Take-home versions of the guidance our doctors give most often for birds, rabbits, reptiles, and pocket pets. These are general guidelines — your veterinarian's advice for your specific companion always comes first.
All guides (10)
Avian NutritionA seed-only diet is one of the leading causes of preventable illness in pet birds, and most parrots do best on a formulated pellet base supplemented with fresh foods.Read the guide
Feather-Destructive BehaviorFeather plucking is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, and medical causes must be ruled out before the behavior is treated as a behavioral or environmental problem.Read the guide
Ferret Care BasicsFerrets, where legal in your state, are obligate carnivores with specific housing, vaccination, and health-monitoring needs, including several diseases that commonly appear in middle age.Read the guide
GI Stasis in RabbitsGastrointestinal stasis is one of the most common — and most dangerous — conditions in pet rabbits, and any rabbit that stops eating needs prompt veterinary attention.Read the guide
Guinea Pigs and Vitamin CGuinea pigs, like humans, cannot synthesize their own vitamin C and depend entirely on diet to prevent scurvy and support normal joint and gum health.Read the guide
Hedgehog Care BasicsPet hedgehogs, where legal in your state, need carefully controlled warmth, a solitary insectivore-appropriate setup, and monitoring for a handful of common age-related problems.Read the guide
Metabolic Bone Disease in ReptilesMetabolic bone disease is a largely preventable condition caused by insufficient calcium, vitamin D3, or UVB exposure, and it remains one of the most common problems seen in pet reptiles.Read the guide
Pocket Pet BasicsHamsters, gerbils, rats, and mice each have distinct housing, diet, and social needs, and because they hide illness well, owners need to know which signs call for a veterinary visit.Read the guide
Rabbit Dental DiseaseRabbit teeth grow continuously throughout life, and dental disease — often driven by an inadequate diet — is one of the most common health problems seen in pet rabbits.Read the guide
Reptile Lighting and UVBMost reptiles depend on UVB light to produce vitamin D3 and absorb calcium normally, and providing the right UVB source is one of the most important parts of reptile husbandry.Read the guide
Questions about anything here? Contact our team — we’re glad to help.