Need care after hours? We’re here for you! Urgent Care now available Mondays & Fridays from 5PM – 9PM.
Need care after hours? We’re here for you! Urgent Care now available Mondays & Fridays from 5PM – 9PM.
Specialized veterinary services for your playful, intelligent companion — ensuring your ferret enjoys optimal health with care tailored to their unique needs.
Your ferret deserves specialized exotic pet care from veterinarians who understand their unique needs. Trust Sacramento's experienced team for comprehensive ferret healthcare.
The Ferret Care Program at Broadway Veterinary Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services specifically designed for these unique exotic pets. Ferrets require specialized veterinary knowledge due to their distinct anatomy, physiology, and common health concerns that differ significantly from dogs and cats. Our program addresses the complete healthcare needs of ferrets at every life stage, from kits (baby ferrets) to senior companions.
Ferrets are susceptible to several specific health conditions including adrenal disease, insulinoma, lymphoma, and cardiomyopathy. They also require specific vaccinations against distemper and rabies, along with specialized nutrition to support their high-metabolism carnivorous diet. Our program incorporates preventative care, early disease detection, nutritional guidance, and treatment protocols designed specifically for ferret physiology.
Our veterinarians at Broadway Veterinary Hospital, particularly Dr. Tyler Baum with his expertise in exotic animal medicine, have developed extensive knowledge in ferret care. We understand the behavioral, nutritional, and medical needs of these playful companions and provide a comprehensive approach to keeping them healthy throughout their 6-8 year average lifespan.
Pet ferrets are among the most engaging and intelligent exotic pets you can welcome into your family. These playful creatures make wonderful companions when properly cared for through regular veterinary checkups and preventive health measures.
Broadway Veterinary Hospital understands the unique needs of pet ferrets and small animals. Our experienced team provides comprehensive care for these delightful exotic pets, ensuring your ferret enjoys the longest, healthiest life possible in Sacramento, CA. Learn more about our general wellness services.
You can help keep your ferret healthy by bringing him or her in for an exam once a year. That way, we can monitor any changes that occur in your pet and help prevent or catch diseases early, when they’re easier to treat. As ferrets age, they may need additional testing and dental care to address age-related health concerns that can develop in these unique small animals.
Common problems associated with pet ferrets include gastrointestinal disease, parasites, and cancer. In addition, ferrets are inquisitive creatures by nature and frequently ingest objects they shouldn’t. Regular blood tests can help determine whether your ferret has any problems with the kidneys, liver, or pancreas, allowing our veterinarian to detect illness early and provide appropriate treatment. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining the health of these exotic pets.
Ferrets can also benefit from receiving certain vaccinations and monthly preventives, which we can discuss with you during your visit. As obligate carnivores, ferrets require specialized ferret medicine and preventive care protocols. Essential vaccinations include protection against canine distemper virus and rabies, both critical diseases that can affect these susceptible small animals. Please bring a stool sample to your ferret’s annual exam so we can test for internal parasites.
Our vet team carefully monitors each ferret patient for signs of illness and provides tailored treatment plans when health issues arise. Regular preventive care helps ensure your pet remains healthy and can help us identify potential problems before they become serious medical emergencies.
Unless you are planning to breed your ferret, we recommend that he or she be spayed or neutered. Female ferrets, or jills, do not need to give birth once to stay healthy – this is a common misconception about these exotic pets. In fact, spaying can save a ferret’s life. Jills that haven’t been spayed will stay in heat until they’re bred, which is particularly dangerous for these small animals. This condition can cause anemia (a decrease in red blood cells), which can be fatal. In male ferrets, neutering can reduce their strong body odor, prevent marking, and reduce aggressive behavior – important considerations when keeping two ferrets or more in the same household.
Proper ear care is essential for maintaining your ferret’s health. Most ferrets’ ears should be cleaned once a month to remove the reddish wax buildup common in their ears. Use a cotton ball and ferret-safe ear cleaning solution to remove waxy debris from your ferret’s outer ears, being careful not to insert anything deep into the ear canal.
Nail trimming is another crucial aspect of ferret care that requires attention every 1-2 weeks. Ferret claws are extremely sharp and should be trimmed regularly to prevent injury and discomfort. When trimming nails, be careful not to cut the dark vein visible in each claw, as this will cause bleeding. Should you accidentally cut the vein, immediately apply styptic powder to stop the bleeding – this is why we recommend having styptic powder readily available for any pet owner.
During spring and fall shedding seasons, ferrets are more likely to develop hairballs, which can lead to life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction if left untreated. To minimize hairballs, brush your ferret’s fur daily using a fine-toothed comb or soft-bristled brush during these periods.
As obligate carnivores, ferrets require a diet high in animal protein, similar to other carnivores but with specific nutritional needs. Feed your ferrets a high-quality pelleted diet designed specifically for these small animals and small amounts of lean, cooked meat. Proper nutrition is fundamental to preventing illness and supporting the overall health of these active exotic pets.
