A Basic Guide to Caring for Your Ferret
照顾貂宝宝基础教程
So you have your ferret - now it is time to learn all about the proper care and health requirements they have. Following are some key points regarding the basic needs of a ferret:
你拥有你自己的貂宝宝了,所以现在是时候学习一下如何它们所需求的照顾和健康要求。以下几点是貂宝宝最基本的需求。
Find a veterinarian who regularly sees ferrets - they will be your first resource when it comes to your ferret. There are many websites that can help you find a vet that treats ferrets, a link to one listing can be found on the American Ferret Association's website,
www.ferret.org.
找一个有给貂宝宝看病经验的兽医-当你的貂宝宝出现问题的时候,他将会成为你最有用的资源。有很多网站都能让你找到有资格给貂宝宝看病的医生,其中一个则是美国雪貂协会,
www.ferret.org。
Annual exams are very important. Every ferret should have an annual exam so your vet can become familiar with your ferret and your ferret's normal physique and vital signs. This way, if your ferret is sick, he/she will be able to make a more educated diagnosis.
年检是非常重要的。每只貂宝宝应该年检,只有这样才能让您的兽医更熟悉您的貂宝宝的身体状况。一旦您的貂宝宝生病了,您的兽医可以根据以往的医疗记录做更精确的诊断。
Vaccines for Canine Distemper and Rabies should be given yearly. Both diseases are deadly to ferrets.
犬瘟热和狂犬疫苗要每年准时打。这两种疾病对貂宝宝都是致命的。(关于疫苗,后面有一贴是专门说疫苗的,也有本人咨询兽医意见的)
Hairballs happen, more so during shedding season, which is twice a year (spring and fall). Prevent hairballs by giving a weekly dose of laxative that is safe for cats.
毛球时而会出现,大部分在掉毛/换毛时期出现,每年有两次掉毛/换毛时期,分别是春天跟秋天。防止毛球的方法是每周喂一次猫用安全的化毛膏。
Ear cleaning should be performed weekly using a vet-recommended solution and cotton balls or swabs. If neglected, a waxy buildup will develop, which makes for smelly ears and an uncomfortable ferret.
每周需要清理一次耳朵,所使用的洁耳用品和棉签或者棉球应是兽医推荐的。若忽视清洁耳朵,耳朵里面的蜡会慢慢堆积,这会让貂宝宝觉得不舒服并让耳朵发出异味。
Toenails must be clipped at least once every two weeks. If they get too long, it is difficult to walk and they might get caught and torn off. Cut them so they are parallel to the floor when walking; be sure not to cut into the quick, the pink vein that runs through the toenail. You should have styptic powder on hand in case this happens. An easy method for ferret cooperation is to put a treat like Ferretone on his belly; he will be too busy licking it off to notice you're clipping his nails!
每两周必须剪一次指甲。指甲太长会造成貂宝宝行动不便并可能卡住然后被扯掉。剪指甲会让貂宝宝在地面走路变得更为方便,不过不要剪得太深否则会剪到貂宝宝脚趾头上的粉红色静脉。剪指甲时,你身边应放有止血粉以防意外发生。一个简单的为貂宝宝剪指甲的方法,放一个类似Ferretone(8in1的一款零食)的零食在貂宝宝的肚皮上,它会忙于舔零食而不会注意到你在剪它的指甲。
Heat is not good for your ferret - make sure his living area is kept cool and comfortable, ferrets can quickly develop heatstroke. If you don't have air conditioning, make sure that his cage is not in direct sunlight and make sure he has plenty to drink.
貂宝宝很容易中暑,所以要确保貂宝宝的居住环境保持干爽凉快和舒适。笼子不可以有阳光直射,并且时刻留意貂宝宝的水是否喝完。
These easy tips should start you out in the right direction in the basic care of your ferret!
以上几点简单的提示将会带你前往正确照顾貂宝宝的方向