Ferrets and Fleas

  © Kat Masback at https://www.flickr.com/photos/36128932@N03/

We recently introduced a new cat into our home. He was a stray but had been living under our porch for several weeks. At a vet examination, he was deemed a healthy Maine Coon and dosed with flea and parasite meds. We mistakenly brought him inside after the visit in case he reacted negatively to the medication. The flea eggs laid dormant for a month before releasing little, hematophagy, demon bugs.

Similar actions to the above and any presence of animals that go outside can lead to a ferret flea war.

Treating ferrets for fleas is similar to other domestic animals. However, there are some additional hurdles.

Finding fleas on ferrets is not an easy task. They normally ich quite frequently, so discovering they have fleas usually relies on finding other signs of fleas. The most apparent finding is a flea itself. However, ferret’s plentiful coat makes it difficult to locate and identify a flea. Using flea combs can shorten the search. A common sign is flea dirt, composed of flea poop and dried blood, which looks like tiny dark spots in the ferret’s fur. Flea combs are also useful for locating and removing flea dirt.

If the flea problem escalates, ferrets can develop anemia from blood loss or a secondary infection. Some allergic responses can happen, often in the form of hair loss or sores.

If you are still unsure whether your ferret does have fleas but have reason to be worried, contact a veterinarian.

Getting rid of fleas on ferrets is usually a bit easier than the aforementioned. Two topical cat medications are approved for use on ferrets, which are Advantage® and Revolution®. Only the kitten formula is advised for use on ferrets. Some sources praise flea baths for ferrets, but repeated bathing can severely dry out their skin and further irritation. With any form of treatment, flea eggs that fall of the pet must be exterminated. Most flea eggs can hatch between fourteen to twenty-eight days and live in carpets and on fabrics. Wash ferrets laundry once a week and clean carpets.

Preventative measures are also helpful in avoiding large infestations. If you have any outdoor animals or frequently come in contact with any fleas, treating your animals regularly may be the best method. Also, clean animals beading frequently for flea prevention and general cleanliness.

If you are uncertain if a particular product can be used with ferrets or the flea problem persists, contact a veterinarian.

Works Cited

Anderson, Natasha. “What Is Flea Dirt And What Does It Look Like? – TheBugSquad.” The Bug Squad, 16 Nov. 2019, https://www.thebugsquad.com/fleas/flea-dirt/.

Hess, Laurie, and Rick Axelson. “Fleas in Ferrets.” Vcahospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/fleas-in-ferrets.

“Flea Infestation in Ferrets.” PetMD, PetMD, LLC., https://www.petmd.com/ferret/conditions/parasitic/c_ft_flea_infestation#.