VCA Calvert Veterinary Center offers medical and surgical services for all companion animals, not only dogs and cats, but companion ZooMED pets as well. This includes amphibians, pet birds, reptiles, and all small mammals including hedgehogs, ferrets, chinchillas, and rabbits, sugar gliders, pot bellied pigs, and invertebrates. The only types of animals that we do not examine are primates, venomous snakes, fish and food industry animals.
Services from our experienced and dedicated doctors and staff include:
We welcome new ZooMED animal clients. Call us at 410-360-7297 to schedule an appointment.
Proper housing is a major factor in the care of every small mammal. Most do very well with enclosures made of wire and durable plastic. Wood should not be used because it is difficult to clean, nor should glass as it does not allow for proper ventilation.
Bedding should be a type of shredded paper (such as Care Fresh). It should not consist of wood shavings that can harbor mites and molds.
Food, including plenty of fresh timothy hay and fresh, clean water, must be available to small mammals at all times.
For these small mammals, VCA Calvert Veterinary Center recommend semi-annual physical exams at our office and a weekly home exam to check your pet's teeth, ears, coat, nails, and stools. Unfortunately, rabbits (as well as our other small mammal pets) prefer to hide their symptoms of illness until they become very sick. Call us at 410-360-7297 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Birds, from the little cockatiel to the majestic macaw, can make lively and adventurous additions to your home. The many different species of birds can live anywhere from 20 to 100 years, so be sure to do your research and make sure you have the correct space, environment and time to devote to these intelligent animals before welcoming them into your family.
Feeding pet birds a good, balanced diet is the single most important thing you can do to make sure they stay healthy. An all-seed diet is not appropriate and can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies and metabolic illnesses. A pelleted diet from Harrison’s, Lafeber, Roudybush or Zupreem should make up a majority of your bird’s diet, along with occasional treats of whole wheat pasta, fresh fruit and leafy green vegetables. Fresh water should be offered at all times and it should be changed daily.
Bird behavior is astoundingly complex. Many birds develop behavioral disorders such as feather picking if they are not provided with enough entertainment. You should socialize with your bird daily and regularly rotate perches and toys. Misting birds, or giving them a large, heavy bowl to bathe in, should be done 4-5 times a week.
Reptiles, from aquatic turtles, iguanas, bearded dragons, snakes and beyond, come in all shapes and sizes, and they can be a great addition to your home.
Proper nutrition and housing is the most difficult part of keeping a reptile, as each species has very different nutritional needs. Many need pelleted, species-specific diets and mineral supplementation, and a light source with the correct spectrum of UVA and UVB. It is very important to consult with your veterinarian about the best way to care for your new pet, as many pet shops do not have access to the latest information available.
Providing fresh water at all times, to every reptile, is imperative. They do not synthesize enough water from their food to sustain them, even if they are traditionally “desert” species.
VCA Calvert Veterinary Center recommends semi-annual physical exams with one of our doctors, and weekly exams done at home to check attitude, appetite, urination and stools. Reptiles often hide signs of illness until they are very sick, so it is important to pay attention to even minor changes. Call us at 410-360-7297 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
