We recommend the following health care program for your ferret to have a long, healthy life:
Physical examination and dental evaluation every 6-12 months depending on age and health: Ferrets often do not show outward signs of health problems until they are very advanced. Routine examinations and screenings help detect early signs of illnesses such as adrenal disease, insulinoma, inflammatory bowel disease, and periodontal disease. It also allows us to answer any health or behavioral questions you may have. Depending on the age and medical history of your ferret, we may recommend a wellness exam more frequently.
Distemper and Rabies Vaccinations: These vaccinations prevent serious diseases of ferrets. Determining which vaccinations are needed and how often they should be administered depends on many factors. A proper vaccination plan should be determined based on physical examination and individual risk assessment for your ferret. Typically, a series of vaccinations is required in animals less than 6 months of age and then annually after 1 year of age.
Annual disease screening tests:
Fecal Parasite Test: Ferrets can carry parasites that can infect other pets and people. Giardia and Coccidia are parasites that can cause intestinal problems for ferrets. We recommend all new ferrets coming into a household have an initial fecal parasite examination.
Blood Tests: Yearly blood tests are a good idea for ferrets 4 years and older since they are not always able to tell us they are not feeling well. A thorough blood test will help us understand your ferret’s health, and allow early treatment of any problems detected. A quick test from a drop of blood can quickly screen for insulinoma which causes dangerous drops in blood sugar.
Other important recommendations:
Emergency Preparedness: We recommend that you keep at home a small packet of ferret assist feeding diet (We recommend Oxbow's Carnivore Care or Emeraid Carnivore Diet) to use if your ferret stops eating or is not eating much. Maintaining better hydration and nutrition will help prevent your ferret from becoming dehydrated and weak prior to being able to get him or her to a ferret veterinarian.
Microchip: Ferrets' coats (especially their masks) can change in appearance over time making identification based on photos difficult. Ferrets are also escape-artists and are always looking for new places to explore. Microchips can help you and your ferret reunite if it gets away and becomes lost.
Care while you're away: We recommend that you identify a qualified pet-sitter for your ferret or consider boarding. We offer a caring boarding environment at our hospital whenever you need someone else to take care of your ferret.
The flu! The same flu that we get can be passed to our ferret pets
Vomiting due to a swallowed object - this is often a life-threatening condition
Heartworm disease is extremely rare in Arizona but in other parts of the country, it is common to have ferrets on monthly preventives for this infection.
Tree of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center is a proud member of...
