Choosing a Veterinarian
When choosing a veterinarian, do some inquiring into their experience with ferrets. Not all veterinarians deal with ferrets on a regular basis, so their knowledge is not always up to date. The best advice is to contact your local ferret organization or shelter and ask them to recommend a vet. Here in San Antonio, the vet for the SAFE shelter is Dr. L. V. Gates III, D.V.M. at Universal City Animal Hospital. However, SAFE can recommend other ferret-wise vets in the city. Please contact us for a veterinary referral.

Vaccinations
Annual vaccinations and regular check-ups (every 6 months) are essential to keeping your ferret healthy. Your ferret’s first visit to the vet should be within 1 to 2 days after purchase. Your ferret should be given a complete physical and appropriate vaccinations. At the time of purchase, you may have been informed that your ferret was already given a canine distemper shot at 6 weeks of age, but THIS WAS ONLY HIS FIRST SHOT OF THE SERIES. Ferret kits must receive 3 more shots at 3 week intervals until the vaccination series is complete at 15 weeks of age. These shots should occur at 9, 12 and 15 weeks. After that, annual boosters will provide continuous protection. Ferrets with less than 4 distemper shots have contracted the disease and CANINE DISTEMPER IN FERRETS IS 100% FATAL. If you acquire a ferret that is older than 7 months of age and there is no record of previous vaccinations, he will need 2 canine distemper shots at 3 week intervals and then annually. At 3 months of age, your ferret will also need a rabies vaccination. Usually this shot is given 2-3 weeks after the last canine distemper shot. To help prevent against reactions to vaccinations, DO NOT GIVE THE RABIES VACCINATION AT THE SAME TIME AS A CANINE DISTEMPER VACCINATION. Some ferrets may have allergic reactions to the distemper or rabies vaccines, so it is recommended that you and your ferret remain in your veterinarian’s office for at least 30 minutes after your ferret has received his shot. If your ferret has a reaction (lethargy, pain at the injection site, vomiting, diarrhea, or collapse) after you have left the vet’s office, return immediately. Also, if your ferret has the possibility of coming in contact with mosquitoes, talk to your vet about heartworm prevention.

Spaying/Neutering
When purchased, most ferrets are already spayed or neutered. This is essential because an intact ferret can have many health problems. If you are unsure about whether your ferret has been neutered, ask your veterinarian.

Common Diseases
Getting to know your ferret’s personality traits will best help you detect when things are not right. Their coat and feces usually indicate health and sickness. Always check with your vet if you suspect your ferret is ill or even if you feel "something’s just not right" with your fuzzy.

There are many common ferret diseases that you should stay informed about. If you suspect your ferret may be suffering from any of these, DO NOT BEGIN TREATMENT until you have had your fuzzy thoroughly checked by your vet. Below is a list of some of the more common ferret diseases with links to information about them:

ECE
Adrenal Gland Disease
Aleutian’s Disease Virus
Insulinoma
Lymphoma
Intestinal Blockages

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