Ferret Health

Hi, it's Freddy again - talking about ferret health.

What is the main threat to ferret health?

Ferrets are prone to distemper, much as dogs are. The disease is caused by the same organism in both dogs and ferrets. The disease is highly contagious and deadly. Anyone who would keep a ferret should have it inoculated against distemper.

What other health issues are faced by ferrets?

If you live in a country where rabies is present, you should have your ferret vaccinated against rabies.

Fleas, lice and worms may affect ferrets, just as they may affect cats and dogs. Remedies for ferrets are similar to those for other mammals.

Ear canker is a serious disease in ferrets - and can be contracted from dogs and cats. Ear canker is a serious disease that can kill young ferrets and cause permanent complications in older ferrets.

Is there anything else I need to know about ferret health?

Ferrets have a high metabolic rate. This means diseases often progress faster in ferrets than in cats and dogs. This makes it important to take your ferret to a vet without delay if you suspect illness.