Veterinary Care for Rodents

For over 50 years, Veterinary Medical Associates has been trusted by Modesto families to care for the healthcare needs of their pet rodents, including gerbils, hamsters, mice and rats.

Veterinary Care for Rodents

Rodents are prey species, so they will often hide signs of illness. This is why diligent veterinary care is important for keeping them healthy.

Routine Veterinary Care

Rodents require physical examinations and fecal tests at least annually to check for parasites. Neutering is also recommended for rodents. Speak to your veterinarian about spaying or neutering your beloved rodent as a way to help protect their health and prevent unchecked population expansion.

Rodents should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year. Twice-yearly examinations are recommended as your pet gets older.

Surgery For Rodents

Like other pets, rodents require surgical procedures now and again to help maintain and restore good health. Common rodent surgeries include spay and neuter procedures and molar filing.

Learn More About Pet Surgery

Rodent At-Home Care Basics

Pet rodents include small mammals such as hamsters, gerbils, mice, and rats. Each of these pets has specific requirements for health and care, and we recommend at least annual wellness visits. In fact, owing to their inherently shorter lifespans, it is best to have them examined every six months as an extra precaution.

• Hamsters: Adult hamsters grow to be about six inches long and live roughly two years. As solitary pets, each should have its own cage. Also, hamsters are nocturnal and will be most active at night.
• Mice: These pets are small, about three inches long, and live about one year. Social pets, mice do well in pairs or groups; however, males may fight with other males. These pets are active and fun to watch, low maintenance and can become tame if handled appropriately.
• Rats: These intelligent rodents can range from four inches to quite large and live an average of one to three years. They are very social and do best in same-sex pairs. Easy to handle and quite intelligent, rats enjoy time outside the cage for exercise and interaction. Due to their intelligent and social nature, rats make rewarding pets.