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Ferrets, like many other animals, are prone to get infected with parasites. Probably the most common are ticks, fleas and mites. These are not just minor inconveniences. If left untreated these can put your ferret and even your family at risk. So lets take a look at the symptoms and treatments for our beloved pets.

~Ear mites
Ear mites can be transferred between cats, dogs, and ferrets who may sleep in the same areas, but at different time of day. Essentially, if one animal in the house has mites it is a safe assumption that all of them are or will be infected.

Ferrets with ear mites tend to dig at their ears and shake their head as if trying to get water out of their ears. There is often a dark brown discharge coming from the ear. If it is a heavy infestation is may look something like coffee grounds in the ear.

The only way to be certain of an ear mite infestation is have a professional examine the debris from the ear to determine the mite. The life span of an ear mite typically goes through a 3 week period from egg to a full mature ear mite.

Medications of effective in the treatment of mites. However, it is essential that the treatment continue through the entire cycle of mites. Mite eggs are extremely resistant to treatment and are normally handled after they hatch out. So the medication needs to be administered at 1 to 3 week intervals to make sure the problem is taken care of.

Bedding must be treated during the full four week period as well.

~Fleas
The most common type of fleas that are found in domesticated ferrets are ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea. If ferrets are allowed outside they may catch another variety, but they are all treated the same. Fleas survive by sucking the blood from the skin of animals and people. Since ferrets are already prone to anemia, fleas are a great health risk.

Again it is important to think of the flea infestation as life cycle rather than just one flea. The flea goes from eggs, larvae to pupae. Just getting rid of adult fleas does not stop the infestation problem.

Many veterinarians suggest that the ferrets are continually on a flea treatment if there are any other pets in the household. They tend to error on the side of caution. There are a myriad of drugs to choose from and a personal veterinarian is best person to make the decision.

~Ticks
Tick are arachnids. There are over 850 species of ticks worldwide and many of then harmful to humans. Ticks are known to transmit many diseases and need to dealt with. Ticks that are visible on a ferret should be removed.

To remove the tick use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or tick removal instruments. Tick removal devices are made to remove the tick without squeezing the body. This is important as the body may be carrying disease which could be passed on through the excretions of a squished tick.

Grab the tick by the head or mouth parts where they enter the skin. Pull back in a steady outward motion with no jerking or twisting.

Kill the tick by dropping it into a pill bottle of alcohol. Flushing down the toilet will not kill it.

Clean the area and treat with hydro-cortisone spray to relieve the itching caused by the saliva of the tick. Home remedies such as petroleum jelly or olive oil in hopes that the tick will back out are not recommended.

Any serious concerns about parasites and ferrets should be addressed with a visit to the vet.

Learn more about this author, Trenna Sue Hiler.
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