Keeping Healthy Ferrets

Having a healthy ferret is very important. Registering your monster at a vet is one of the first things you should do, although finding a ferret friendly vet can be a bit of a task. Always make sure that your vet is familair with ferrets and has treated them before. Talk to other ferret owners in your area (maybe in our ferret forum) to seek a reccomendation.

Once registered you can arrange for your yearly Canine Distemper injection. This is an awful fatal disease and even if you keep your ferret indoors it can be carried in the house by you.

When your ferrets are old enough you can arrange for neutering and get flea treatment and you can go to your vet in case of any concerns. Ferrets can get dehydrated quickly and it takes a lot for them to show signs of illness so when they do it can turn into an emergency very quickly.

There are many diseases and infections ferrets can catch such as worms, mites, blockages, colds, heatstroke, dental and eye problems, hairballs, rabies, enlarged spleens and cancers. You cannot worry about all of these things, just look after your ferret and treat the basic things.

1. Clean ears out with pet ear cleaner.
2. Give them hairball treatments.
3. Use flea treatments on your ferrets and on their house and yours.
4. Clean their houses, toys and accessories regularly.
5. Clean them with shampoo keeps them smelling fresh
6. Brushing them helps with their twice yearly moults.
7. Clip their nails often.
8. Check their teeth and give them dental chews.
9. Only feed the correct foods and don’t let them have toys they can swallow.
10. Check their poo is not runny, seedy or an odd colour
11. Check they are eating and drinking and always have fresh water.
12. Make sure they have time to play and exercise

Ferret vitamins are essential for healthy coats and bodies. FerreTone and Ferretvite are very important for general health and can be used as a treat or on food. and general checking of your whole ferret will keep you and your monster happy.

Paying vet bills for unexpected health problems is not a pleasant experience. Insurance could be an option to avoid these bills. Getting insurance for ferrets is not as easy as finding a ferret friendly vet. You might think of creating a ferret fund at your bank and adding some savings every month in case of emergencies. Your vet might even be able to offer a savings plan or have a club to join to help you pay your bills. The only ferret insurance that we have been able to find is offerred by Exotic Direct, click on the image on the right of this page to get a quote.

You do have to understand that routine vaccinations, neutering and flea treatments are not covered by insurance so you might need your ferret fund anyway.