Scratching Ferret

[Spud91 0]

As the title suggests, everytime i see him when i am outside, he is scratcch away. I have checked him over and can't see any signs of fleas or ticks. I recently introduced a new ferret, who i checked over before putting them together and he was clean from both aswell. I was just going to get some frontline spray, just in case it was fleas, but having looked online it seems like its prescription online? So i was wanting your opinions on this, as i don't have a clue what to do.

[jess2107 0]

I normally use xeno.. I have a free weigh in then the xeno costs me about £10 as she has to have 3 small pipettes

[bobcullen79 1,495]

Mine get like it from time to time. Even if I cant see owt moving, a dose of frontline spray usually sorts it out. Easiest way to get it is tell your vet its for the dog, no need for a oppointment or weighing, as your dogs details should already be on the computer..

[lawrence 657]

i use front line myself, any vet will sell you it. i also sprinkle diatomaceous earth on their bedding.

[stealthy1 3,964]

I get my frontline from the vets, tell him its for ferrets and he'll give you the stuff used for kittens and pregnant bitches, its weaker than the full strength stuff and wont wipe out your ferrets

[spazzy paddy 127]

could it be a change of coat ? my hob is starting molt already .atb sp

[The one 8,461]

'spazzy paddy' timestamp='1350399885' post='2854794']

could it be a change of coat ? my hob is starting molt already .atb sp

 

All bar one of mine are moulted out already . but they still go mental scratching in the new shavings when your cleaning them out

[spazzy paddy 127]

'spazzy paddy' timestamp='1350399885' post='2854794']

could it be a change of coat ? my hob is starting molt already .atb sp

 

All bar one of mine are moulted out already . but they still go mental scratching in the new shavings when your cleaning them out

well they would have molted already your in fiji

[joe14 98]

Ferrets do scratch alot, get flea comb out and see if theyve got out. I frontlined all mine other day, one of them had a tiny tick on his face. Got it with

the tick tweezers and frontlined all of em. I hate the bloody things.

 

You spray it on gloves (only a few sprays you dont need alot.) and rub into fur all over.

Edited October 16, 2012 by joe14

[Spud91 0]

Cheers for the replies so far guys. Haven't managed to get to a vets yet and tbh don't when i will get the chance as most seem to close at 5pm and i don't finish work till after that. I was looking on alternatives and just wondered how the Frontline spot-on for cats compares, as a short term solution until i can get my hands on some spray from the vets. I thought it might have been molting, but he seems to have already got his winter coat, so hence me thinking it might be fleas. I have checked him again and can't see anything moving on him, but will have a go through his coat with a comb.

[ferret100 47]

Frontline is the way to go but Frontline spot on for cats is just too strong for ferts, no go with that one, you just need 2-3 sprays of the feline Frontline spray (depending on size of fert) on some rubber gloves and rub fert all over. Leave a message with receptionist/vet nurse for relevant Frontline for ferts explaining a suspected flea issue and they should get Vet to call you back, Frontline is POM-V, meaning a vet should examine before prescribing, but they may put up the med for collection without exam if you offer that you know what to do with the Frontline.

 

Some individuals can be more sensitive to flea bites than others, if you haven't spotted any, doesn't mean the wee nasties are'nt snacking on your fert, but it doesn't mean an obvious infestation either. BTW, what colour is your fert? Sometimes, if you wash an animal with a suspected flea problem (fert, in a small sink for this) if brown/rusty coloured water runs off the coat, you've got fleas on your hands, but usually it needs a significant/obvious flea problem for that to happen. If your going to give washing them a go though, make sure they're fully dry before going back out, obvious, I know, but it's getting very nippy this weather! ATB, hope the itching gets sorted soon.

Edited October 16, 2012 by ferret100

[The one 8,461]

If your checking him over you should see the flea dirt as well mate

[Spud91 0]

The fert is an albino so fleas should show up easier than they would on say a poley. Just checked him over quickly with a comb(wriggling like hell) and nothing showed up. Although i did spot 2 areas were there was a small circular rash, one on the back of his neck and the other on the underside of his belly just above his meat and two veg lol. Going to bath him in the sink tomorrow and give him a good comb and they are normally running around the house for a few hours on a night anyway so he will get dry nice and quick. Will phone the vets on my lunch and see what they have to say and then if i discover fleas i will try and get down on my lunch hour. Whats the dirt look like mate?

[bobcullen79 1,495]

I get my frontline from the vets, tell him its for ferrets and he'll give you the stuff used for kittens and pregnant bitches, its weaker than the full strength stuff and wont wipe out your ferrets

Are you not paying full price for a weaker solution?

Ive never had a problem with the stuff for cats and dogs, especially if you pop the ferret in a bag and give him aquick weigh.

Lawrence, I also put DE in the bedding, corners and edges of the hutch.

[Spud91 0]

Where do you get your DE from mate, wouldn't mind giving it a bash after reading up about it.