White petrolatum is safe for ingestion. The forms that are dangerous
are yellow and ( even worse ) brown petrolatum. White petrolatum is
okayed for use by vets and in a pinch we have had physicians mention
it when constipation is a problem (as recently as 2 months ago).

Some links can be found in
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/FHL6019
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/FHL6025

That said, we prefer brushing and combing to dislodge loose fur instead
of giving laxatives. Regular use of laxatives of any type can cause
intestinal dependence on them.

Sukie (not a vet)

Recommended ferret health links:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html
http://www.miamiferret.org/
http://www.ferrethealth.msu.edu/
http://www.ferretcongress.org/
http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml
http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html
all ferret topics:
http://listserv.ferretmailinglist.org/archives/ferret-search.html

[Posted in FML 6526]