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Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2014 21:26:47 GMT -5
So my little guy, Fez. I've had him almost 2 months now. I was told he'd need a distemper shot shortly after getting him, then rabies soon as well. But I asked the vet that comes into work for the vaccination clinic about the distemper shot and they explained that they haven't been able to get it in a very long time, and don't really want to give a dog one to a ferret because of the reactions others have had etc. So I looked up a bit about it all and came across that they were no longer making ferret vaccinations for distemper?? So... What does everyone do about that?
I've had Fez inside the entire time I've had him, but today we had some halloween photos/costume contest at work and I took Fez in for a few hours, first time on his harness & leash and meeting lots of new people, he did amazing. Loved being handled, didn't even try to mouth anyone. Loved running alongside me as I walked around the store, it was great, and now I want to take him out more often... But of course, the whole distemper thing was in the back of my mind, so what are my options?
When does he need the rabies vaccination? And does he need things for heart worm or flea & tick stuff? My dog isn't on flea & tick protection (never had an issue.. knock on wood). But he's got heart worm stuff and up to date on all his shots. So I'm not worried about Fez at home, but taking him out...?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2014 14:21:53 GMT -5
They aren't making it anymore? I never heard that, though I'm in Canada, and far as I've read and been told by my vet it's on backorder (has been for awhile) with a possibility of a new dose available end of October....but we'll see I guess, I'm on a call list for it.
Rabies is I believe at 12 weeks, and then annually after that. What sucks is the distemper shot is suppose to be given when young, booster at 8 weeks, repeated at 11 - 12 weeks then 14-16 weeks and then annually after (obviously not many ferret owners can do that since it's been on back order forever..)
To be honest, my two have not had the distemper shot due to back orders and they are approaching a year old, so I keep their exposure to other animals, especially dogs, null and void. Only my two indoor cats are allowed near my two until they are properly vaccinated and I really don't trust most dogs around ferrets unless they have been exposed to ferrets regularly, so it's not hard to keep them away from other animals for safety alone. But, after reading all the possible reactions to vaccinations and the risk from a bad reaction, I'm a little edgy about even getting it. Mind you, I do not have a dog(s) in my home.
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Post by Heather on Oct 26, 2014 17:31:03 GMT -5
Thus far, they've still not come through with a distemper vaccine and we're not sure they ever will. If you absolutely must have a distemper shot to make your feel comfortable, check out the AFA site there are regular updates given about the distemper vaccine and it's possible due date. It's been over 2 yrs now since they ran out. It's not looking promising. They do offer an alternative dog (actually puppy) vaccine but make sure you use that one. The reactions have been horrific for those that have just decided to use any dog vaccine.
If you're looking to do a rabies I'd wait until he's 6 months old unless you're going to be doing some border crossings (must have a rabies at 4 months). I only do rabies if I'm border hoping. I've not done distemper since importing 4 yrs ago. The rabies vaccine must be the EMRAB 3 to be legally recognized for ferrets in Canada and the US.
ciao
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Post by Blue on Oct 27, 2014 13:24:06 GMT -5
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Post by unclejoe on Oct 28, 2014 6:58:33 GMT -5
Sometimes it's localities that require rabies. I have an address in a city that doesn't require rabies, but I'm under the jurisdiction of the county, which does. I don't take the 2 ferrets that may bite out often, and when I do I don't let anyone else handle or pet them.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2014 12:36:17 GMT -5
So can I still take him out without the distemper vaccination? I don't necessarily want to risk the risks of the puppy/dog distemper vaccination on him... But I also don't know the risks of him getting distemper etc..
As far as the rabies, I think my county must require it, I see it in the vets office saying dogs cats and ferrets MUST be rabies vaccinated etc. I didn't realize the state of Nebraska though didn't need it! Haha.
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Post by Blue on Oct 28, 2014 13:43:14 GMT -5
Sometimes it's localities that require rabies. I have an address in a city that doesn't require rabies, but I'm under the jurisdiction of the county, which does. Wow, I had no idea! How on earth do people keep track of all this? It wouldn't even have dawned on me to check the county laws. I did check the city laws for anything ferret-related, but thankfully there was nothing. I guess a good vet might keep track of all this. |
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Post by unclejoe on Oct 28, 2014 15:37:38 GMT -5
It's possible the city is so far behind the times they haven't got round to it, or they figure the county has it covered.
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