fleas?

Question
The ferret I am talking about is about 6 months. I was just playing around with her one day and I saw a darker spot on her chin. I look and there is this little bits of brown dirt coated on the lower part of the hair. It almost looks like little splinters but they are not under the skin. I was wondering if she just got some dirt in her face because we were just outside playing, or could it be fleas.

Answer
Since I can't see what you're looking at, I can only guess. Sometimes when new fur is growing in (dark fur) it can look like you are describing, sometimes even look like a bruised area when it's a sable ferret and a large area of dark fur that is growing back in. Unless your ferret is scratching a lot, I wouldn't worry.  If you do have a really itchy ferret.

JUST IN CASE you do have an itchy ferret, here's what one of our other experts had to say about fleas that I think said it best:

"Expert: Stephenie Zarat
Date: 8/11/2007
Subject: ferrets/fleas

Question
My ferrets got fleas from our outside cats, they play sometimes. Sara is 8 months old and Prisilla is 7 months old. They stay indoors and I'm keeping them away from the cats but the fleas won't stay gone with baths alone. What can I use on them that is safe and can I use flea bombs in the house (obviously with them not in it) or will the residue hurt them.  Oh yeah and what is absolutely not recommended.  Thanx loving mother
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Answer
Dear Jennie,

If your cats are prone to fleas, you'll need to first make sure that your cats stay flea-free.  I've actually seen fleas jump from cat to ferret - fleas prefer the higher body temperature of ferrets and, if given the opportunity, will race to the ferret to set up shop.  If you can be sure the cats are free of those little buggers, you can rest a little easier when it comes to the ferrets.

Treating the fleas - There are several kinds of flea treatments available specially for ferrets.  Marshall's brand has a product called "Ferret Flea and Tick Shampoo" that is non-toxic, non-drying, and non-alkaline.  It can be used safely once every two weeks without drying out ferret's skin or coat.  This product also comes as a spray.  There are also these newfangled flea towelettes out on the market: they kill the fleas and will repel most fleas for up to two weeks.  The company that makes them is called Bio Spot.  I've never seen them in a major pet store, but they are available for sale here: http://www.sortprice.com/reviews/Bio_Spot_for_Ferrets:_Flea_Halt_Towelettes_(pkg._of_6)

You may also use kitten flea shampoos and treatments, but ONLY if the product's active flea-killing ingredient is pyrethrin.  Don't use anything containing organophosphates, carbamates or petroleum distillates. They may be harmful to ferrets.

DO NOT USE:
Flea treatments for dogs
Flea treatments for cats
Dips
Flea Collars
Most sprays (unless made for ferrets specifically)
Flea powders (can cause lung ailments)

Cleaning the environment - Wash all ferret bedding with HOT water and detergent.  Vacuum the carpets throughly - you can even cut up a flea collar and place it in the vacuum bag beforehand so it kills everything it sucks up.  For a serious infestation, you may flea bomb the home when the ferrets are (obviously) not there.  Follow the directions on the bomb and you should be fine.

There are long-term treatments you can use on ferrets, although none of them has been scientifically tested on ferrets and thus can not be deemed "safe" (by medical standards).  However, I have heard of many a person using Frontline's "TopSpot" product for cats.  You have to give one-half dose per ferret (12 drops on the shoulder blades).  USE THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK AS SOME FERRETS HAVE HIGH SENSITIVITY!  THIS PRODUCT CAN NOT BE WASHED OFF!  As always, talk to your vet before you decide to use non-ferret products on you fuzzies."

Hope that helps!

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers