Ferrets are one of the most entertaining and loving pets that you can add to your family. They have curious intelligent minds, and love to explore! Ferrets do, however, face some unique health challenges. You can help keep your ferret healthy by bringing him or her in for an annual wellness exam. This will allow us to can monitor any changes that occur in your pet and help prevent or catch diseases early. They should also be vaccinated to protect them from rabies and distemper. We are happy to provide full medical services for your ferret, including surgery and dentistry.
Ferret health concerns
Common problems associated with ferrets include gastrointestinal disease, parasites, enlarged spleens, and adrenal disease. In addition, your ferret’s inquisitive nature might lead him or her to ingest objects they shouldn’t
Please contact us right away if your ferret develops any unusual symptoms, such as:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Decreased appetite
- Trouble breathing
- Black ear wax
- Discharge from the eyes or nose
- Lumps or swelling
- Behavioural changes
Should you spay or neuter your ferret?
You should plan to spay or neuter your ferret. Unspayed females will stay in heat indefinitely if they are not bred. The high levels of estrogen circulating in the ferret’s blood can lead to bone marrow suppression, which causes a serious disease known as aplastic anemia. Spaying your ferret will prevent this from occurring. Benefits of neutering male ferrets include prevention of unwanted behaviours such as urine marking and aggression
Nutrition
The best diet for ferrets is commercial ferret food.
Housing
Ferrets are escape artists, and will climb into any and every hole, nook and cranny in your house. They also love to chew, and may ingest foam (from cushions and sofas), rubber and plastic. For this reason, most ferret owners will keep their ferret in a large cage when they are unsupervised. Blankets and towels make good bedding for the cages, and should be cleaned regularly. You should provide your ferret with a litter box, and a dark safe place to sleep. Places ferrets like to sleep may include a ferret hammock or tent, or a soft blanket or pillow case they can burrow into. Ferrets need toys and socialization to keep them entertained. Make sure their toys do not include any parts that can break off and be swallowed.