Molesey Vets’ Winter Wishlist for Pet Rats and Mice
October 21, 2024
If you are the proud keeper of pet rats or mice, it’s important to get their living quarters and health needs in check ahead of the upcoming winter months in Surrey. It’s also wise to have a plan in place for emergencies, such as power cuts, frozen pipes, and food supply shortages.
The nursing team at Molesey Vets have put together a Winter Wishlist to help you keep your pet rats or mice warm and safe this upcoming season.
Winter Wishlist: Cold weather care for pet rats and mice
1. Move Pets Indoors: Molesey Vets’ nursing team recommend bringing outdoor pets indoors when the mercury hits 10 degrees Celsius and placing their housing in a warm and quiet part of your home. The room will need good ventilation but no drafts to avoid health problems. Avoid rooms with open fires/fumes and bright lighting.
2. Keep Things Above 10 Degrees Celsius: Small mammals, especially very old/young pets, are more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections in cold weather, as well as hyperthermia. If the temperature could drop below 10 degrees Celsius, use thermostat-controlled heating. Central heating is ideal, or if using any free-standing heat sources they should have an automatic shut-off if they get knocked over. Don’t place your pet’s housing too close to the heat source and keep an eye on the temperature gauge as you don’t want the room too hot either.
3. Increase Exercise & Enrichment: Our veterinary nurses in East Molesey advise that pet rats and mice can benefit from more playtime and exercise opportunities to keep them active and warm. Pet rats and mice love to explore, climb, jump, chew, hideout, dig, play, socialise, and forage for food. Just be sure your pets are in a safe escape-proof space and can’t chew any cables!
4. Add Extra Bedding Materials: Make your tiny pals extra snug and warm this winter by providing extra bedding. Be sure to research safe bedding for pet rats or mice.
5. Check For Frozen Water Daily: Whether your pet has a water bottle or bowl, check it daily to ensure it hasn’t frozen. Side note, frozen water means the room temperature is far too low to keep your pet rats or mice healthy.
6. Create an Emergency Plan: Ask yourself these questions and make a plan:
- How will you keep your pets warm if you have a power cut? Molesey Vets’ nurses suggest wrapping a blanket around the sides of the cage. If you’re using a hot water bottle (thanks to a gas stove) or a self-heating heat pad, place these on the outside of the cage so your pets can’t chew them.
- Do you have bottled water in case the pipes freeze?
- Do you have enough of your pet’s food if you can’t get any for a period of time?
- Do you have enough bedding and other supplies?
- Could a friend look after your pet until your home returns to normal?
7. Contact Your Vet if You’re Concerned: Monitor your pet and if they are displaying signs of ill health or behaviours out of the ordinary, it’s a good idea to book a check-up with our vets in East Molesey.
If you are in any doubt about the correct temperature for your species of small furry pet, or you have any other questions, contact our team at Molesey Vets for advice.