Taking Your Ferret to the Vet

Taking Your Ferret to the Vet

Ferrets require the services of a veterinarian. Not just any vet will do. They need a vet who knows how to handle and treat ferrets. Throughout his lifetime, your ferret will see the veterinarian at least twice each year, and most likely more often than that.

For this reason, it is a good idea to have an emergency vet fund set aside. Most people recommend having at least $500 in this fund at all times. Second, you may need to call several vets to find the one that you will use. Your ferret will come to know his doctor, so try to stick with one veterinarian, so that you lessen the stress of a vet visit for the ferret.

Upon first adopting your ferret, it is essential that he visit the veterinarian right away. First, he needs a checkup to determine whether he is healthy or not. He will also need vaccinations, including a vaccination for rabies. You should discuss spaying or neutering with the vet as well. In most cases, your vet will set up an appointment for getting this taken care of.

Also discuss de-scenting the ferret with the vet. This is often done at the same time that the ferret is spayed or neutered. It is always a good idea to have the ferret de-scented. It will make him more pleasant to live with on your end.

During the first visit, discuss your ferret’s diet with the veterinarian. He should give you feeding recommendations, and should also recommend or prescribe a vitamin for your ferret. Ask your veterinarian how much the ferret should be fed, how often he should be fed, and what you should look for in terms of health issues that are common to ferrets. Often, when a ferret is ill, he will either not eat at all, or will greatly reduce the amount that he is eating.

You can also ask your veterinarian for advice and recommendations for your ferret’s hygiene. Your vet can show you how to clip his nails, how to brush his teeth, and how to bath the ferret. If fleas are a problem, your vet will recommend the appropriate flea spray or powder, as well as appropriate flea medication to apply to the ferret.

It is important that you stay with your ferret while he is at the veterinarian’s office – unless the ferret is having surgery. Otherwise, if he is alert and aware of what is going on, it will be important to the ferret to know that you are there with him. He knows the sound of your voice, and if he doesn’t see you or hear you, he may become alarmed.

Your ferret may not like the veterinarian – but there is little that can be done about this. A good vet will attempt to get the ferret to like him, however. He may do this by briefly playing with the ferret or giving him a treat. Unfortunately, some things that the vet has to do may be uncomfortable or even painful for the ferret, and ferrets do have long memories when it comes to pain or discomfort!

Information on the care and feeding of the loveable ferret

Next Article: Traveling With a Ferret

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