What do I do if my ferret is lethargic?

Symptoms of anemia are usually lethargy, weakness, and pale gums. Ferrets that have been in heat for more than a few weeks are at risk of becoming anemic. Thankfully it is treatable by your vet and preventable by spaying your ferret.

What are signs of a ferret dying?

• Lethargy. A ferret that appears weak and doesn’t move around his cage is needs immediate medical attention.
• Difficulty Breathing.
• Lack of Appetite and Weight Loss.
• Diarrhea, Bloody Stool or No Feces.
• Vomiting.
• Nausea.
• Discharge.
• Dull Fur Color and Skin Problems.

Is my ferret sick or dying?

When death is rapidly approaching, you may find your ferret collapsed, taking deep breaths. Their body temperature will drop to 97 degrees or less. If they are moaning or wheezing with each breath, they are near to death.

What can I give my sick ferret?

Any time the ferret is sick, it is a good idea to give it Pedialyte. If the ferret has diarrhea, you really should give Pedialyte. This helps keep the ferret from getting dehydrated and provides it with electrolytes. (After opening, Pedialyte must be refrigerated and is only good for a number of days.)

How do you hydrate a sick ferret?

Always make sure you have enough fresh water available at all times and if your ferret is in an outdoor cage, fill up a 2L soft drink bottle with water, freeze it, then put it in the cage, wrapped in a towel, so that your ferret can lie against it and cool off.

How do you know if your ferret is dehydrated?

It is also important to check your ferret’s hydration regularly, this can be checked by the skin tent test as well as feeling their mucous membranes inside their mouth (i.e. their gums). If their mucous membranes feel dry or tacky then it is likely that your ferret is dehydrated.

What to feed a ferret that wont eat?

Many ferrets will need higher-calorie diets with an appropriate amount of protein or, for those that have not been eating regularly and are dehydrated, fluid and electrolyte therapy. Still others will require medication to help stimulate appetite or reduce nausea.

Can I give my sick ferret Pedialyte?

Unfortunately, especially with a sick ferret, it is not that easy. But after a few feedings, most ferrets will be eating it like a champ. For the first feeding, place a small amount on your finger. Gently open the ferret;s mouth by placing your fingers on either side of the upper jaw just behind the canine teeth.

How long can a ferret last without water?

How long can a ferret go without water? A ferret can go up to a day or two without water. Beyond that, dehydration can be fatal. Most ferrets drink 20 times a day.

How much water should a ferret drink?

Assessing these two conditions in ferrets, however, may be more subjective since an extremely wide range of urine production has been reported, ranging from 8 to 140 mL/24 hours. (Conversely, normal water consumption volumes is generally considered to be 75-100 mL/kg/24 hours.)

Should I force feed my ferret?

The vet said a ferret’s stomach can hold at least 18cc of food per feeding. It won’t pop their tummy if you force them to swallow 18cc worth of food. If they refuse to eat on their own, you need a syringe without the needle to squirt the food into their mouth.

Why is my ferret not eating?

New food

Stress (general)

Unusual smells around the house

New pets in the household

Illness (e.g.,parasites)

Physical stress from being handled too much.

How do you tell if a ferret is sick?

A ferret is sick when it has cloudy and dull eyes. There are also times that parts of the eyes become red. When you see these symptoms, there is a high chance that your pet is suffering from colds or other sickness.

What health problems do ferrets have?

The domestic ferret is known to be affected by several distinct ferret health problems. Among the most common are cancers affecting the adrenal glands, pancreas, and lymphatic system. Viral diseases include canine distemper and influenza. Certain health problems have also been linked to ferrets being neutered before sexual maturity was reached.

Is my Ferret depressed?

Ferrets are sensitive little animals and can get depressed. This most often happens in one of two instances. The first is when a ferret is brought into a new home with unfamiliar people and is usually a temporary time of depression that will wain as the ferret becomes more comfortable with you and your family.