What You Need To Know About Your Pet Ferret
Ferrets are fun-loving, furry friends. To make sure you’re providing the best life possible for your ferret, it’s essential to learn how to care for it ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to know how to spot the most common health issues for ferrets. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide for taking care of your lively ferret to help you prepare. Keep reading to learn more.
HOW TO CARE
For A Pet Ferret
There’s nothing better than a happy and healthy ferret. By keeping up to date with basic ferret care, you’ll ensure your pet lives a comfortable and fun life. The following elements of your ferret’s health are particularly important to consider:
- Vaccinations: Your ferret should be treated for distemper at eight, 12 and 16 weeks old. After that, a boost is recommended every year or so.
- Feeding: Since ferrets are carnivores (meat eaters), healthy cat food and ferret chow are excellent food options.
- Desexing: Desexing both male and female ferrets is the best way to prevent your pet from developing a deadly uterine condition. If you’re not planning on breeding, it’s a good idea to get this done as soon as possible.
- Parasite Control: Did you know ferrets are susceptible to heartworm? To avoid it, simply give your pet an oral medication like Heartgard or topical like Revolution.
MOST COMMON
Health Issues For Ferrets
Just like every other living organism, ferrets can get sick. The main telltale that your ferret may be battling a common health issue is its energy levels. If you notice a drop in your ferret’s movement or enthusiasm, they may be suffering from the following:
- A Cold: If your ferret has a runny nose or is coughing or sneezing, they most likely have a common cold. Simply give your ferret extra fluid. If its health doesn’t improve in a few days, call your vet.
- Heat Stroke: Ferrets are prone to heat exhaustion. To avoid this common health issue, keep your ferret’s body temperature between 100 and 104°F. Ferrets like to keep cool, the ideal room temperature for ferrets is around 70°F.
- Dental Disease: We recommend regular dental preventative caredue to this animal’s tendency to develop periodontal disease.
- Nutritional Diseases: It’s essential to check that your ferret’s food has all of the vitamin H, D and E it needs to stay healthy. Also, be on the lookout for zinc intoxication — amounts of zinc larger than 3000 ppm are lethal.
- Adrenal Disease: Hair loss and heightened aggression are signs that your ferret has adrenal cancer. This condition can be cured but is fatal with delayed care.
When To Call A Ferret Vet
Call a ferret vet the moment you notice something is wrong with your pet. Even if it doesn’t seem serious, double checking with a vet at least over the phone to make sure it’s not an emergency is a critical preventative health strategy.
Interested In Adding A Ferret To Your Family?
University Animal Clinic offers services including exotic pet treatments and wellness plans for cats and dogs. If you’re ready to take the next step in adding a ferret to your home or have any questions, call us at (941) 253-5218 or contact us online today. You can also visit us in person at our location in Bradenton, Florida.
