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  • Small Mammals

various small mammals

Although small mammals are cute and tiny, they can be a big responsibility. If you’re interested in owning a chinchilla, ferret, hamster, hedgehogs, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, and other small mammals, it’s important to learn how to properly care for each of these furry creatures before bringing them home with you. 

Consider what size, temperament, and activity level are right for your household so you can choose the option that best matches your lifestyle. Are you looking for an animal that will take kindly to being petted and interact with you? Rabbits or guinea pigs are pets that enjoy cuddling once they’re gotten used to you. Be sure to choose a small mammal that has what you’re looking for and you’ll love having it around. Check out the articles below to learn more about the general care of each of these animals.

  • Handling and Restraint
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Rabbits, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals

    Improper handling may cause serious, life-threatening injuries. Fractures and dislocations of the back, most often resulting in paralysis of both rear legs, are the most common injuries. These injuries occur when rabbits are suddenly frightened and attempt to escape from a small enclosure. A rabbit's

    Read more
  • Ferret Health
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Ferrets, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals

    You will need to take your ferret in to your veterinarian twice a year for a medical checkup and yearly vaccinations. Ferrets require yearly inoculations against canine distemper. They are highly susceptible to canine distemper and it is always fatal. Do not forget to inoculate against this every year!

    Read more
  • Domestic Pigs
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Domesticated Animals, Domestic Pigs, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals

    Pigs are great for families who want a relatively exotic but easy to care for a pet. Whether miniature, like a pot-bellied pig, or a full-sized animal, caring for a pig is similar to caring for a cat or dog. Health Domestic pigs need to see a veterinarian regularly for vaccinations and checkups. We

    Read more
  • Gerbils
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Pocket Pets, Gerbils, Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals

    Gerbils are great little pets for pet owners who don't have room for a dog or cat. They're friendly and fun to watch, but they do take a moderate level of care and investment. If you're thinking of getting a gerbil, here's what you'll need to know to keep him happy and healthy, including giving him a

    Read more
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  • Pet Health
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  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
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    • Providing Care
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Testimonial

  • "The office staff works very closely with the veterinarians to answer questions and help with concerns. They are always ready to help you. 5 Stars"
    Cathy & Greg B.
  • "#1... it's easy, the professionalism and value for money well spent, as well as kindness for both the owner and the animal!
    5 Stars"
    Bonnie P.
  • "Been going there for 13 years now. Dr. Derfuss and her staff are the best. 5 Stars"
    Edward B.
  • "Great Vet... great staff... This group is like no other Vet I've been to. I tried 5 different Vets in the New Brunswick area... Branchburg is on a totally different leve. 5 Stars"
    Daniel F.
  • "We want to thank Dr. Derfuss and her entire staff at Branchburg Animal Hospital for all of the wonderful service and care we have received over the years. We've been with the practice since it opened many years ago. Whether we are coming to the office to pick up food or bring our pets in to be treated, we are given the best care. They are like family to us. We give them an A++ and have recommended them on many occasions."
    The Del Grosso Family
  • "Linda and I have been bringing our Labrador Retrievers (first Shiloh and now Cooper) to Dr. Derfuss and the Branchburg Animal Hospital for many years. We have always admired and embraced the leading edge, holistic healing practices that are employed there. This has included such applications as acupuncture, chiropractic and the utilization of natural supplements, all of which have appreciably augmented the overall quality of life for our beloved canines. At a time and in a country where the overuse of prescription medication has clearly run amok, it is great to have a facility in our area where numerous other alternatives are deployed and RX medication is applied on a far more discerning basis."
    Kevin B.
  • "My husband and I have been taking our German Shepherds to Dr. Derfuss for many years. She is extremely caring and compassionate. She not only practices traditional medicine but holistic too. Our "girls" actually loved when they went to the vet! We highly recommend Branchburg Animal Hospital!"
    Carla B.
  • "I’ve been bringing my cats here for 15 years and Dr. Derfuss and the staff have been caring and compassionate. Holistic treatments are available if you want them, depending on the animal’s condition, and I have gone this route a couple of times for ailing cats. I never felt pressured into accepting any particular treatment. I’ve always been given all the options and chose what I felt was best. There are a number of vets closer to where I live, but I continue to make a slightly longer drive to Branchburg Animal Hospital because I trust them."
    Loretta A.
  • "Great Vet, Professional Staff, Very Clean. We are fortunate to live close to this great Vet!!"
    Eka
  • "For the past five years, the veterinarians at Branchburg Animal Hospital have taken great care of Stitch. I highly recommend this vet for your cat or dog."
    Jaime Hernandez / Branchburg, NJ

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