Veterinary Care For Pocket Pets

Our little companions hold a big place in our hearts. Pocket pets or small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rats, chinchillas, terrapins, birds, and other exotic species are most welcome at Paws N’ Claws Veterinary Surgery.

We see plenty of these adorable patients at our clinics in Yishun and Upper Thomson. These furry, scaly, and feathered friends bring endless joy and deserve the best possible veterinary care.

We provide a range of services for your little ones, such as routine health checks including dental checks, bloodwork, X-ray, ultrasound scans, sterilisation, hospitalisation, vaccination, treatments for minor conditions, recommendations for housing and diet, and more.

Note: If you are looking for information on avian care for your pet bird, check out our dedicated page about avian consultation services.

Our dedicated team of veterinarians, nurses, and technicals are all huge fans of these small, delightful creatures. We are deeply passionate about their health and well-being.

Spotting Signs of Illness

This makes early detection and intervention of health issues crucial for their recovery. To spot potential problems, look for subtle changes like:

• Reduced appetite (not eating for 12 hours or more)
• Lethargy or unusual quietness
• Changes in poop droppings (amount or consistency)
• Difficulty breathing

For example, a bunny that usually enjoys flopping contentedly might become hunched and reluctant to move. Other common signs for rabbits may include rapid breathing, wheezing, hiding more than usual, and smaller or misshapen faeces (poop or droppings).

A normally playful hamster might become withdrawn and less active when sick. Look out for changes in appearance such as dull, wet, or matted fur, red or irritated eyes, or any lumps and bumps on the body.

For terrapins, a normally active pet might spend significantly more time basking in the sun than swimming when he is sick, or show difficulty staying afloat or tilting to one side. Cloudy eyes, discolouration on the shell, or lesions are other examples of what could indicate illness in terrapins.

If you notice such signs, or have any concerns about your little critters, contact us right away. For our Upper Thomson clinic, WhatsApp 8891 4417 or call 6250 3375. For our Yishun clinic, WhatsApp 8809 0787 or call 6322 7913.

If we are not responding quickly, we might be managing a heavy caseload of other emergencies or it might be outside of our operating hours. Please immediately reach out to other emergency veterinary clinics or animal hospitals instead.

What Pocket Pet Services Are Available?

Here are further details on our services for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, hamsters, etc — which include:

i. Routine consultations: Regular health checkups are vital to detect potential health issues early. During a consultation, the veterinarian will perform a physical examination, discuss your pet’s diet, housing, and lifestyle, and answer any questions you may have.

ii. Vaccinations: Protect your little one from preventable diseases and safeguard their health. For instance, vaccinating rabbits can reduce the risk of RHD (rabbit haemorrhagic disease), which is highly contagious and typically fatal in non-immune rabbits.

iii. Microscopy and diagnostics: Imaging scans such as X-rays and ultrasounds help us diagnose a wide range of conditions in small animals, allowing us to visualise bones, internal organs, and pregnancies without surgery. We also offer other diagnostic tests such as skin analysis and bloodwork if needed.

iv. Desexing: Sterilising your furkid can offer numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers and preventing unwanted litters. Our veterinarians are experienced in performing safe, routine desexing procedures on a variety of species.

v. Other procedures: In some cases, pocket pets may require soft-tissue surgery to address health concerns. Our vets are also trained to perform procedures such as treating skin abscesses in hamsters.

At present, we offer a range of services tailored to the needs of pocket pets. 

Fear-Free Veterinary Care

At Paws N’ Claws, our team is committed to the Fear-Free approach to veterinary care. We believe that your pet’s emotional health is as important as their physical health.

This evidence-based philosophy focuses on minimising stress and promoting a positive experience for your pet throughout their veterinary care journey with us. We employ various techniques, such as:

• Offering (healthy) treats, toys, petting, or brushing
• Minimising handling and restraint
• Using calming medications and pheromones
• Speaking in quiet, reassuring voices
• Creating a comfortable environment with blankets and towels, and calm music
• Practising positive reinforcement

Learn more from our article: What is Fear-Free?

Chat With Us

At Paws N’ Claws Veterinary Surgery, we welcome all animals — including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, birds, and other exotic species. 

By providing your pocket pet with regular veterinary care, a healthy diet, and a stimulating environment, you can help them live a long and happy life. 

We are committed to partnering with you to ensure your little furball, scaly companion, or shelled friend thrives for many years to come.

Have a question? WhatsApp us at 8891 4417 (Upper Thomson) or 8809 0787 (Yishun).

Alternatively, please fill in the form below to send us a query.