Veterinary care for ferrets

Welcome to the world of companion ferrets! As a responsible owner, you'll need to provide your pet with good food, good fun, lots of TLC and regular veterinary care. As soon as your fuzzball has settled in, we recommend a trip to the vet for a thorough examination.

Finding a ferret vet

Veterinarians specializing in ferrets aren't always easy to find. You can ask the members of your ferret club or local shelter for a referral, or call veterinary practices in your area to ask if the doctors have experience with the species. This is also a good time to purchase a carrier or travel cage to safely transport your pet.

When you bring your ferret for his exam, be prepared to provide information on where and when you purchased your pet, what you're feeding him and anything unusual you've noticed about him. The veterinarian will conduct a complete physical exam of your ferret, including a check of the heart, lungs, ears, eyes and teeth. Your pet's temperature and weight will be recorded. The veterinarian may ask you to bring a fecal sample with you, so he or she can determine if your ferret has internal parasites, such as worms and coccidia.

If your pet is older or ill, the veterinarian may recommend additional testing. The results of a general blood panel can point to problems with the liver, kidney and pancreas, for example, and radiographs of the chest and abdomen can be useful in diagnosing tumors or heart conditions – especially in ferrets over the age of three, who are considered geriatric. Older ferrets may also require more dental care, including an annual scaling to remove tartar buildup.

When to see a ferret vet

It is also imperative that you keep up-to-date on your ferret's shots. These little guys must be vaccinated against canine distemper (which is fatal to ferrets) and rabies. Most ferrets get their distemper shots before they enter the pet trade, but if you have purchased or adopted a ferret who has never been vaccinated – or one with an unknown medical history – he will need both initial and booster shots. After that, annual vaccinations for distemper are required.

Rabies shots should be given after the age of 12 weeks, with a yearly booster. And if you live in an area of the country where mosquitoes are a problem, it is strongly recommended that you give your ferret a monthly heartworm prevention medication. Talk to your veterinarian about the various types available.

Most ferrets sold as pets have already been spayed or neutered, but if yours is not, be sure to schedule a date for the surgery with your veterinarian. An intact female will stay in heat until she is bred, leading to a weakened immune system and a greater than average chance of developing life-threatening anemia. Unneutered male ferrets mark their territory, are very aggressive with other animals, and have a very strong odor. It is recommended that all ferrets be altered by the time they are six months old.

If you notice any unusual symptoms in your pet, do not wait until your yearly check-up to consult your vet. Signs of illness include vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, lack of appetite, heavy panting or other difficulty breathing. If you think your ferret is ill, it's important to contact the veterinarian immediately.