General Ferret Health

Deafness

Although ferrets generally seem to adjust to their world without being able to hear it, sometimes it takes a little extra effort on the part of their humans to make sure we are understood. Many times deaf ferrets are thought of as "ill behaved" because we don't notice the signs that they are deaf. Some of the colorings and patterns that will sometimes offer a "red flag" that a ferret may be deaf include a white blaze, a panda pattern or if the ferret is a dark-eyed white. The genetic link between white fur on the head and deafness is well documented and even has a name. It is known as Waardenburg Syndrome. Please know that none of these colorings or patterns are a 100% sure sign of deafness and further investigation will probably be needed.

One 'sure-fire' way to check to see if your ferret is hearing impaired is with a squeaky toy or other noisy item. Stand behind your fuzzy during playtime and SQUEAK (or rattle, or jingle)!!! Try this on a few different occasions, as ferrets are notorious for only responding when they feel like it. Don't stamp your feet or use anything that will cause vibrations, as ferrets' feet and whiskers are very sensitive. This will cause your ferret to look in the direction the vibration came from and foil your efforts. If your ferret doesn't respond at all to the noises you have created, you may have a deaf ferret. Another method of discerning if you ferret is deaf is to try to 'sneak up' on him or her. While your ferret is involved in a serious investigation (the way all good ferrets do), try to walk up behind them without them noticing. Do not make your steps heavy, as the vibrations will tip them off, however, walk at a normal pace and let your clothing make it's normal rustling sounds. If you can come around a corner and startle your ferret without being extremely stealth AND if they fail the squeaky test, than it is almost definite that you have a deaf ferret.

If you think you have a deaf ferret, DO NOT DESPAIR! Most ferrets do just fine without the ability to hear. We, on the other hand, will need to make some adjustments in the way we "talk" to these special guys. Here are a few helpful hints to make your communication just a little bit easier.

When your ferret is doing something that you don't want him or her to do, you need to remember that all the screaming in the world will do no good with ferrets that can't hear . Try this instead. Walk over to the ferret, tap him or her on the tail - GENTLY - you now have their attention. [ NEVER hit a ferret on the nose either to get their attention or as a form of discipline!!!! This will only serve to make the ferret defensive and could seriously injure your little friend.] Keep in mind that your fuzzy won't hear you coming and may be startled by this at first. Even the nicest of ferrets may nip when startled. Depending on your ferrets disposition or if your ferret doesn't respond to a tap on the tail, here are some other ways to get his or her attention: touch their shoulder, wave your hand, stomp on the floor, throw a foam ball or any NON-HARMFUL object just in front of the ferret, use a laser pointer (NEVER let the laser light shine directly into your pets eyes), use a vibrating toy, shine a flashlight or other light, OR any combination of these methods! BE CREATIVE here!! You may discover that some things work better than others for your fuzzy - just always keep safety in mind, for you and the fuzzy!

Once you have gotten your ferrets attention, you need to show them that what they are doing is not acceptable. Many of us have "trained" our ferrets to understand (notice I did not say obey) some basic words of discipline like "NO", "BAD", "OUCH!" or "Cut it out!". These words will have absolutely NO effect on a little one that can't hear. So how WILL you communicate with your deaf fuzzy? Try working on some sign language*. That's right!! Sign language can be helpful when trying to communicate with any deaf animal and ferrets are no exception.

Start by picking ONE signal or sign that you will use every time your ferret is making mischief. As you begin your training process you will need to combine the sign that you have chosen, a mad face and some 'scruffing' (see Disciplining Your Ferret ). First, do the sign that you have chosen in combination with a very mad face. Then, scruff your ferret and, depending of the severity of the 'crime', give them a short, gentle drag along the floor. Re-do the sign, set the ferret facing away from the scene of the crime and point for them to "GO". You may also have to distract the ferret. DON'T pick him or her up and cuddle them or play with them - this only reinforces the bad behavior!! Instead, move them to another area of the room and give them a toy to refocus their attentions on. If they head right back to what they were doing, which almost any ferret in their right mind will, start the whole process over again only this time try a different distraction technique.

Eventually, your ferret will begin to understand that these 'strange behaviors' that you are doing mean that they are doing something you don't like as long as you are consistent and firm. As your training progresses, you will need to scruff your ferret less and less because they will associate the hand signal with being disciplined. REMEMBER, most ferrets are very trainable but are still extremely curious and bull headed. They don't like to stop doing something that is fun - heck neither do humans!! This doesn't mean they don't understand, it just means they are being a typical ferret.

Finally, HAVE PATIENCE - not just with your fuzzy, but with yourself too!! Remember your baby has a special need, but with a little practice, a little patience and a lot of love, a deaf ferret can be a wonderful pet!

*NOTE: Check out the web sites for American Sign Language if you are having trouble coming up with a signal ( http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/browser.htm ). This site had a lot of information and a "how-to video" built right in. It has been noted that the sign for STOP seems to be very effective, while the sign for NO seems to induce more play.

Death and Dying

This is a difficult topic to discuss. People always wonder when it is the 'right' time to euthanize. There is no easy answer. One way to help you decide is to choose 3 things that your ferret likes to do. When he can no longer do those things, you need to ask yourself if he still has a satisfactory quality of life. If the answer is no, it might be time to euthanize. You will most likely have been working closely with your vet and he will be able to help you with this decision. If your ferret is ill, you need to try to do all you can to ensure that the ferret receives proper medical treatment. This may include surgery, medications, etc. At some point, you and your vet may come to the conclusion that your ferret is suffering and nothing more can be done to help.

No one wants to have to make this decision but you need to ask yourself why you would want to keep this beloved pet alive if it is in pain. If you can be honest with yourself, you will probably decide the reason to keep the ferret alive is a selfish one. You will miss your ferret and it's incredibly hard to say good-bye. When a ferret is suffering and there is no cure, the greatest gift you can give your ferret is freedom from the pain - euthanasia.

You will always ask yourself if you are doing the 'right' thing. Sometimes you can look into the ferret's eyes and know that its time to say good-bye. If the ferret is not eating on his own and force-feeding is too stressful, that might be his way of telling you that he's ready to go.

At the time of euthanasia, you might want to be with your pet to comfort him. Not everyone can do this though and it's a matter of what you can and cannot handle. Your Vet will know the best way to euthanize and will be able to discuss this with you. It is a relatively quick and painless procedure.

A necropsy (autopsy) can be performed by your vet. If your ferret died of an unknown cause, this may be a good option for you. It will hopefully let you know what went wrong with your ferret. If you have other ferrets, you need to be able to rule out a contagious disease. You certainly don't want to go through this with another ferret.

Follow your heart and you will make the correct decision for your ferret.

Shows

A ferret show is an exciting event to attend. Not only is it a gathering of kindred souls but also there is plenty of stuff to buy, look at, and raffles to win. Of course, there are many beautiful ferrets there as well! Your own ferrets are not required and it will be easier to attend your first show without them. While exhibitors will be busy at times showing their ferrets, take advantage of the fact that most of these people are very ferretwise and strike up a conversation. Most people who attend shows are more than willing to talk about ferrets! The American Ferret Association (AFA) sanctions the best shows and their website can explain how judging works and the process of showing a ferret.

Shows can be a wonderful experience, but with any social gathering there are hidden dangers. Just like you can catch a virus, so can your ferrets. All ferrets that attend a social gathering have a small risk of contracting a disease. If you decide to show your ferret make sure that all ferrets in the hall must be vaccinated for rabies and canine distemper, and tested for ADV. If the show does not have these requirements, then your ferrets are at greater risk for acquiring these viruses.

There are ways to help minimize the risk. Limit your contact with other ferrets. No touching, no petting, no holding of stranger's ferrets. Keep others from touching yours unless you have doused then with parvocide. All judges should spray parvocide on their hands and their judging area in between ferrets.

Even if your ferrets do not attend you will want to make sure you do not bring anything icky home to them. After spending the day around all things ferrety, you will undoubtedly rush home to your own. STOP! Change clothes and scrub down your hands and face before cuddling. Also be sure to wash any loose bedding or toys that happen to come home with you before giving to your ferrets. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

The most important thing to remember about ferret shows is that they are a social gathering. Come join us out and about in the ferret community!

Parvocide

Parvocide is a disinfectant and sanitizer that veterinarians, shelters, and animal clinics use to prevent the spread of contagious diseases from one animal to another. It has been found to be especially useful in preventing the spread of ADV from one ferret to another. Parvocide is a useful tool to keep on hand for those times when you place yourself at risk for picking up a contagious disease. For example: handling items in a pet store, visiting a site where all ferrets have not been tested for ADV, etc. When following the instructions on the label, Parvocide will kill the bacteria causing many diseases, (especially the fatal ADV which has been found to live on surfaces for extended periods of time). Parvocide can be found in many pet stores, farm supply stores, and veterinary clinics and online from a variety of pet supply stores.

Breeding

Breeding is a very controversial topic for many people. Some say that experienced breeding should be encouraged to promote healthy ferrets. Others say that the shelters are already too full and breeding should be very limited and people should be encouraged to adopt from a ferret shelter. There are pros and cons to both viewpoints.

Breeding ferrets is more than just mating. You need to avoid inbreeding and you also need to have an experienced Vet nearby in case of emergencies. There are risks involved to both Mom and babies.

It is highly recommended that you leave the breeding for the professionals. When looking for a ferret, adopt from a ferret shelter if there is one in your area. If there is no shelter nearby, visit a pet store.