Ferrets

• Yearly checkups allow us to detect any changes that occur and help prevent or catch diseases early, when they’re easier to treat
• Regular blood tests can help determine whether your ferret has any problems with the kidneys, liver, or pancreas
• Ferrets can also benefit from receiving certain vaccinations and monthly preventives, which we can discuss with you during your visit
• Please bring a stool sample to your ferret’s annual exam so we can test for internal parasites
• As ferrets age, they may need additional testing and dental care
• Common problems associated with ferrets include gastrointestinal disease, parasites, and cancer and being inquisitive, they frequently ingest objects they shouldn’t
• Unless you are planning to breed your ferret, we recommend that he or she be spayed or neutered
• Female ferrets, or jills, do not need to give birth once to stay healthy and spaying can save a ferret’s life
• Jills that haven’t been spayed will stay in heat until they’re bred which can cause a fatal anemia (a decrease in red blood cells)
• In male ferrets, neutering can reduce their strong body odor, prevent marking, and reduce aggressive behavior
• Please contact us right away if your ferret develops any unusual symptoms, such as:
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • hair loss
  • lack of appetite
  • trouble breathing
  • black ear wax
  • discharge from the eyes or nose
  • lumps or swelling
  • an increase in aggression or sexual behavior (especially in neutered males)