If you are a parent, it is very likely that you children have spent countless hours begging and pleading you to have a pet at home. Perhaps you live in an apartment and the idea of buying a dog or cat just isn't an option, maybe you just don't have the room or your landlord worn allow for it. You have decided that there will be no pets in the home and yet day after day your children are relentless in their efforts for an animal. So, rather than trying to manage a dog you settle with your kids for a smaller animal, so that they can learn the tools of the trade, as in responsibility. Small animals can include bunnies, mice, hamsters or other gerbils; however, it is important to know that animal cleanliness is an essential part of caring for these animals.

Small animals are usually self-cleaning animals, and will groom themselves frequently; they are also generally odorless as well. One of the first signs of an unhealthy small animal is if you start noticing foul smells coming from them or their cage, they just may be suffering from an illness of some sort and can usually be a result of their cage or place of habitation from being unkempt causing poor health in the animals. How can you look out for a small animal that may be growing ill? Apart from a foul odor, you may also notice that there hair texture charges, it begins falling out, or their tails are a different color. These are natural symptoms of an ill animal that may have been caused by their unsanitary living areas.

What is important to realize also, for these types of animals, because they are self-bathers choosing to clean them on your own can actually harm them. It can ruin their fur coat as well as harm the oils that protect their bodies. Contact your local veterinarian if you notice their coat looking differently, they may have suggestions as to how you should change the animals diet or address cage cleanliness concerns.

As the cage is going to be the animal's habitat the majority of the time, it is imperative to keep it clean and to do so often. While cleaning the entire cage every day may be a bit too much, you will want to at least make sure you do so on a regular basis, and at least rinse out the food and water area even more frequently. In order to clean the cage you will want to completely remove all of the products from the inside and then throw away the old ground covering/litter into the trash. After that you will want to make sure that all residue is picked up, using a vacuum is usually the most effective method for this.

Next you will want to use a watered down cloth in order to wipe out the cage. Avoid any products as the animal will likely get sick from inhaling the toxins of the cleaning chemicals. If the cage is absolutely horrid, dish soap can work because it is gentle enough for even the human stomach in small amounts. Next while you let that dry out, give the food container and water bowl a deep cleaning before refilling them will fresh food and water. Once this is complete, refill the tank with the litter, the toys and food and water; and you will have a happy and healthy animal!

There are many animals that have very specific cleaning regimens, so it is important to do the research for you unique house pet in order to make sure they stay in healthy condition while in your home. Call your local vet today to discuss healthy options for your animal!