Ferrets and Ticks

[Rake aboot 4,935]

Ferrets, when worked, can and do often come into contact with ticks, and will often pick them up in areas where there are plenty sheep or deer etc.

Ticks are easy to recognise as they appear as small hard lumps, spots, and are usually a blueish colour.

 

 

The first thing to do when you find out your ferret has a tick is NOT TO PANIC. This sounds obvious ,but ticks can evoke some strange reactions, people hate the thought of them, are disgusted by them and are scared they will get a tick on themselves, but with common sense there is no reason for a tick to cause serious issue.

 

That said, ticks can cause problems, the main one for humans being Lymes disease (http://www.bada-uk.o...rnebacteria.php) Take the time to read this, but again don`t allow it to panic you, Lymes disease is still thankfully quite rare.

 

Now ,because of this it is importatnt that ticks are treated with respect and care, when it comes to removal then care and sense are both required.

 

Removing a tick is EASY !, the most effective way is to use an O`tom tick remover (http://www.bada-uk.o...tickremover.php)

This is an easy to use tool and all ferret owners should have one in there kitbag. The instructions for use come with the tool but it simply involves hooking the tick and rotating it out. The beauty of this tool is that ALL of the tick is removed cleanly including the head / mouth parts and it is done without disturbing the tick too much.

 

This leads to the reasons for clean removal. If the tick is squeezed or irritated, it can "empty" its contents back into the host (your ferret). Obviously this is to be avoided as it can lead to infection in the host. The same goes fro the incorrect removal of the tick which can do the same thing, or indeed, leave the head still in place, again leading to infection and irrittation for the host.

 

It is important to take correct advise on ticks so this website will give you all the info you need

 

http://www.bada-uk.org/

 

Some of the methods that have been reccommended include some quite horrible ideas. My advise is to just imagine it was your child that had a tick !, would you then use some of the strange methods that some people try?.

These include

Burning the tick with a lit cigarette

Pulling the tick out with tweezers (can leave parts still in)

Smearing vasaline, nail varnish remover, petrol , etc etc All these typse of ideas can irritate the tick as mentioned above.

 

 

Long term treatment.

Ferrets should be treated with Frontline to combat ticks , fleas etc. Frontline spray works best, and while it is expensive, it is the most freely available effective treatment. Some other chemicals are available, but are harder to obtain, so I will stick with the most common, which is Frontline.

This can be used on the ticks and also on the ferret to prevent tick infection. Read the instructions with the bottle and you will find Frontline very easy and effective.

 

 

Hopefully you will find this quick post helpfull and anyone needing more advise should use the links above, or if you are still not happy or sure, then consult your vet. Don`t rely on bad advise.

 

ATB

Rake