Please contact us right away if your ferret develops any unusual symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, lack of appetite, trouble breathing, black ear wax, discharge from the eyes or nose, lumps, swelling, or an increase in aggression or sexual behavior (especially in neutered males). Early intervention is crucial when your ferret appears sick, as these small animals can deteriorate rapidly without proper treatment. Our experienced vet team understands the unique physiology of these exotic pets and can provide swift, effective care when your pet needs it most.
Additionally, watch for signs of respiratory distress or changes in behavior, as ferrets can be susceptible to various conditions that require immediate veterinary attention. Quick response to symptoms can make the difference between a simple treatment and a serious medical emergency for your beloved animal companion.
When you choose Broadway Veterinary Hospital for your ferret’s care, you’re selecting a team with extensive experience in exotic pets and small animal medicine. Our veterinarian team includes UC Davis graduates who understand the complex needs of pet ferrets and other exotics. Dr. Tyler Baum has special interests in avian and exotic medicine, making him particularly qualified to treat ferrets and provide comprehensive ferret medicine services.
Contact us today at (916) 446-6154 to schedule your ferret’s wellness exam or if you have concerns about your pet’s health. You can also reach us through our contact form for more information about our specialized care for these wonderful exotic pets.
Ferrets should receive annual health examinations at our veterinary clinic to monitor their overall well-being and detect potential health issues early. As these curious pets age, they may require more frequent visits to address age-related conditions common in this species. Regular blood work helps us check liver, kidney, and pancreatic function, ensuring your ferret maintains optimal health. During these visits, we can also discuss proper nutrition, as ferrets have unique dietary needs that differ from dogs and cats.
Ferrets should never receive foods containing sugar, chocolate, dairy products, or any items toxic to this carnivorous species. Unlike dogs and cats, ferrets are obligate carnivores requiring high-quality animal protein specifically formulated for their needs. Many human foods can be dangerous for ferrets, so it’s essential to provide only appropriate ferret pellets and small amounts of cooked lean meat. Always check with our clinic before introducing new foods, as their digestive systems are extremely sensitive compared to traditional pets.
Supervised playtime between ferrets and other pets like dogs and cats can be possible, but requires careful monitoring due to size differences and varying temperaments among species. Each animal should be properly socialized and have compatible personalities before attempting interaction. Ferrets are naturally playful and may not recognize when larger pets want to stop playing, potentially leading to stress or injury. Create separate safe spaces with appropriate bedding where each animal can retreat, and always check with our veterinary team about proper introduction techniques.
Monitor your ferret’s eating habits closely, as appetite loss can indicate serious health problems requiring immediate attention from our clinic. Unlike dogs and cats, ferrets need to eat frequently throughout the day due to their rapid metabolism, so missing even one meal is concerning for this species. Signs include refusing their regular pellets, showing disinterest in treats, or appearing lethargic during typical play periods. If you notice decreased appetite lasting more than a few hours, contact our veterinary team immediately to check for underlying conditions.
Choose soft, washable bedding materials specifically designed for small animals rather than cedar or pine shavings, which can be harmful to this sensitive species. Ferrets prefer cozy spaces for sleeping and play, so fleece blankets, towels, or commercial ferret bedding work well in their enclosures. Avoid materials that fray easily or contain loose threads, as ferrets may ingest these during grooming, unlike dogs and cats who are less likely to consume bedding. Always check bedding regularly and replace when soiled to maintain a healthy environment for your pet.
Comprehensive, compassionate care for your pet’s health and happiness, delivered by our experienced medical team.
Our experienced veterinarians provide many surgical services at our clinic, ranging from routine to advanced procedures.
Our skilled team delivers comprehensive medical care, equipped to handle everything from routine visits to complex conditions. Our state-of-the-art facility offers:
Our experienced team provides specialized care for exotic pets, from routine checkups to advanced treatments. We offer services for:
Our experienced team provides specialized care for exotic pets, from routine checkups to advanced treatments. We offer services for:
Our fully equipped veterinary hospital brings together advanced medical technology and skilled veterinary expertise to handle all your pet’s healthcare needs.
Whether it’s preventive care or complex procedures, we’re here to provide exceptional treatment at every stage of your pet’s life.
Your pet’s health is our expertise, which is why local news outlets like Fox40 News and Good Day Sacramento regularly invite Dr. Sam Varon to share essential pet care information, from emerging health concerns to answering everyday pet questions. When you choose Broadway Veterinary Hospital, you’re choosing care backed by expertise that Sacramento trusts.
Broadway Veterinary Hospital brings specialized exotic pet expertise to ferret care, with veterinarians who have specific training and experience in treating these unique animals. Dr. Tyler Baum’s background in exotic pet medicine ensures your ferret receives care from a veterinarian who understands the significant differences between ferrets and more common pets.
Our hospital is equipped with appropriate sizing for diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, and monitoring devices suitable for ferrets’ small size. We maintain specialized pharmacy capabilities for calculating and compounding medications at appropriate dosages for these small mammals, ensuring effective treatment while minimizing risks.
Our team stays current with the latest advancements in ferret medicine through continuing education focused on exotic species. This commitment ensures we offer the most up-to-date diagnostics, treatments, and preventative care recommendations available for ferret health.
Call 916-446-6154 or use our contact form to schedule.
Don’t wait any longer to forge a lifelong relationship with your friendly veterinarian.
