My ferret has ear buildup and scabs. What home care can I provide?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Male | neutered
I have a ferret with build up that seems to have scabbed over in his ear. I can’t get him into the vet until the 27th what can I do at home to keep him comfortable, or even help the problem in his ear?
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 21st, 2017
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It’s hard to say what can be causing Hook’s ear issue without seeing a photo, but discharge can be caused by ear mites or infections. I recommend cleaning the ear with an ear cleaning solution which is commonly available in pet stores and a piece of gauze or cotton pad. I recommend not using a q-tip to avoid trauma. If the ear itself is red or you think it is really bothering Hook, he should be seen by a vet sooner.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
Wandering why my ferret gets earwax build up
Many ferrets are prone to copious amounts of ear wax. If left untreated it can lead to an ear infection. It is best to do regular ear cleaning at home. I suggest once a week. You can use this ear cleaner or one like it. Please don't use oil or peroxide or vinegar or any of the other weird things people report they use in the ears. Use an actual ear cleaner. ( https://www.ferret.com/item/marshall-ferret-ear-cleaner/650704/ ) Here is a link to an article about how to clean the ears: ( https://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/small-and-furry-care/tips-cleaning-ferret-ears/ ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
So, I’ve had a ferret for roughly four years, I got him as a present when I was 14 I believe. My family was never well off so a vet trip for my fuzzy friend was always too expensive, but now I can do it myself since I’ve got a job and all that fun st
Hello! An ear infection that was treated and resolved a year ago likely has nothing to do with his current ear problem. I would recommend taking him to a vet to find out what is causing the problem. Sometimes ferrets can get ear mites, which are treated differently than normal bacterial ear infections. They will be able to check for this by taking a swab and putting it under the microscope and decide on what medications based on that information. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Boop by Petco!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My Ferret has an abnormal amount of wax coming out of his left ear, and just his left ear. No sign of Puss, swelling or bleeding. I was gone for about a day and 1/2 and came home to his ear like this. Does this just require just a regular cleaning o
This is likely to be due to an yeast infection caused by Malassezia spp. I cannot rule out completely the presence of ear mites though, so a check up would be required to give appropriate treatment. Regular cleaning (DO NOT USE COTTON BUDS as you can easily damage ear canal and tympanic membrane) with a generic ear cleaner can help but may not be enough to completely resolve the problem.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I'm wondering what I can do for me ferret. I'm not sure what's wrong, maybe mites? I do not have a lot of experience with ferrets yet, and tried all day to get through to my vet to get her in. But they were too busy she said.
Thanks for reaching out about Naila and including a photo. The exudate from the ear is indicative of possible ear mites, infection or other problems. You are correct in that you need to see a veterinarian. You should indicate you are worried and if they can not help you, seek another veterinarian. Don't think this can wait until next week. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hello, I was wondering what type of ear Mite treatment should I use for my ferret?
Hi there and thanks for using Boop by Petco! One of the things I will use with my clients is Revolution, which is a topical medication. I do recommend doing so only under supervision of a veterinarian-have your ferret checked to make sure the ear mites are the only problem as commonly other types of ear infections will present with similar symptoms. Your vet can show you how to apply and monitor for reactions if they have never had it. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
*resubmit w/ photos* Today is day 2 that may ferret has had ear wax collection at the bottom of her ear. She is 2, and currently on revolution prescribed by the vet to treat and maintain ear mites and fleas. She is not red inside the ear. Not showing
Thanks for reaching out about Roo and including photos. Did the veterinarian take an ear swab and look under the microscope for a diagnosis? All ferrets (and cats) need to be treated. If does take some time for animals to respond to the medications, as the Revolution only kills juveniles and adults, not eggs. So need to wait for eggs to hatch, to stop mite cycle. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hello. My rabbit has stuff in her ears for a while now and keep forgetting to see what’s up with them. She flicks her head around a lot. I think it’s bothering her. It kinda looks like hay particles to me. I don’t think it’s ear mites but she scratch
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! This is likely due to an ear infection. How often you use these depends on which of the tabs you are referring to. I would check the product instructions and follow that. I recommend that you have Oreo evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Your veterinarian would be able to check what type of infection is present and treat accordingly. Usually this resolves with topical therapy. Good luck and have a good day!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My guinea pig started having dandruff on his ears, so I changed his diet and added more liquids because I thought he's having some sort of dehydration. a couple of days later he devolved some rash on his left ear and started itching it harshly which
Hi and thanks for posting on Boop by Petco! Sorry to hear about Hamtaro's ear- from the pictures you sent, it looks very red and inflamed. Ear mites may be a cause as well as fungal infections. A veterinarian can rule out ear mites with an ear cytology sample (basically a swab or sample of material from the ear) and a fungal culture of the hair near or around the ear. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. I would try and keep the area clean for now. Mild cleansing cloth or 3% hydrogen peroxide to the affected area may help until a diagnosis can be made with your veterinarian. I hope this helps and best of luck to you!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I think my cat has ear mites. I'm not sure if his ears are just waxy or if its mites. His ears have been dirtier than my other cat's ears for as long as I can remember (He's a tuxedo) so I thought that they were just different because of their breeds
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! If he truly has mites, they are not going to completely go away with the peroxide so if the ears get dirty again as before, I recommend you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If properly diagnosed, ear mites can be easily treated. Best of luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi on side ear my ferret had swollen red blood and medium like a line open cut it’s bit for insect?
Thanks for reaching out about Santiago and including a photo. Dermal infections or a histiocytoma are common dermal conditions in ferrets. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Monitor for self trauma and scratching, as if opens up, more likely to become infected. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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