PET HEALTH: FERRETS

Owning a Ferret is a lot of fun.  But just like all other animals, you have to remember that ferrets are not toys.  They are living and breathing animals whom have feelings and need a lot of care and attention.

Ferrets usually live 9-10 years on average.  They make excellent pets because they are playful, sweet, and friendly.  They also learn to use a litter box fairly easily because they habitually urinate and defecate in the same places.

Ferrets are going to need some training before you let them have free range of your home.  To start off, you should have a large sized cage for them to live and sleep in.  For the most part, Ferrets learn how to use the litter pan very easily.  All you should be sure to do is provide a litter pan that they can actually get themselves into.  Sometimes if the sides of the litter box are too tall, they won't be able to use the pan.

Ferrets love to burrow and hide, so it is important to have places for them to play, sleep, and hide in their enclosure.  You don't necessarily have to run to the pet shop and buy a ton of toys.  Simple things such as folded towels and tube socks can be used. However, if you want more flashy things you can also get hammocks or other ferret toys as well. 

Before you decide to let your Ferret have free range of your home, you should make sure that your house is ferret proofed.  Ferrets are very inquisitive and curious.  They can easily squeeze through very small spaces and get themselves into trouble.  Purchasing a bell to place on their collar can help you keep tabs on where they are going.  It will also help you realize that they may be right behind you so you don't step on them. Believe it or not accidents do happen.  For the most part, the best thing to do is to always keep on an eye on them when they are out and about because just like children, Ferrets will find a way to get themselves into trouble.

Just like people and other animals, ferrets can also get sick.  It is important to keep them healthy by bringing them to your veterinarian at least one time per year.  As kits, or baby ferrets,  they will require boosters of the distemper vaccine.  Otherwise, ferrets should be vaccinated for distemper on a yearly basis along with the rabies vaccine.  A fecal sample should also be run yearly to ensure there are not any parasites.  Your ferret should also be kept on monthly heartworm protection with products such as Revolution.  Revolution is an excellent product because it prevents fleas, heartworm disease, ear mites, and certain intestinal parasites.

If you have recently adopted or purchased a ferret and would like to schedule an appointment, do not hesitate to contact us.  We look forward to helping you and your pet 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.