This is reprinted in it's entirety with permission from the ASPCA Animal
Poison Control Center.  If you use this document please first get
permission directly from the ASPCA Poison Control Center, and use it in
it's entirety, without alteration, crediting the ASPCA Animal Poison
Control Center.
 
Ferret Poison Safety Tips
 
Please follow these guidelines to protect your ferrets from being exposed
to poisons.
 
- Be aware of the plants you have in your home.  The ingestion of azalea,
oleander, sago palm, or yew plant material by a ferret could be fatal.
 
- Never allow your ferrets to have access to the areas in which cleaning
agents are being used or stored.  Cleaning agents have a variety of
properties; some may only cause mild stomach upset, but others can cause
severe burns of the tongue, mouth and stomach.
 
- When using rat, mouse, snail or slug baits, or ant or roach traps, place
the products in areas that are inaccessible to your ferrets.  Some bait
contains sweet smelling inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter
or sugar that can attract your pets.
 
- Never give your ferrets medication unless you are directed to do so by
a veterinarian.  Many medications that are safe for humans can be deadly
for animals.  For example, one 200mg-ibuprofen tablet could be lethal to
an average sized ferret.
 
- Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of your ferrets'
reach, preferably in closed cabinets.  Pain killers, cold medicines,
anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills are all
examples of human medications that can be lethal to ferrets, even in
small doses.
 
- Many common household items can be lethal to animals.  Mothballs,
potpourri oils, coffee grounds, homemade play dough, fabric softener
sheets, dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks,
pennies, and hand and foot warmers could be dangerous for your ferret.
 
- Before buying a flea product for use on your ferret, ask your
veterinarian for a recommendation.
 
- Read all of the information on the label before using a product on your
ferret or in your home.  Always follow the directions.
 
- Make sure your ferrets do not enter areas in which foggers or house
sprays have been used for the period of time indicated on the label.
 
- If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, ask the manufacturer
and/or your veterinarian for instructions.
 
        ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
 
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, an operating division of the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is a
unique, emergency hotline providing 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week telephone
assistance to veterinarians and pet owners.  Veterinary professionals
provide around-the-clock, on-site coverage of the Center.  The licensed
staff members share over one hundred and ten years of combined call
center experience and over seventy-five years of combined toxicology,
clinical, and diagnostic experience.  The phone number of the Center is
1-888-4-ANI-HELP (1-888-426-4435) and the website is www.apcc.aspca.org.
[Posted in FML issue 3444]