How to Deworm a Ferret

Internal parasites, or endoparasites, affect many animals. Gastrointestinal parasites are uncommon in ferrets but, if found, a veterinarian may prescribe a medication to help get rid of any pesky invaders. Liquid medications may be administered with an oral syringe by gently prying the ferret's mouth open and slowly squirting it into the mouth from one side. Oftentimes, scruffing, or grasping the excess skin on the back of the neck, will stimulate the ferret to yawn and help aid in drug administration.

Things You'll Need

  • Fecal sample of ferret
  • Small clean plastic bag
  • Access to a veterinarian
  • Medication prescribed by a veterinarian
  • Oral syringe from a veterinarian
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Instructions

    • 1

      Collect a fresh fecal sample from the ferret and place it in a clean bag for transport to a veterinarian's office. Provide a fresh and not frozen or dried-out specimen, as can occur laying in a car during a winter or hot summer day. Wash your hands well after handling feces.

    • 2

      Take the ferret to a veterinarian for a physical examination and bring the stool sample. Have the veterinarian perform a fecal examination looking for microscopic eggs of endoparasites.

    • 3

      Ask the veterinarian about testing the ferret's blood for heartworm disease, a life-threatening disease in which a parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes and develops into an adult worm in the heart. If the test is negative, ask the veterinarian about administering the drug ivermectin to the ferret monthly to help prevent heartworm disease as well as treat some parasites.

    • 4

      Follow the veterinarian's instructions in regards to administering medications if needed to treat or prevent parasites. Ask the veterinarian for any suggestions for methods of administration. Ask for an oral syringe if a liquid is to be given or, in the case of a tablet, a flavorful way of coating it and disguising it to lessen the chance of having to force-feed it to the ferret.

    • 5

      Disinfect and clean the ferret's home environment to help prevent re-infection by a gastrointestinal parasite and exposure to other animals. Use a disinfectant approved by a veterinarian, vacuum carpeted areas well and launder any bedding material for the ferret.