there is an infection, and drugs to speed up gut motility. The risk of GI stasis can be reduced by feeding your rabbit hay and a high-fiber diet and by exercise your rabbit to stimulate gut motility.     Ear Mites Ear mites are a common parasite seen in rabbits. Rabbits with ear mites shake and scratch at their ears. In addition, affected animals usually have thick, dry, brownish crusty discharge in one or both ears. Ear mites are highly contagious from rabbit to rabbit and can lead to a head tilt if left untreated. Treatment is simple and involves an injection or topical medication.   Ulcerative Pododermatitis Ulcerative pododermatitis, commonly called “sore hocks,” is an infection of the soles of the rear feet. It occurs when rabbits develop pressure sores on their rear feet that then become infected. This occurs more frequently in overweight rabbits that are housed on wire-floor cages. Urine-soaked droppings and dirty bedding create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that can colonize irritated and inflamed skin leading to infection. Signs of ulcerative pododermatitis include: abnormal walking, limping, and sitting in a peculiar position with weight shifted off the rear feet. Treatment involves moving affected animals to a clean cage with a solid floor and soft bedding. Topical and oral antibiotics are used to treat the infection.    Myxomatosis Myxomatosis, often called “big head disease,” is a deadly viral disease seen in domestic rabbits. It is caused by the myxoma virus, which is a type of pox virus and is transmitted by mosquitos, biting flies, ticks, fleas and direct contact. Rabbits with myxomatosis often have nasal and eye discharge, nasal swelling, fevers and lethargy. Unfortunately, there is no treatment and the disease is usually fatal. The best way to prevent this horrible disease is to protect them from the insects that transmit the disease. Talk to your veterinarian about the best parasite control measures for your rabbit.   When to call your veterinarian Like people, rabbits can become sick, but unlike us, they can’t tell you when they don’t feel well. In addition, they are very good at hiding signs of illness, a trait that was necessary for their wild rabbit cousins. So how do you know when your bunny is sick? Common signs of illness in rabbits include: nasal discharge, congestion, eye discharge, lethargy, poor appetite, diarrhea or reduced stool. If you notice any of these signs, notify your veterinarian right away.   Prevention So how can you keep your rabbit healthy? Make sure they are fed a nutritious diet that includes fresh hay daily. For more information about what to feed your rabbit, check-out this article. Rabbits also need to kept in a well-ventilated clean habitat with proper bedding and a litter box, using carefresh® bedding or litter. Soiled bedding should be removed daily and entire habitats should be cleaned weekly. Just like dogs and cats, rabbits should be spayed and neutered and have annual veterinary check-ups to ensure they are healthy and up-to-date on preventatives.  >>> Learn more about rabbit care, bonding and playtime    By feeding your rabbit a nutritious diet, housing them in a clean and tidy habitat, looking-out for common health problems, and taking them to the veterinarian regularly, you can give your rabbit the best chance to live a long healthy life.            

Many people are drawn to smaller pets like hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs due to space constraints. But the fact is even though these pets are small, when it comes to caring for them,  bigger is better. Small pets do better with larger habitats, more bedding, ample hay, and lots of exercise and socialization.  Large Habitat They may be little but even small pets need elbow room. A larger habitat allows pets room for exercise and more space to sleep, eat and play. There is a body of literature supporting the health benefits of a larger cage size. These studies show benefits with reproduction, lifespan activity, and other positive effects.  Since you can’t take your gerbil on a walk, their habitat needs to be larger enough to accommodate exercise wheels and space to run around.  More Bedding Likewise providing ample bedding is preferred as it allows pets to dig, tunnel and forage for treats. Having plenty of bedding also helps keeps their enclosure clean and dry. Soiled bedding not only smells bad but can lead to medical problems. In particular it can lead to pododermatitis, more commonly known as bumblefoot, which is an inflammation of the skin of the paws and feet. Bumblefoot is common in rodents and small animals that are housed on abrasive surfaces, (like wire) and those that have prolonged contact with wet or soiled bedding. Bumblefoot causes red, swollen, painful feet and lameness. Left untreated it can lead to severe infections, arthritis, and chronic inflammation of the tendons. To prevent health issues like pododermatitis, be sure your pets always have plenty of soft absorbent bedding like carefresh, spot clean as needed, and change bedding regularly. Avoid using cedar chips or pine materials which may be toxic to some animals.   Ample Hay Fresh grass hay is a vital component of a small pet’s diet and has many health benefits. Hay provides essential fiber. Dietary fiber stimulates gut motility and helps promote normal healthy stools. Dietary fiber also helps reduce the risk of obesity. Certain small animals, like rabbits, chinchillas and guinea pigs, need hay for their dental health. Their teeth grow continuously, and hay satisfies their natural need to chew and helps wear down their teeth so that they do not become overgrown. Finally, hay keeps small pets busy and helps prevent boredom. Be sure your small pet has ample high-quality grass at all times. Speak with your veterinarian to learn which type of hay is best for your pet. Exercise & Socialization Just like us, small pets need exercise and socialization. The more the better. Provide your pet exercise wheels, tubes and/or play structures that allow them to climb, explore and run. Don’t forget you can take your little critters out of their cage for exercise too. Hamster balls are great fun for hamsters, humans and even entertainment for curious cats. Larger animals like, guinea Pigs and rabbits enjoy exercising in exercise pens that can be set up inside or outside (always be sure to supervise them especially if they are outside). In addition to exercise all pets need companionship and socialization. Be sure to give your pets lots of love, cuddles and pets. The more love the better.   Exception to the rule In the case of food and fruits and veggies, more is not better. Too much fruit can lead to obesity and gastrointestinal problems. Likewise, too much commercial food like pellets can also lead to an overweight pet. The best way to prevent over feeding or intestinal upset is to follow feeding guidelines for your particular pet’s species. Wee Companions is a great resource for information about small pet husbandry, care and nutrition and don’t forget you can also ask your veterinarian for advice.  Conclusion These pint size pets may be small, but they give lots of love. Be sure you provide them with the space, bedding, hay and exercise they deserve. And remember, in this case bigger is better.