When to see the Veterinarian.

It’s up to you to make sure your ferret has proper vaccinations as required by law. Your ferret should also have periodic veterinary examinations. Kits require extra veterinary care at an early age to help them start a healthy lifestyle. The following guidelines should help you and your veterinarian know what to expect and when.

At 6 weeks the 1st distemper vaccination should be given.  This most likely happened before you got you little fuzz ball, but check with the seller to make sure.

At 6-9 weeks your little buddy should have the 1st routine veterinary check-up which should include

 Stool sample to check for intestinal parasites

 Base line blood work

 Dental examination to check for malalligned teeth

 Ear exam to check for ear mites

 Check for flea infestation

 1st distemper vaccination if not given earlier (always      stay 30 min after distemper vaccinations in case of        adverse reactions)

At 9 weeks, or 3 weeks after the 1st, the 2nd distemper vaccination should be given

At 12 weeks you should see the vet for

Rabies vaccination (some Vets and owners prefer to give this a few days after the distemper to avoid any kind of reactions we have not had problems but others have)

3rd distemper vaccination should be given if it has been 3 weeks since the 2nd

2nd Dental examination

At 15 weeks the 4th and final distemper vaccination, provided it has been 3 weeks since the 3rd.

Yearly veterinary check-up which should include but not be limited to

Stool sample to check for intestinal parasites

Blood work if indicated

Dental examination to check for periodontal disease (tarter buildup)

Ear exam and cleaning

Check for flea infestation

Distemper and Rabies revaccination

Keep your vets phone number, including an after hours number, handy just in case your ferret shows signs of distress.  With ferrets small problems can turn life threatening very quickly.

You can discuss these additional concerns with your Vet

The importance of blood work

Blood work that can help detect underlying diseases at an early stage when treatment is likely to be more effective than waiting until physical signs are observed.  Talk to your veterinarian about the importance of blood work.

Heartworm

A heartworm prevention program,may be required if your ferret lives outside or is taken outside frequently. Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitos and other blood-feeding parasites. If you ferret is exposed to mosquitoes you should consider a heartworm program. If left untreated heartworm disease will cause death in a ferret.

Flea prevention

There are safe flea treatments for ferrets.  At the first sign of fleas your veterinarian should be consulted about flea preventive medication and continuing treatment. With the ferrets small size continued flea infestation can result in fatal anemia.

Nutrition

Your ferret’s nutrition is extremely important please refer to tip 3 for more on nutrition.

Tips & Tricks

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