Ferrets are feisty and active creatures, so it is natural for them to get hurt while playing around, or when they mess around with other ferrets or pets, they get themselves scratched or bitten. You may have already witnessed this yourself, and so it’s important to know how to treat wounds for those occasions where your pet ferret plays a little too rough, or if another animal gets involved.
There are many other common ways too that cause wounds on a ferret’s body, such as when they scratch themselves too much due to itching. These spots invite attacks by fleas, which creates a larger issue if not taken care of at a proper time.
As an owner, the first thing you need to know is which type of wound you are dealing with.
Animals in the wild face hunters, predators, and can suffer many other natural wounds, but a ferret is a domestic pet. The worst accident that can happen to them is getting a rough bite or scratch from another animal.
If the wound is a little deep then you will have to use a first aid kit to prevent it temporarily, and rush your ferret to the vet to get professional help.
However, if it is just a small scratch that does not seem very harmful then you can heal it at your home with proper care.
Medications That Are Good For Ferrets
Note the difference between medications designated for humans and others used for ferrets. Some human medicines are actually toxic for ferrets and can lead them to life-threatening situations. As a ferret owner, you should know about the medications that you can give to your pet. Also, it is good to call your vet to make sure you are providing them the right dosage.
Pain Killers
Pain killers work wonders for ferrets. Ask for your vet’s opinion to know which prescription you should use for your beautiful hob/jill. They will give you a proper prescription that is best for them according to their age.
Age matters a lot when you are giving them something they have to consume. It may be too heavy for a month-old ferret if you are giving a normal pain killer; it can show side effects. That is why you need a professional’s opinion always before putting a pain killer in your pet’s first aid kit.
Strong pain killers often harm the pet in the long term. You don’t see their effects at once, but after some time they start damaging the internal organs of the pet.
Most importantly, do not use human prescriptions for them; they can be lethal.
Liquid Benadryl
You can apply Liquid Benadryl to ferrets when they get a sting or mild allergies. It helps stop the itching and takes time to heal the body as long as the ferret does not itch it too much.
Respiratory infection is another issue that can strike a ferret. It is a pain when your pet is suffering with an internal infection. However, the quickest way to treat this infection is to use liquid Benadryl. It is one of the best quick fixes and harmless as long as it is taken in the right amount. Double check the dosage and consult a veterinarian if you need more specific advice with your pet.
Bene-Bac
Bene-bac comes in both powdered and liquid forms. Many say it is the best medicine for treating diarrhea.
Your pet is supposed to consume the liquid Bene-bac or if you are using the powdered one then mix it with the right amount of water to make it consumable for your pet. Once you have done the mixing then the next step is to give it to your pet slowly.
Ask your vet how many times you are supposed to feed Bene-bac to your ferret and then follow the instructions accordingly. This medicine heals a ferret deal with diarrhea and also the stomach wounds that can be caused by diarrhea.
How To Treat A Minor Wound
Animals are very careful about wounds and they rarely fall or injure themselves because of their keen sense. However, there are times when they get in a fight with other animals and end up getting wounded. When it comes to ferrets, if you live in an area with common predators, it is also possible your ferret will suffer wounds if one of these animals tries to attack it.
But predators aren’t the only animals that can cause injury. Ferrets often tease their fellow animal companions in the house and this results in retaliation from time to time.
Therefore, you should always be ready to deal with their wounds.
- First, assess the entire situation and see if the wound is deep or not. If it seems serious then you have to stop the bleeding by putting pressure on it using a clean cloth or soft towel. The pressure will stop the blood from rushing out of the wound. In case the blood is a little too much then you will have to run to the vet emergency room immediately.
- Once the bleeding stops, run some clean water over the wound to remove the clotted blood or dirt particles. Scratch or bite wounds may seem minor but they can actually wreak havoc on a ferret’s body. If you don’t clean the wound properly, you risk attracting bacteria too; this creates a problem within the skin even after the wound heals.
- Use tweezers to remove the foreign objects stuck to the wound. Make sure you move every little piece decently so it doesn’t affect the healing process. Use a magnifying glass to make sure no small objects are left behind.
- The next step is to disinfect the wound. Keep in mind, you must not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as it delays the healing of the wound. Use diluted betadine instead as a cleanser and gently disinfect the wound.
- Apply antibacterial ointment on the injured area and use the bandage to cover it nicely. Use elastic tape to keep the bandage still as it has chances of opening up when your ferret starts to run around again.
After Covering Up a Ferret’s Wound
Once you have finished covering up any external wounds, give your ferret a treat and a pat to make them feel better. Use the cone on your ferret so it doesn’t bite the wounded area or open up the bandage using its teeth. Chances of that happening are high as biting is their second nature.
We suggest that you remove the bandage after at least one day so it doesn’t develop new bacteria around the infected area.
If you notice the wound is taking too long to heal, the color of the wound is getting darker, or a discharge is starting to flow out, then contact your vet to ask for professional help.