Small mammals such as ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats require wellness care too! They are small and usually live indoors, but they still have the potential to get diseases. And just like pet dogs and cats, your small mammal needs balanced nutrition, human interaction, and appropriate management of his/her environment.
Annual Examinations are Important for Small Mammals
All small mammals need an annual wellness exam. An annual exam gives us the opportunity to ensure that your pet is healthy and have baseline records and baseline blood values for future reference in the event that your pet is ever sick. Depending upon the type of pet, we will discuss vaccination options with you. An annual exam gives you one-on-one time with us so we can answer all of your health and behavior questions. It is best not to wait until a pet is showing signs of illness for their first exam as these types of pets often mask signs of illness until the illness is severe.
We treat most types of small mammals, including:
• Ferrets
• Gerbils
• Guinea Pigs
• Hamsters
• Hedgehogs
• Mice
• Rats
• Chinchillas
• Sugar Gliders
Our specialized veterinary care for small mammals includes:
• Annual wellness physical examinations
• Parasite treatment and control
• Diagnostic testing, such as x-rays, blood tests, skin scrapings, and biopsy of growths
• Surgeries for spay, neuter, growth removal and fractures
• Medications and supplements tailored to the needs of your pocket pet
• Nutritional counseling
• Behavioral counseling
Microchipping Your Small Pet
We recommend that all small mammals be microchipped. This is an easy procedure that can be done in-office without anesthesia. Microchipping is the safest permanent identification and may be the only way your small pet finds their way home if lost. For more information about microchipping your pet, please view our microchipping page.
We Would Love to Meet Your New Pet!
If you have recently acquired a small mammal pet, we recommend that you bring your pet to us for an exam within 1-2 weeks after receiving your pet to ensure their good health. We will discuss nutrition and behavior issues with you at your first appointment.