|
A very roomy hamster carrier
|
Hamsters are one of those great pets that don't really NEED to go to
the vet unless they are sick. Unfortunately, finding a vet that sees
hamsters is not always easy. Finding one that actually KNOWS hamsters is
even harder. Calling around to vets BEFORE buying a hamster is a very good
idea. You don't want to
get stuck with a sick hamster and have to drive three hours to take it to
the vet. The best way to find a vet is to use your local yellow pages and
call around and just ask if they see hamsters. You can also used Dogpile or
Vetfinder.
Taking your hamster to the vet CAN be stressful, but not necessarily.
Some hamsters never notice they are on a trip, especially if they are
already used to a carrier during cage-cleaning time. There are a lot
of different carriers, most really inexpensive, and what kind doesn't
matter as long as it is inescapable and sturdy. Add a little bit of
food and a bit of celery, cucumber, apple, etc for moisture. Riding in
the car, secure the cage so it doesn't slide around and keep the cage
out of direct sun. Never leave any pet in a car no matter the weather.
Be sure to tell your vet if your hamster is tame and will not bite, though
some vets prefer to scruff a hamster just because this keeps it still during
examination. Writing down a list of questions ahead of time is a very good
idea for any vet visit. If you have concerns or information you think might
be helpful, print it out and take it with you as well.
|
