Many a child has delighted in their own pet hamster, gerbil, or guinea pig. These pets, often collectively termed pocket pets, are small animals that are relatively easy to take care of. Unfortunately, even the best kept home can still have hazards in them dangerous for these animals. Here are a few to look out for if you are planning to bring a pocket pet into your home.

Loose wires

One of the most dangerous (and common!) hazards for pocket pets is the electrical wires filling our home. Most pocket pets are also instinctive chewers, and the cord to your lamp looks like a great thing to chew on.

At best, if the product is unplugged, your pet will be exposed to heavy metals found in the wires. At worst if it is plugged in at the time, your pet may be electrocuted to death.

Extreme temperatures

Some types of pocket pets, such as bunnies and chinchillas, don’t do well in extreme temperature fluctuations. These animals can’t sweat and have thick coats, so while a hot day without a fan may be uncomfortable to you, it could be deadly to the pet.

Hedgehogs have the opposite problem. When the temperature drops below 70F, they become lethargic and go into something close to hibernation called torpor.

Friendly pets

Most pocket pets are prey animals. Even if it seems like everyone is having fun, or a dog is being gentle, it can be a frightening experience to the pocket pet, or even a deadly one. What your dog thinks of as a gentle play bite could prove deadly for a gerbil, and even if it isn’t the shock and fear of a large animal wrapping its mouth around them is certainly terrifying.

Even if your pets seem friendly towards each other, it’s best to keep them apart.

Your pocket pet has many of the same hazards as cats and dogs, but also problems unique to being a small and delicate animal. It’s important to research the species you have to make sure you meet all of their needs.

http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/common-health-hazards-and-toxins-for-small-mammals