FLEA TREATMENT FOR FERRETS

Question
Hi, we got our ferret in June, he is a 1yr. old rescue. when we got him he had fleas. we took him for a flea bath before we got him home. he has had a flea bath every month since and the vet gave me frontline to use for 3 months, I was his bedding every week but we can't seem to get rid of the fleas, I have not seen a flea on him in months could the constant scratching be something else, if it is fleas what else can I do? we are moving into a new home if April and I don't want to bring the fleas with us
Thanks
Ginger

Answer
Hi Ginger:

Gosh, you must be at your wit's end after this length of time treating fleas! I can't even imagine how frustrated you must be! I live in the desert and my kids have never ever had fleas, but I know they can really be hard to get rid of. However, since you say you haven't seen any for months, I do wonder if at this point his scratching could actually be from the flea baths and the Frontline. The only way the ferret could possibly still have fleas at this point was if you had not been also treating the environment (which I bet you have been) while the ferret was being treated. Of course, the life cycle of the flea itself means that while you can kill the live fleas, there will still be some eggs that will hatch after you *think* the fleas are gone. But having treated since last June, I really think you've more than treated THROUGH a complete lifecycle of a flea.  Here is the BEST flea information I have for successfully treating fleas safely with ferrets:

Treating the fleas - There are several kinds of flea treatments available ESPECIALLY 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 - *EVER*:
Flea treatments for dogs
Flea treatments for cats
Dips
Flea Collars
Most sprays (unless made for ferrets specifically)
Flea powders (can cause lung ailments)

**CRITICAL** = 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).**IMPORTANT** 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 ANY non-ferret products on you fuzzies.

I think at the very least - at this point - I would get a flea comb and just comb thru the ferret's fur and see if you find anything at all.  I do think you've basically done most of the above treatment (although you didn't specify what treatment you may or may not have done to the environment (your house).  

One idea that comes to mind, since you are moving - is to wash all ferret cage, toys, linens, etc. in hot water and pack them instead of putting them away before the move to make sure you don't pack and move any fleas left in the carpet or the old house into your new home. You get a one-time chance to 'start new' and it sounds like you deserve one after all you've been through! I think I would clean every thing individually as it comes out of that room before putting it into the new house.

The ferret absolutely can (and probably does) have dry skin from too much flea treatment. He's just a little young to be having any adrenal problems yet - those don't usually show up until after two years of age and they would cause itchiness.  A nice bath to remove all the flea preparations would probably do wonders for his itchiness, as would a nice moisturizing non-allergenic creme rinse. I use Johnson and Johnsons 'no tears' Baby Shampoo - you can use the conditioner also.  Then get some Ferretone and cut it 1/2 and 1/2 with VIRGIN OLIVE OIL (to lessen the amount of vitamins your ferret will ingest by drinking more oil than usual), then give the ferret a 'treat' of about a teaspoon of diluted Ferretone/olive oil every day or so. The extra oils will help his skin and his coat feel lots more comfortable and look lush and shiny too. Just be careful with Ferretone - too much is dangerous for ferrets. They shouldn't have more than about a tablespoon of Ferretone a week TOTAL or they get too much of the non-water soluble vitamins that can't be eliminated easily out of their systems.

Hope that helps - enjoy your new home!  Sounds like all of you - ferret included - definitely deserve a nice new start!!

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers