Health of Ferrets

Ferrets can get sick with age. The best way to maintain good health is to ensure that the ferret is fed properly, groomed and exercised on a regular basis. Even though ferrets are generally healthy animals, they should be regularly examined each year after the age of 2-3.

Because ferrets are extremely inquisitive, they do tend to get themselves in spots where they can be injured, so all areas where the ferret lives should be “ferret proofed”. Most of the injuries ferrets suffer are broken bones, nips on skin, or eating spoilt food. While most minor injuries can be treated at home, all major disorders are best treated at a veterinarian.

All ferrets must be vaccinated against the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) annually, as well as Rabies. Every state has strict laws governing these vaccinations. One can obtain further information about the vaccination status from your veterinarian.

When a ferret does become sick, you will notice it. Ferrets usually develop runny eyes, listless, develop loss of hair, excessively scratch their skin and may have repeated episodes of defecation. Many times they will refuse to eat and lose weight. If any of these features are present, a visit to the veterinarian is recommended.

With age, ferrets are prone to a number of medical disorders like heart disease, cancers and throat infections. Juts like humans, ferrets are equally prone to the influenza virus. The ferret will show similar signs like watery eyes, cough and a fever. The flu usually lasts a few days. Ferrets can acquire the flu virus from humans and vice versa. The best treatment for flu is lots of water and rest.

Canine distemper is another viral illness which ferret can acquire; however, the best way to avoid is to get your ferret vaccinated against it

Ferrets do have a habit of eating everything in sight and occasionally they do ingest foreign indigestible materials like plastic, glass, wood, etc. Many of them will be fine but some do develop abdominal pain and a few even require surgery. The ferret will present with no appetite and will show signs of a tender abdomen. The best way to avoid these problems is to watch what you feed your ferret and keeping the surrounding area clean.

Fleas can also occur on ferrets. If your pet keeps on scratching the fur, look for little black insects under the fur. To prevent flea infestation, regularly bath your ferret with warm water and comb the fur. Most commercial flea products are quite toxic and you should avoid them.

Ferret Activities

When ferrets are not playing they are sleeping. They are extremely active and love to be outside. Almost any game such as hide and seek and catching ball is fun to them. Because ferrets are curious by nature be careful of plastic toys since the ferret will chew on it. Ferrets have a habit of exploring and so you must ferret proof the place where you do not want it to go. They can get into cupboard, dishwashers, refrigerators and lockers.

Ferrets can dig up on the sofa, furniture, bed and chew on the rubber mattress. You must block these areas with either card board or plexi glass. All screen doors and windows must have latches. All electrical wiring must be secured away. Once a ferret escapes from the home, it is very unlikely that it will survive.

Are ferrets wild?

Ferrets are not wild animals and can make great pets. Their nature is simply to play, eat and sleep. Ferrets have been kept as pets for thousands of years. Even though they can live in the wild, they usually do not survive for long periods. Ferrets are very small creatures and have a lot of big enemies.

The reason why people have many misconceptions about ferrets is that they simply do not know a ferret from a badger, skunk or even a polecat. Some people believe that ferrets carry rabies but this is very rare. Others believe that ferrets will hunt livestock and kill them.

The only states which now ban ferrets are California and Hawaii. However, there are efforts by animal lovers to persuade many of these localities to change their ancient rules.

Until one has a pet as a ferret, it is impossible to understand these creatures.