Message Number: YG1826 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Bruce Williams, DVM
Date: 2001-03-28 22:10:00 UTC
Subject: Re: new ferret owner

--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., diwilliams310@a... wrote:
I did find a lot of info on the web, but
> I still have a few questions. He does have a vet appointment this
coming
> weekend.
> 1. He is 3 months old, neutered, descented and has received his 1st
distemper
> shot. When do I have to bring him in for his other shots? What
should he be
> getting? Yearly boosters, distemper and rabies?

He most likely received his first distemper 6 weeks ago. He is due
for a second distermper - with a third to follow in three weeks. 2
weeks following that, I would administer the rabies, and then boost
annually.
> 2. How old do they have to be before you start giving them
heartworm
> medicine? Is this a must?

Heartworm medication is dependent on where you live and the incidence
of heartworms in that area. As there are new topical medications
which can prevent heartworm, I would strongly suggest you discuss
this with your vet. He can start it on your next visit.

> 3. The pet store said, since he is young, to moisten his food with
water
> before we give it to him. How long do we have to do this? When can
he start
> eating regular dry pellets?

He can start eating dry pellets now. Moistening the food at 3 months
is a bit "over the top."

> 4. What is the best pellets to feed him? Should I buy the Marshall
brand,
> since he is a Marshall ferret?

Find out what he has been eating, and start from there. All food
changes should be made gradually, or you may end up with a case of
diarrhea, or worse yet, a ferret that won't eat.

> 5. Now that spring is near, should I start giving Petromalt to
avoid
> hairballs? I haven't seen him shed yet, so is this really
necessary? Can
> giving it to him on a daily basis, harm him in anyway? If he is
getting the
> right food with enough fiber should I give him this once he starts
shedding?

Petromalt does not hurt (1/2 inch daily) during the shedding season,
but I generally don't recommend it year round for every ferret.


With kindest regards,

Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
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