Ferret Vaccinations and Exams

By ZuPreem Staff

As a responsible pet owner, it’s up to you to make sure your ferret has proper vaccinations as required by law. Your ferret also needs timely veterinary examinations. Kits (ferrets less than 10 weeks of age) require regular veterinary care at an early age to help them get off to a great start for a healthy life. The following chart outlines many of the procedures your veterinarian may perform at routine examinations, as well as a recommended vaccination schedule.

Additional health concerns to discuss with your veterinarian

HEARTWORM PREVENTION

Most veterinarians recommend a heartworm prevention program, especially if your ferret lives outside or is taken outside during summer months. Year-round prevention is recommended if you live in the southern United States. Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitos and other blood-feeding parasites and if left untreated can cause death.

FLEA PREVENTION

Ask your veterinarian if your ferret should be on a continuing flea preventive medication. Frequent recurring flea infestation can result in fatal anemia in ferrets.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BLOOD WORK

Your veterinarian may wish to do blood work that can help detect underlying diseases at an early stage when treatment may be more effective than waiting until physical signs of the disease are observed. Talk to your veterinarian about the importance of blood work.

NUTRITION

Your ferret’s nutrition is extremely important. Because food passes through a ferret’s digestive tract quickly, he requires a diet with high levels of highly digestible protein from quality meat and egg sources. He also needs a diet with optimum fat levels for his high-energy needs, and essential vitamins and minerals to maintain excellent health. ZuPreem® Premium Ferret Diet has proper levels of protein and fat (40% protein and 20% fat)—one of the highest of any commercial ferret food. Talk to your veterinarian about your ferret’s diet. Use these vaccination and examination schedules to help guide you in caring for your ferret, but remember your own veterinarian is the best source of health information for your ferret.