Did you know that your ferret needs to be seen by a vet at least yearly and that he needs his shots, flea and heartworm prevention just like your dog and cat?

What do I need to do or bring to my appointment?

At every visit, both for regular check-ups and for illness concerns, the doctor needs you to bring in a poop sample from home (same day sample please), pictures of an un-cleaned cage (yes we like it dirty ?)/home environment, and pictures of what your pet eats as well as any supplements or medications.

What is covered during a ferret vet appointment?

At every visit, the doctor will perform a full physical exam. Healthy ferrets will receive a yearly rabies and ferret distemper vaccines, have their feces checked for intestinal parasites, and be sent home with a supply of flea and heartworm prevention. Any illnesses and concerns are also addressed.

Once your ferret is 4 years of age or older, our doctor also recommends that your ferret come in for a semi-annual exam too. As ferrets age, their risk for several common diseases increases exponentially, so screening tests to catch these illnesses early are essential to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy.

Ferret Veterinarian in Longwood FL

Ferret Fun Facts

Life Span

On average we see ferrets live between 6 and 12 years, and ferrets are known to live even to be 15 years old! With good care and a dash of luck so can yours!

Diet

Ferrets are obligate carnivores, like cats. Unlike cats, ferrets have a really short gastrointestinal transit time (time from when food entering the mouth leaves the butt). We recommend a ferret be fed at least three times daily or have food available at all times. To provide enrichment for your ferret, you can hide his kibble in different places of his cage and have him “hunt” it down, or in a ferret-safe puzzle toy.

Flea/Heartworm Prevention

Did you know ferrets can die from anemia caused by a flea infestation or that they can get heartworm disease like your dogs and cats?! Well, they can, and getting these diseases can cause heart failure, anemia, and death, all of which we want to prevent. A topical medication given monthly is recommended by the doctor to prevent these diseases.

Ferret Common Illnesses

As ferrets age, they are more likely to develop one or more of several very common illnesses. Fleas and ear mites can be checked for at any visit. Did you know you can give your ferret the flu and they can give it to you? Adrenal Disease, Insulinoma, Lymphoma, and Heart Disease are common with age. That is why regular check ups and screening tests are important to find these illnesses early.

Should I bring my pet in?

Our answer is: if you aren’t sure, better to be safe and have it checked out! Give us a call so we can help you determine how soon we can get you in!