Focus on the area between his shoulder blades—this is a popular ‘flea’ spot on ferrets. [4] X Research source If you don’t see the actual fleas, you may see their residue, which is dark black. [5] X Research source Check the bottom of your ferret’s cage, and on the floor around his cage. Fleas that have jumped off him will look reddish brown to black and will be about the size of a pencil tip. [6] X Research source Use a magnifying glass to find the fleas, or flea residue, more easily.
Other clinical signs of tapeworms include a distended abdomen (‘pot belly’), a dull coat, and an inability to exercise. [8] X Research source If your ferret has been scratching a lot because of the fleas, you may also see patches of fur missing, as well as inflamed-looking skin. [9] X Research source
Tapeworms are eliminated from your ferret’s body through his feces. The tapeworms will look like tiny grains of white rice. They might even be wriggling around![10] X Research source Dried up tapeworms resemble sesame seeds. Bring a sample of the tapeworm-containing feces to your veterinarian when you bring your ferret in. Your veterinarian will analyze the feces to confirm the tapeworms.
The medications come in either an injectable or oral formulation. Giving medicine to a ferret can be challenging. [11] X Research source To give him a pill, scruff him by grabbing the loose skin at the back of his neck. Tilt his head backwards. When he naturally relaxes and yawns, put your fingers in the front or side of his mouth and angle the pill towards the back of his mouth. Scruff him until you know he has swallowed the pill. [12] X Research source You may want to turn your head away, in case your ferret decides to spit out the pill. [13] X Research source If your ferret refuses to swallow the pills, speak with your veterinarian about other ways to get your ferret to take his medicine. If you are uncomfortable giving medicine to your ferret, ask your veterinarian for tips on how to do it safely and effectively. With treatment, the tapeworms will die and be digested in your ferret’s intestines. You will not see dead tapeworm segments in his feces. [14] X Research source
Since there may be a number of pyrethrin-containing shampoos to choose from at your local pet store, talk with your veterinarian first for recommendations on which shampoo would be best. The shampoo should not contain organophosphates, carbamates, or petroleum distillates. [17] X Research source These can be toxic to your ferret. Bathe your ferret from his ears to his tail. Use a flea comb to remove the fleas from his face. [18] X Research source Depending on the severity of your ferret’s flea infestation, you may need to bathe him weekly for several weeks to kill all of the fleas and flea eggs. [19] X Research source Read the product label carefully and follow the instructions exactly. Do not use flea sprays or dips to bathe your ferret. Compared to shampoo, these products are very toxic to your ferret. [20] X Research source
Since there may be a number of pyrethrin-containing shampoos to choose from at your local pet store, talk with your veterinarian first for recommendations on which shampoo would be best. The shampoo should not contain organophosphates, carbamates, or petroleum distillates. [17] X Research source These can be toxic to your ferret. Bathe your ferret from his ears to his tail. Use a flea comb to remove the fleas from his face. [18] X Research source Depending on the severity of your ferret’s flea infestation, you may need to bathe him weekly for several weeks to kill all of the fleas and flea eggs. [19] X Research source Read the product label carefully and follow the instructions exactly. Do not use flea sprays or dips to bathe your ferret. Compared to shampoo, these products are very toxic to your ferret. [20] X Research source
In addition to disinfectant, you will need one or two buckets, a pair of gloves, sponges, and some cleaning towels or paper towels. Also, have some brushes in a variety of sizes to target all the little corners and crevices in his cage. [22] X Research source Clean his food and water bowls in hot, soapy water. [23] X Research source Put your ferret in his playpen or separate cage while you clean the cage and let it dry. [24] X Research source Your veterinarian may also recommend spraying the cage and its contents (not the food and water bowls, of course) with a ferret-safe flea spray.
In addition to vacuuming, you can apply flea spray or flea powder to your floors. [26] X Research source Speak with your veterinarian about which sprays and powders are ferret-safe.
Make sure to purchase flea preventatives only through your veterinarian—do not order them online or from a pet store. Products that are not sold through your veterinarian may be counterfeit. Follow the label instructions carefully when applying the medication.
