At Tree of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center, we believe prevention is one of the most important parts of keeping your exotic pet healthy. Vaccinations protect against serious, often fatal diseases and are an essential part of your ferret or rabbit’s wellness plan.
Canine Distemper
Why it’s important: Canine distemper virus is a highly contagious and almost always fatal disease in ferrets. It can be spread by direct contact with infected animals or indirectly through contaminated clothing, hands, or objects.
Our recommendation:
Kits (young ferrets): Series of vaccines beginning at 8 weeks of age, repeated every 3–4 weeks until 16-20 weeks old.
Adults: Annual booster after the initial series.
Rabies
Why it’s important: Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is most commonly transmitted through bites from infected wildlife. Vaccination is not only critical for your ferret’s health—it is also required by law in many areas.
Our recommendation:
Initial vaccination at 12–16 weeks of age
Annual boosters thereafter
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV2)
Why it’s important: RHDV2 is a highly contagious and often fatal virus affecting both wild and domestic rabbits. It causes sudden death in many cases and is resistant to extreme temperatures, surviving for long periods in the environment. The virus has been confirmed in multiple states, including Arizona, and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected rabbits, contaminated objects, insects, or even on clothing and shoes.
Our recommendation:
Adults and juveniles: Single initial vaccine starting at 4 weeks of age or older, followed by an annual booster.
In high-risk situations, more frequent boosters may be advised.
Our veterinarians will discuss your pet’s lifestyle, environment, and risk factors to tailor the most effective vaccination schedule. All vaccines are administered using protocols designed to minimize stress and maximize safety for exotic species.
To schedule your ferret or rabbit’s vaccinations, call us today. Protecting your pet now means preventing heartbreak later.
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