Pet Skin Doctor

As a longtime ferret owner, I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t believe everything you hear about the cuddly critters. For one thing, many people are predisposed to dislike them because of their quick movements, lanky bodies and the belief that they are rodents. In fact, ferrets are close relations of otters, badgers and other proud creatures that are decidedly not pests. It’s also tough to trust any medical advice you hear in passing pertaining to ferrets. The fact is that they aren’t as common a pet as cats and dogs.

Keeping close tabs on any skin conditions before they worsen is one key to ferret care. Bear in mind that ferrets are susceptible to the same parasites that plague cats and dogs – with the single exception of ticks. Since ferrets are kept indoors, they don’t have a chance to pick up ticks out in the woods. Check their bodies for abscesses and cysts that might develop, and contact a veterinarian immediately if you detect such abnormalities.