Urgent Care Now Open! Starting January T-Th 5-9 PM
OPEN MONDAY – FRIDAY 5:00pm to 9:00PM
Small mammals bring a surprising amount of personality and joy to their families. At Venetian Pet Hospital, we provide dedicated veterinary care for gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small mammals throughout the Stockton, CA area as part of our broader exotic pet services. Whether you have a guinea pig that needs dental care or a hamster showing signs of illness, our team has the experience and gentle approach to help.
Our dedicated team is here to provide urgent, high-quality care for your pets—because they’re family and deserve immediate attention when it matters most!
Small mammals are prone to a variety of health conditions that can progress quickly if left untreated. Because these animals are prey species, they often hide symptoms of pain and illness, making regular veterinary checkups one of the best ways to catch problems early. Research from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine confirms that each small mammal species has its own distinct anatomy, dietary needs, and disease predispositions, making species-specific veterinary care essential.
Guinea pigs are social animals that thrive in pairs or groups. They are one of the few mammals that cannot produce their own vitamin C, so their diet must include supplemental sources of this nutrient to prevent scurvy. Guinea pigs are also prone to dental disease, respiratory infections, and skin parasites.
Hamsters are typically solitary and nocturnal, which means changes in their activity levels may be harder to spot. Wet tail, a bacterial intestinal condition that can be fatal within 24 to 48 hours if not treated promptly, is a common emergency in young hamsters. Dental overgrowth, skin conditions, and respiratory infections are also frequent concerns. If your hamster seems lethargic, wet around the tail, or stops eating, contact our urgent care line immediately.
Gerbils are active, curious rodents that do best in pairs. They can develop seizures, especially if they have not been handled regularly from a young age. They are also susceptible to nasal dermatitis, dental problems, and tumors as they age. Annual wellness exams help catch these conditions early.
A balanced diet is the cornerstone of small mammal health. Guinea pigs need unlimited hay, fresh vegetables rich in vitamin C, and high-quality pellets. Hamsters and gerbils thrive on commercially prepared seed or pellet mixes supplemented with fresh vegetables and occasional protein sources. Yes, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs are all small mammals — warm-blooded, fur-bearing animals that give birth to live young and require species-specific veterinary care just like cats or dogs do. Our team offers nutritional counseling to help you build a diet plan tailored to your pet’s species and age. We also provide small mammal care guidance on habitat enrichment, exercise, and social needs to support your pet’s overall quality of life.
Our veterinary team provides wellness exams, diagnostics, dental care, parasite treatment, nutritional counseling, and surgical services for small mammals. Whether your guinea pig needs a dental trim, your hamster has developed a skin condition, or your gerbil is due for a checkup, we have the experience and gentle touch to provide excellent care. We also see rabbits and a range of other exotic species, making us a reliable resource for multi-species households throughout Stockton.
Venetian Pet Hospital is a family-owned practice where every pet, no matter how small, matters. Our Stockton, CA team provides knowledgeable care for gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small exotic animals. Dr. Hanh Do and our veterinary team understand that small mammals deserve the same quality of attention as any other companion animal, and we take the time to get it right.
We are open Monday through Friday evenings and welcome new small mammal patients throughout the year. Contact us today to schedule your pet’s first visit in Stockton.
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