How often should pocket pets/rodents visit the vet?

I have heard so many different opinions on this, I am confused. Some say annually, some say bi-annually. Some say never(which I know of course is not right), and some say only as soon as you get and then as long as you monitor it closely, only take it in when there is the slightest sign of illness after initial exam, and that annual visits stress them out. How often do you take yours to the vet and what species is it?How often should pocket pets/rodents visit the vet?
The term ';pocket pets'; can refer to a large variety of animals, so one answer is never going to be fully applicable.





Some pocket pets are required by law to receive yearly vaccinations. Some aren't. Some are very high-risk for health problems that are only treatable if caught early enough, and some aren't. When it comes to ';pocket pets'; it REALLY depends on which species you are talking about, and how much of their health depends on medical exams and how much is ';as-needed';.





For example, ferrets require yearly vaccinations against rabies and distemper in most places. They are also very high-risk for serious health issues such as adrenal gland disease, insulinoma, and ADV. These things can only be treated properly if they are caught early enough, if they can be treated at all, so I'd say it's a great idea to get your ferret checked at LEAST once a year when you go get it vaccinated.





Most RODENTS don't require any type of vaccinations by law, but as prey animals, they are sensitive and are good at hiding their illnesses. Each species has it's unique problems.





Rats are prone to tumors and respiratory diseases.


Hamsters are prone to obesity, diabetes (dwarfs) and stress-related illnesses.


Rabbits are prone to Snuffles and tooth/mouth problems.


Hedgehogs are prone to mite infestations and pneumonia.


Guinea pigs are prone to respiratory illnesses.


Chinchillas are prone to heat stroke, diabetes, and ringworm.


Short-tailed opossums are prone to pneumonia and skin cancers.





There are also tons of other problems your animals can get.





The number of vet visits also depends on your personal knowledge of that animal's needs. If you have a significant amount of experience, several years with several other specimens, and you are confident that you can recognize the symptoms of the problems your animals are most likely to get, then maybe you don't need to take them as often.





And it depends on where they came from. Animals who came from a reputable breeder known to produce healthy critters probably don't need to be taken in as often as animals from a pet shop or a rescue.





It also depends on the animal's temperament. For example, my pet rats or ferrets or hedgehogs are very outgoing and don't mind a trip to the vet. But my wallaby FREAKS OUT when confined in a small space, so I will limit his visits to the vet as much as possible. Stress can KILL some animals, and critters like rabbits and chinchillas can become stressed easily.





Personally, I have a lot of experience with a lot of different animals. The only pocket pets/rodents I have who visit the vet often are my ferrets and birds for yearly checkups. One of my birds has a condition and goes in every few months. Everyone else only goes in if they are showing signs of being sick.





I think it's important to do an initial checkup when you first get an animal, and then do a minimum 3 week quarantine when you first bring them home, especially if you are bringing in another animal of a species you already have.





Like I said, this answer varies from person to person, animal to animal, case by case. If I had an idea of what type of critter you were talking about, I might be able to give you a more specific answer. :)





Feel free to email me if you ever need anything.How often should pocket pets/rodents visit the vet?
a regular exam by someone familiar with the species is a good preventative care step. They may detect something early or something you didn't know was a problem. So for many species a regular exam even if they are not sick is a good idea. As they get older, routine bloodwork is good to. However some species are very stressed out by going to the vet, and some animals can only be througholy examined when anesthetized. If I had one of these nervous critters, I don't think I would put him throught the stress.
For my rats/hamsters, I usually do it if they're sick, or if there's something I'm not really concerned with, but curious about, and would prefer to ask a vet. For example, one of my rats has an umbellical hernia. It's not life threatening, really doesn't even need surgery. But I wasn't sure what it was at first, and while my rat acted fine, took him to the vet. I was planning on bugging the vet about how the neuter operation works in rats (Know the basics, wanted to know about their office experience, anesthesia, etc.) and I would much rather talk to the vet in person on those things then over the phone.





Anyway, for me, I pester my vet a lot, but it's not really a annual or bi-annual. Frankly, somehow I doubt I'd get past 6 months without visiting the vet, but mostly just because I'm a worrywart.
Hi,





If you think that your pet seems sick or in pain, that's when you should take them to a vet. Rodents don't need regular shots like dogs do twice a year, and they don't really need check-ups. But if you think that your hamster is hurt or sick, that is when you take them to the vet.





~Animal Helper~
I've had hamsters and I have ferrets three of them....I think I've had others to oh squirrels two of them....and I only take them if they are sick....my vet said and I quote ';As long as they are inside then they don't need anything'; They are not like dogs who need rabies and this and that....if they are inside and kept clean..then they don't need anything because they are inside away from most paricites or harm...unlike dogs who need rabies becasue they are in the heat....etc. or outside and get fleas ticks or infections from outside insects.
...';pocket pets';...? (rodents in your pocket ?) with all due respect, I'm not sure just ';who'; needs to see the ';doctor'; here.
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i have rats unless they're sick i don't take them