Do Small Pets (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs & Hamsters) Need Vet Visits Too?

At Gibson’s Paws, Claws & Crawls, we believe every pet—big or small— deserves to be seen, cared for, and understood. If you share your home with a rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, or other pocket pet, you already know how much personality can fit into such a tiny body. These little companions are part of the family, and just like dogs and cats, they benefit from routine vet visits and wellness exams with an experienced small pet or exotic pet veterinarian, like Gibson’s Paws, Claws & Crawls.

But here’s the thing: small mammals often hide when something is wrong due to their natural instincts as prey animals. That’s why preventive care matters so much.

Why Small Pets Hide When They’re Hurt or Sick

In the wild, showing weakness can put prey animals at risk, so these pocket pets learn to mask pain or discomfort until the condition becomes much worse. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters still carry those instincts, even while living indoors with families who adore them.

This means pet parents often don’t see obvious signs of illness until things get very serious. A small shift, such as less excitement at feeding time, hiding more, moving slower, or eating differently can be your first clue.

As a community of small-pet lovers, one of the best things we can do is stay informed and proactive.

How Often Should They See a Vet?

Pet Type	Recommended Wellness Care
Rabbits	Annual, semiannual for seniors
Guinea Pigs	Semiannual
Hamsters, Mice, Gerbils	Semiannual, quarterly for seniors

Routine visits with a rabbit vet, guinea pig vet, or exotic pet vet allow us to catch hidden issues early and support a long, healthy life.

Common Health Concerns in Pocket Pets

Our team frequently sees:

• Dental Overgrowth (their teeth never stop growing)

• Respiratory Infections (can progress quickly into pneumonia)

• Nutritional Deficiencies (especially vitamin C deficiency in guinea pigs)

• Gastrointestinal Stasis in Rabbits (this is an emergency if decreased appetite and no defecation lasts longer than a day)

• Skin Parasites and Mites

  
  

Regular exotic pet wellness exams help prevent emergencies and give you peace of mind as a pet parent.

When to Get Help Right Away

Reach out to an exotic pet veterinarian if your pet is:

• Not eating or drinking normally

• Pooping less or showing changes in droppings

• Sneezing, wheezing, or breathing noisily

• Losing weight

• Hiding more than usual

• Drooling or grinding teeth

• Scratching excessively or losing fur

  
  

For small pets, a day can make a difference. When in doubt, call—it’s always better to ask.

We’re Here for You & Your Small Pets

Pocket pets may be tiny, but their impact on our hearts is huge. At Gibson’s Paws, Claws & Crawls, we love being part of a community that celebrates every kind of pet. Whether you’re a first-time rabbit owner or a long-time guinea pig enthusiast, our team is here to support you with compassionate, knowledgeable care.

If your small pet is due for a wellness exam, we’d love to welcome you in. Schedule a visit with our team at Gibson’s Paws, Claws & Crawls, and let’s make sure your little one stays happy, healthy, and thriving for years to come.