shots

Question
Okay I have a new baby and he has had his first shot (he is a Marshall Ferret) I am planning to get the rest of his shots.  I read that the distemper and rabies should not be given at the same time? I found a vet in my area finally that will treats ferrets, but in talking with them they do this? I asked if they used a brand for ferrets.  She stated it was for exotic animals? Is this wrong?  ALSO I have read a lot about my baby reacting badly to the shots.  Does this happen a lot?  AND that the live rabies vaccination should not be used? Do I sound like a new mom?  Please help.

Answer
You sound like a new mom and a responsible pet owner :)

Congratulations on the little addition!

No, rabies and distemper should not be given at the same time. They should be spaced a few weeks apart.

I'm not up to date on all other exotic animal vaccinations but ferrets receive either a modified canine distemper shot for ferrets (GALAXY 6 MPHL, shown to have a very small chance of a reaction) or just a canine distemper shot (Merial's PureVax etc.). I would find out exactly what she means by "its for exotics" because that just doesn't sit right with me.

Some ferrets do have bad reactions to shots, just like some dogs and cats do. My vet gives my ferrets some Benadryl before to lower the chance of anything happening.The shot being given near the hip/rump of the ferret also seems to lessen the chance of a ferret having a reaction.

I have also read that ferret only require half a dose of a non ferret specific vaccine, but I'm not sure of the validity of that. Talk to your vet.

Honestly, I can't tell you how likely it is that it will happen to one of your ferrets. My suggestion is stay at the vets for 30-60 minutes in case of a reaction. Then be able to watch the ferret when you get home to see if you notice anything. I have six ferrets and none of them has had a reaction as of yet.

And yes, from what I was able to gather, do not use a live rabies vaccine.

Now, shots are a choice (in most states) and not something you legally have to get. There are many different views and trains of thought on it. I personally only will get my ferrets distemper shots because it is an airborne virus and I can bring it into my house and transfer it them.

Rabies I prefer not to get because they are not in a position to get rabies. The main reason for a ferret to get a rabies shot is so that if the ferret bites someone and they decide to report it, your ferret will not be taken and killed to check for rabies. Ferrets are like skunks and rabies can lie dormant in them for a very long time, so quarantine is not an option. So really, if your ferret does not have a rabies vaccination then do not let people you don't trust/know around them.

But really, it is a choice on your part and your decision. Do what ever you feel most comfortable with.

Now, I wanted to add that since you are a new ferret owner and obviously trying very hard, one of the best things you can do is feed your ferret a great diet (NOT Iams, Purina, 8in 1, Hills Science Diet, Totally Ferret, Marshalls, Zupreem etc) If you have any questions about food and diet either ask me again or look back at some of my past answers.

Good luck, I hope I answered all your questions. And I really think you are on the path to becoming a GREAT ferret mom!

Lindsey