• HEALTH TOPICS  answers to commonly asked questions
• Pet Poison Health line: Animal Poison Control Center
• 24/7  Tel:  (855)-764-7661
• Find Veterinarian near you
• Find a Compounding pharmacy near you

"An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure."

Foods, Ingredients, & Household Products that are Toxic
to Ferrets

• Chocolate, teas - contains stimulants caffeine and theobromine (latter is higher in dark chocolate and cocoa).  See also:  FOODS TO AVOID . 
• Grapes/raisins, currants, sultanas -  any quantity can be toxic. Cooking/baking them does not reduce the risk.  See Foods to avoid.
• House-hold cleaners/disinfectants, etc. :  any number of chemicals that may be toxic to pets and children.  Known toxins:  antifreeze, moth balls, bleach, detergent "pods". Keep out of reach.
• Marijuana - clinical signs of intoxication: salivation, depression, vomiting, urinary incontinence, low body temperature, low heart rate, high breathing rate, tremors, seizures, etc.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:    ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, acetominophen, aspirin cause severe liver, kidney, GI damage, depending on the drug, even when ingested in small quantities.
• Onions, garlic cause a drop in red blood cells due to hemolytic anemia and kidney failure.
• Rat (rodent) poison and insect repellents, pesticides: contain toxic ingredients, including  pyrethrin-based flea shampoos and powders.
• Xylitol - a non-nutritive sweetener.  Used in chewing gum, candy, vitamins, lowcal foods. Also in toothpaste, mouthwash,and over-the-counter cold lozenges, etc.  Causes significant drops in blood sugar that can  result in seizures and death.
  

When it comes to ferret health, nothing could be more true. For ferrets knowing how to prevent illness and to stop problems from occurring is much better than having to seek treatment for a problem that has been ignored or neglected.

Ferrets require routine health maintenance from you--your ferret's care-giver, as well as routine health checks from a qualified veterinary professional.  The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides good advice on how:  "Healthy Pets - Healthy People".
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The Health Desk is your Resource Center for understanding the routine care your ferret requires to stay healthy. Also, please consult the allFerrets Veterinary Listing for a qualified ferret-specialist near you. 

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What VACCINES DOES MY FERRET NEED? 

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Ferret should be vaccinated against:

• Canine distemper virus
• Rabies virus

Read more at Immunizations

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How To Report An Adverse Event ​
from A Veterinary Product (USA):  

​Veterinary Drugs, Devices, Medical Feeds:   

• Report to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM):   CALL 888-FDA-VETS.

Topical insecticides: 

• Report to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):   CALL 800-858-7378.

Veterinary Biologics (vaccines):   

• Report to product manufacturer.  If you are unable to report the product manufacturer, contact US Depart of Agriculture (USDA), Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVM):     
• Online: (preferred method): USDA Adverse Event Reporting—use form "Public Adverse Event Report"  Instructional Guidance for PV Express II for Public Submissions 
• Fax or Mail:  Download and complete the Adverse Event Report Form (APHIS 2080);  Fax: 515-337-6120, or
• Mail to  USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics, 1920 Dayton Ave., P.O. Box 844, Ames, IA 50010, or 
• Call  800-752-6255.

Have a Health Question? - Visit Health Topics.

Learn about:

• Nail Clipping
• What to feed your ferrets - and what foods to avoid
• Got fleas?
• What is "adrenal" disease?
• and more...