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Nibble and Run
Pet Age Staff //March 1, 2019//
Listen to this articleWhile hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, rabbits and other small animals belong to the same family, they require species-specific care. Some may be affected by diseases unique to their species. For example, wobbly hedgehog syndrome is a neurological disease that affects hedgehogs. But across the board, all small animals have common medical problems that require proper care. Trauma, for example, is more a factor of the size and fragility of these small animals than genetics, and others, like obesity, are largely only a problem in captive populations.
While veterinarians have the medical knowledge and provide medicinal approaches for small animals, manufacturers and retailers should have an understanding of the care for each and every critter. This is crucial to providing pet parents with the advice, tools and products they need to keep their critters happy and healthy in between veterinary checkups. If you are familiar with the common diseases and health issues that plague each species, you can instruct customers on how to prevent these diseases with products or lifestyle habits that maintain their overall health. And by being familiar with the symptoms of the diseases, you’ll be able to guide customers in the right direction when the time comes for them to consult with a veterinary professional. This will also boost your relationships with local veterinarians as well as your customers.
These products emphasize a healthy lifestyle for all small animals by focusing on two main categories: food and exercise. Although tiny, critters need foods filled with their required nutrients and vitamins, and products designed to keep them active and exercised. Paired together, the right amount of food and exercise paves the way for bodies that are toned and well-kept, fur that is soft and skin that is healthy. Having these products in addition to others will provide consumers with a varied selection so they can create a combination of health products that work best for their critter.
Versele-Laga Complete Small Animal Food
Containing all nutritional elements, this complete, high-tech, all-in-one extruded small animal food has an industry-leading palatability and prevents selective eating. Based on advanced scientific insights, the composition is tailored to pets to keep them in top form. Available for rabbits, rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, degus, ferrets and more.
Selective Naturals Grain-Free Food
Supreme is going grain-free with Selective Naturals rabbit and guinea pig food. Ninety-three percent of pet owners think there is a benefit to feeding grain-free, believing it is less likely to cause health problems. Selective Naturals Grain-Free is rich in Timothy Hay and garden vegetables, with no added sugars, corn or wheat.
Critter Cruiser
Encourage healthy exercise in a fun and safe way with the Kaytee Critter Cruiser. Powered by hamsters, gerbils and mice themselves, the Kaytee Critter Cruiser can remain stationary, roll freely on a flat surface or roll directly on the Kaytee Hamtrac.
MidWest’s Critterville Small Animal Exercise Pen
The Critterville Small Pet Playpen is built to last. It has been built to be convenient, too. The playpen is created with a design that sets up quickly without tools, folds flat in a flash for travel and storage, and offers the convenience of indoor or outdoor use.
Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner
Exotic Nutrition’s Silent Runner Wheel is the most innovative wheel on the market for its safety features and whisper-silent spin. The axle-free construction eliminates a dangerous center axle, reducing the risk of fur/tail entanglement, pet wrap-a-round, curvature of the spine and other injuries. The wheel spins using dual-ball bearing technology, ensuring it glides smoothly and quietly. Customers will love this wheel’s silence, safety and durability.
