Deworming ferrets

Can a pet ferret get helminths?

We answer with absolute accuracy: even those pets who have never visited the street can become infected with helminths. 

You can bring helminth eggs into the house on your own shoes and clothes. In this case, for the ferret to become infected, it will be enough just to sniff these things. During a walk, the likelihood of infection increases even more, because. parasite eggs are found on the ground and grass. Also, don’t forget about food. If you feed your ferret non-prepared rations, but natural food, pay due attention to its quality. Raw meat and contaminated foods are a fairly common cause of helminthic infestation. But how dangerous is helminth infection?

As a result of the vital activity of parasites, toxins are formed that pollute the body and negatively affect the immune system. An infected pet is vulnerable to a huge number of infections, as a weakened immune system cannot adequately resist them. Moreover, parasites slowly but surely destroy the organ in which they live. And this is not necessarily the gastrointestinal tract: worms in ferrets can live in the liver, lungs and other organs.

The danger of helminthic invasion also lies in the fact that the symptoms of infection may not appear for a long time until the accumulation effect works and the work of the affected organ is not disturbed.

However, in some cases, it is possible to suspect a helminthic invasion of a pet by the following signs.

Worms in a ferret: symptoms

• Increased appetite

• Weight reduction

• Stool disorders

• Nausea

• Bloating

• General weakness, lethargy

• Dull coat, unhealthy appearance

These symptoms are common and can occur both individually and in combination – it all depends on the degree of invasion and the state of the animal’s immune system. To the general signs of infection, others can be added, depending on which organ the parasites are localized in. Take note that failures in the work of one or another body system can be directly related to helminthic invasion.

90% of pets that have never been dewormed are infected with helminths. And so that your pet does not become a confirmation of unpleasant statistics, treat his health with care and do not forget about regular deworming. And our recommendations are to help you.

• Deworming should be done at least quarterly, ideally monthly. This periodicity is associated with the cycle of development of helminths. Deworming once a month is the best way to protect your pet from parasites and related complications.

• Choose only quality deworming products. Anthelmintics for dogs are suitable for ferrets. The main thing is to correctly calculate the dosage in accordance with the instructions attached to the preparations.

• Carefully follow the instructions for use. Some drugs are prescribed once, while others require repeated administration to achieve results.

• Make sure the ferret swallows the tablet. To do this, gently place the tablet on the root of the tongue, slightly tilt the ferret’s head and stroke it down the neck, stimulating the swallowing reflex. Of course, sometimes this process turns into a real fight with a pet, and perhaps our article “” will help to leave this confrontation in the past.

• Deworming must be carried out 10 days before vaccination.

• To help your ferret get stronger after a worm infestation, as well as support the immune system after vaccination, add liquid prebiotics (such as Viyo Reinforces prebiotic drink) to your ferret’s diet. Prebiotics are useful for many body systems, but in this case, their beneficial effect on the immune system is especially important. Above, we noted that helminthic invasion negatively affects the pet’s immunity. Vaccination is only effective if the immune system is strong enough to fight off the pathogen. It is prebiotic drinks that allow you to quickly strengthen the body and support it during the period of developing immunity against the introduced antigen.  

With the right approach to deworming, worms in a ferret cease to be a problem.

Thanks to the modern pet industry, we have every opportunity to protect the health of our pets. Take care of your pets!