Small animal health and hygiene
Small animal health and hygiene covers the everyday products that keep a rabbit, guinea pig or other small pet's living space and coat in good condition, rather than treatments for a specific illness. We stock cleaning sprays, parasite treatments and general condition products for small pets and, in a couple of cases, poultry too.
Cleaning and general condition
Johnson's Clean 'N' Safe Small Animal is a cleaning product formulated specifically for small animal housing rather than a general household cleaner, which matters because small pets are more sensitive to residue than a dog or cat. Small 'N' Furry Carrot Salt Lick with Holder gives small pets access to minerals and something to gnaw on, which supports general condition rather than treating anything specific.
A Galvanised Metal Poultry Feeder Trough also sits in this category, for anyone keeping poultry alongside smaller pets, since good hygiene around feeding equipment matters just as much for hens as it does for rabbits and guinea pigs.
Parasite treatments
Petsolve Anti-Parasite Small Rodent is a parasite treatment aimed specifically at small rodents, reflecting that products formulated for cats and dogs are not automatically safe or effective for a rabbit, guinea pig or hamster. Using the right product for the right species matters more with small pets than with dogs and cats, where a wider range of products is designed to cover several species at once.
If you are ever unsure whether a treatment is right for your specific small pet, checking the product's own species guidance or asking your vet is worth doing before using anything not clearly labelled for that animal, since small pets can react badly to products safe for other species.
Common questions
- Can I use a dog or cat flea treatment on a rabbit?
- No, products formulated for cats and dogs are not automatically safe for rabbits or other small pets, so always use a treatment specifically labelled for your animal, such as Petsolve Anti-Parasite Small Rodent, and check with your vet if you are ever unsure.
- How often should I clean my rabbit's hutch?
- A full clean at least once a week is a reasonable starting point, with spot-cleaning of soiled bedding daily in between, using a product formulated for small animal housing such as Johnson's Clean 'N' Safe rather than a general household cleaner.
- What is a salt lick actually for?
- A salt or mineral lick gives small pets access to minerals they might not get enough of from hay and forage alone, and also gives them something to gnaw on, which supports general condition rather than treating any specific deficiency or illness.
- Are small pets more sensitive to cleaning products than dogs and cats?
- Generally yes, which is why products labelled specifically for small animal housing are worth using over a general household cleaner or a product formulated for a larger pet, since residue that would not bother a dog can affect a smaller, more sensitive animal.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.