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Small Mammals
Explore expert articles on small mammals with Vet Verified.
180 articles
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Supporting a Rabbit That Has Lost Its Companion
Rabbits can grieve when a bonded companion dies. Signs of grief in rabbits include reduced appetite, lethargy, hiding, searching, reduced play, clinginess and changes in sleeping habits. Appetite changes are serious because a rabbit that stops eating can develop dangerous gut problems, so contact a rabbit-savvy vet immediately if your rabbit refuses food, has fewer or smaller droppings, or loses weight. Simple help that may calm a grieving rabbit includes keeping routines the same, offering extra gentle attention, keeping the home quiet and familiar, giving favourite greens and fresh hay, and letting the rabbit briefly see their companion’s body if you think it will help. Watch closely for illness, especially in older rabbits, and avoid making many big changes at once. If you plan to get another rabbit, reintroduce slowly using neutral territory, supervision and neutering for both. Take care of your own feelings too, and contact rescue groups or vets for bonding support and advice on how to help a grieving rabbit.
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Everything You Need to Do Before Boarding Your Guinea Pigs
Boarding guinea pigs while you go on holiday can give peace of mind, but good preparation matters. Choose a guinea pig boarding facility with experience, clean secure housing, daily health checks and vet access. Book early for busy holiday periods. Make sure bonded guinea pigs stay together, keep their normal diet and vitamin C routine, and bring favourite items like hideouts, bedding and food. Leave clear written care instructions, label supplies and tell staff about any medical needs. Use a safe carrier for travel and check your guinea pigs’ health before and after boarding, contacting a vet if you spot worrying signs. With these steps your guinea pigs are more likely to stay calm and healthy while you are away.
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Mobility Issues in Rabbits: Signs, Causes and How to Help
Mobility issues in rabbits are problems with hopping, jumping, standing or grooming. Watch for signs such as limping, stiffness, reluctance to hop, dragging back legs, poor grooming and less activity. Common causes include arthritis, injury, spinal or neurological disease such as E. cuniculi, obesity, sore hocks and age-related muscle weakness. See a vet for diagnosis, pain relief and possible scans or physiotherapy. At home, make the rabbit more comfortable with soft bedding, non-slip floors, low-entry litter trays, ramps, easy access to food and gentle exercise. Keep the rabbit’s weight under control, groom more often and check for urine scald or flystrike. Seek urgent veterinary help for sudden paralysis, severe pain, inability to stand or loss of bladder or bowel control. With early vet care and simple home changes, many rabbits with mobility problems can still live happy, comfortable lives.
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What Are the Signs Your Rat Is Sick?
Recognising early signs of illness in pet rats helps you get veterinary care quickly. Watch for changes in appetite, sudden weight loss or less drinking. Look for low energy, sleeping more, less play, or trouble moving. Check breathing for sneezing, wheeze, noisy or laboured breathing and nasal discharge, as these need prompt vet attention. Red stains around the eyes or nose may be porphyrin and can mean stress or illness. Notice a rough or matted coat, bald patches, poor grooming, or excessive scratching. Changes in droppings or urine, new lumps, limping, stiffness or reluctance to move, and changes in behaviour or balance are all warning signs. Swollen or cloudy eyes, head tilt and ear problems can also point to infection or nerve issues. If your rat stops eating or drinking, has severe breathing trouble, becomes very weak, loses weight fast or collapses, see a vet straight away. Early veterinary help improves recovery and keeps your rat more comfortable.
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What Are the Signs Your Guinea Pig Is Sick?
Guinea pigs hide illness well. This guide on guinea pig signs of illness helps you spot problems early so you can get veterinary care fast. Look for changes in appetite, sudden weight loss, low activity, breathing problems, dental trouble, changes in droppings or urine, poor coat or skin, eye or ear issues, pain or trouble moving, and odd behaviour. Vitamin C deficiency causes weakness, swollen joints and bleeding gums. Urgent signs that need a vet now include difficulty breathing, refusing food, severe lethargy, diarrhoea or collapse. Regular weighing and watching daily habits helps protect your guinea pig and supports quick recovery.
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Caring for an Ageing or Elderly Rabbit
Ageing rabbits need more care and regular vet check-ups. Senior rabbits (around 5 to 7 years) can slow down, sleep more, lose or gain weight, have cloudy eyes, dental problems and stiff joints (arthritis). Watch appetite, droppings and grooming; stopping eating or fewer droppings is serious. Help with soft bedding, low-entry litter trays, ramps, non-slip floors and easy access to food and water to make moving easier. Keep up dental checks and change to softer foods if chewing is hard, while keeping hay as the main food. Keep bonded rabbits together for company and check daily for urine scald, matted fur and skin problems. Gentle exercise, regular weighing and pain relief when needed help comfort older rabbits. Small home changes and prompt vet care give elderly rabbits a better quality of life.
