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]