If you care for your pet, and we know you do, then it is important to also allow a veterinarian to care for them. Your vet is the one who can provide vaccines, check your pet for ongoing conditions like arthritis and parasitic infections, and recommend medications to treat fleas and ticks. Most vet are very familiar with treated dogs and cats, and many will also treat rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, and other household pets. If you'd like to learn more about veterinary care, then plan on spending some time on this website. It's a good resource for any curious pet owner.
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Ferrets are sometimes lumped in with other small, caged pets like hamsters and guinea pigs. But in fact, ferrets are more similar to dogs and cats in the level of care and attention they require. Most do best when they only spend some of their time in a cage. And ferrets, like dogs and cats, require regular veterinary care including vaccines. Here's a look at the pet vaccinations ferrets need for their health and safety.
1. Canine Distemper Virus
The name would suggest this is a disease that affects dogs, and that is true — but ferrets can also get it. The condition causes severe cold-like symptoms including nasal discharge, runny and irritated eyes, lack of appetite, and fever. Ferrets also tend to get a rash with distemper; it is red and begins on the lips and chin, gradually spreading over the rest of the face.
Many ferrets with distemper do pass away, and those who recover require intense veterinary care. It's much easier to simply have your ferret vaccinated. The first shot needs to be given around 6 weeks of age with three follow-up vaccines a few weeks apart. Then, your ferret will need an annual booster.
2. Rabies
Rabies is a complex viral illness that affects most mammals. It is spread via contact with bodily fluids. The most common way a ferret could contract rabies is by being bitten by an infected animal. You might think this would never happen since your ferret lives indoors, but ferrets have occasionally been known to escape, and if a friend with a pet visits, you want to make sure your ferret is safe. Rabies is 100% deadly, and it can be spread from ferrets to humans, so you don't want to take any risks here.
The rabies vaccine is very safe and very effective. Your ferret will need its first rabies vaccine around 12 weeks of age, and then they will need a yearly booster. You will need to keep records of your ferret's vaccination for rabies as it is required by law in most regions.
Ferrets are really fun pets, but they still require a lot of care. Have yours vaccinated for rabies and distemper by a local veterinarian. Call to make sure your vet works with ferrets, as most, but not all, do. Vaccination is simply the best thing you can do for your pet's well-being and for your own.
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