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What Are the Signs Your Rabbit Is Sick?
Rabbits often hide illness, so spotting small changes is very important for rabbit health. Watch for appetite changes (not eating, leaving hay, weight loss), droppings changes (fewer, smaller, soft or none), low energy and behaviour changes (lethargy, hiding, aggression), breathing problems (rapid, wheeze, discharge), dental signs (drooling, trouble chewing, wet fur), coat and grooming issues (dull, matted, bald patches), digestive problems (bloating, diarrhoea, loud tooth grinding), eye and ear signs (discharge, head tilt) and pain or mobility issues (limping, stiffness). Urgent signs that need a vet straight away are not eating, no droppings, breathing difficulty, severe lethargy, sudden collapse and a bloated belly. These problems can get worse very quickly, so quick action helps your rabbit get better and keeps their health in good condition.
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Long-Haired Mice: Elegant Fancy Mice with Flowing Coats
Long-haired mice are a variety of fancy mouse (Mus musculus) known for their impressive coats, which require more grooming than short-haired types. While not a separate species, these mice are often paired with other coat traits, creating unique appearances. Key traits include an active and social temperament, a variety of colours and patterns, and a body size of 6–10 cm. They need companionship and should be housed in well-ventilated enclosures, with paper-based bedding to prevent coat tangles. A balanced diet with fresh veggies and protein is key for health. Daily coat checks and gentle handling are necessary for their wellbeing. Long-haired mice are well-suited for enthusiasts willing to care for their grooming needs, but they may not be ideal for very young children or those seeking a low-maintenance pet.
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The Giant Papillon Rabbit: A Striking Giant with a Playful Personality
The Giant Papillon, admired in the UK for its bold markings and lively nature, is a distinctive giant rabbit breed requiring space and activity. Originating from Europe, this active and social rabbit features a refined structure and notable butterfly-like nose marking. Weighing 5–6 kg and living 5–7 years, they demand large indoor or outdoor spaces with ample exercise opportunities. Their diet should be hay-based, complemented with fresh greens and high-fibre pellets. Regular grooming and health checks are essential due to their potential health issues. Ideal for those with space and time, the Giant Papillon makes an engaging pet for experienced rabbit owners.
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Double Rex Rats: Unique, Velvety Companions for Experienced Keepers
Double rex rats are a unique type of pet rat, known for their patchy coats and velvety skin. These rats, a genetic variation of fancy rats, need specific care due to their unusual appearance. Double rex rats are social, requiring companionship with other rats, and need a warm, safe environment with adequate cage space and proper bedding. Their diet should include rat nuggets, fresh vegetables, and occasional protein treats. Handling must be gentle due to their sensitive skin. While generally healthy, they are prone to skin issues and tumours. Double rex rats are ideal for enthusiasts and families with older children who can provide the extra care they need.
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Understanding The Critical Role of Vitamin C in Guinea Pig Health
Vitamin C is crucial for guinea pigs as they cannot produce it themselves. Lack of vitamin C leads to serious health problems, so it's important to know how much they need and where to get it. Guinea pigs need between 10–30 mg of vitamin C daily, depending on their condition. The best sources are vitamin C-fortified pellets, fresh vegetables like bell peppers and kale, and occasionally, fruits like kiwi and strawberries. Supplements can help if dietary intake is insufficient, but fresh vegetables should be prioritised. Watch out for signs of deficiency such as weakness and loss of appetite, and avoid common mistakes like relying solely on pellets or using vitamin C water drops. Offering a balanced meal plan ensures your guinea pig stays healthy and happy. Always consult a vet for advice on proper nutrition.
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The Himalayan Rabbit: A Calm, Elegant, and Striking Breed
The Himalayan rabbit is a charming and ancient rabbit breed known for its unique point colouring and gentle nature. Despite its mysterious origins, this breed has been cherished for centuries. Ideal for families and first-time owners, Himalayans are friendly, calm, and best suited for indoor living. Weighing between 1.1–2 kg, they are known for their slim build, short soft fur, and temperature-sensitive markings. They thrive in spacious homes with ample exercise, proper diet, and simple grooming. While generally healthy, they do require attention to prevent dental and obesity issues. Companionship is important, as they are social creatures. With proper care and a loving home, Himalayan rabbits make delightful and rewarding companions.
Small Mammals
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