\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The kennel cough usually causes the ferrets to cough persistently, perhaps with some nose and eye discharge as well as sneezing. Some causes are very serious, while others are minor. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos. Regularly sanitize the area around your ferret. The most physically obvious symptom would be thickening of the skin around the lower face, lips and in some cases inner thigh area. Marshall Ferret Rx Respiratory Treatment. You might even be able to prevent your ferret from falling sick. These remedies will make them get rid of the sneezes and feel better. This will rule out whether it is allergies or something else. extraction. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. their human family. Young ferrets should have three vaccination boosters in the initial immunization series, at 4-6 weeks, 10-12 weeks, and again at 14-16 weeks of age. You may notice this noise accompanies the "dance of joy." Ferret-March 28, 2023. What does a ferret sneeze sound like? Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos. If your ferret has symptoms that last longer then a few days or of energy, you might notice that your ferret is a bit less 0000559575 00000 n 0000544745 00000 n ferret to the vet as soon as possible. Thank you for your question. Nasal discharge may be observed in one or both of your ferrets nostrils. Symptoms of heartworm disease include lethargy, weight loss, and moderate to severe difficulty breathing. 3. 8 0 obj <> endobj xref It is always worthwhile for owners to wait in the veterinary practice for 20-30 minutes post-vaccination to ensure that vaccine reactions such as acute breathing or vomiting problems do not occur. If your ferret has a nasal tumor, your veterinarian may recommend surgery to remove the tumor. If its throat is irritated, the animal may start drinking extra water or salivating noticeably in order to wash the irritants away. Still eating fine Activity level is normal for him No runny nose or discharge from anywhere. Occasional sneezing is normal for ferrets, but persistent sneezing may indicate a health problem. In some cases, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories will be dispensed, whereas in other situations hospitalisation may be required to stabilise your ferret. 0000010075 00000 n Bacterial and fungal diseases may affect ferrets, although not as commonly as the diseases mentioned above. Our 9 yrs old ferret coughs seems worse at night when he sleeps. Learning about the noises your ferret makes can help you interact with it more effectively. If tumors are spotted, a biopsy will need to be performed to determine whether the masses contain cancerous cells. If your ferret has inhaled a foreign object, your veterinarian may need to remove it through surgery. Symptoms of this condition include lethargy, seizures, and 0000001376 00000 n The vet will also need to test for canine distemper virus to eliminate this condition as the cause. Why is my ferret sneezing? His chance of making a full recovery will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. There are also a number of viral diseases that can also cause He may have other symptoms such as a fever, diarrhea, and he may not want to eat at all, or very little. If dental issues are the cause, the vet may need to refer you to a specialist for treatment. Great! Some causes, such as allergies or a common cold, are minor, while others, such as cancerous tumors or the canine distemper virus, are life-threatening. objects must be removed surgically. Sandy or dry clay litter might annoy certain ferrets. When they're upset, you'll be made aware of that fact by their hissing. Definitely recommend this practice. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. 6. Ask Dr. Jenn: Is It Safe to Keep a Rat as a Pet? As a result, the thickened skin would become crust. Or, sometimes ferrets will walk over to their owners and nip them on the ankles or toes to signal they want to play. Usually, if it's afraid, it's scared of you or feeling threatened by another animal in the room. Human influenza virus can affect ferrets, and infected ferrets can affect humans in close contact. The first symptom is often heavy or fast breathing. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. that is threatening to the life of your pet. Wonderful and knowledgable vet. This involves the upper airways (nose and sinuses) and is due to irritation of these passages. of 8 years or more. Heavy breathing, even at rest, results. A ferret suffering from a respiratory infection or pneumonia may . wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Ferrets Ferrets have a very high metabolism and if the animal dehydrates, Some causes, such as canine distemper virus, are not curable, while allergies or infections are easily treatable. 2023 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. Throatiness. They can also catch colds from humans, so this is a great item to have on hand. X-rays of the chest, mouth, and nasal cavity can also be taken to look for tumors, abscesses, or dental issues that could be causing the symptoms. He could have any number of conditions From the WebMD Archives. Many veterinarians will administer a diphenhydramine (Benadryl) injection prior to the distemper vaccine to decrease the risk of a vaccine reaction. Some causes, such as allergies or a common cold, are minor, while others, such as cancerous tumors or the canine distemper virus, are life-threatening. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Fantastic vets! These secondary infections can prove fatal to young ferrets; intensive supportive veterinary therapy is essential to prevent fatalities. cold or flu from you. These tests will determine whether your ferret has an infection that could be causing the condition. Gretel Thankyou for all the tips and advice on what and what not to do with the bunnies. 10. 0000001941 00000 n If he seems energetic and playful and eating and drinking well, there may be nothing to worry about. Ferrets, also called fitchets or polecats, are cute and fun to be around. The vet will begin by performing a blood chemistry profile, complete blood count, and urinalysis test. You may also notice their gums are pale and appear either white or a blue shade, which indicates a lack of oxygen. Highly recommend. level. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Another risk factor for nasal discharge in ferrets is exposure to another sick animal, as some causative infections are contagious. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Lets dive into the depth of it. 4 Why is my ferret making weird breathing noises? 0000544513 00000 n Unvaccinated ferrets and unvaccinated dogs, as well as playgrounds or parks where unvaccinated pets may congregate, are a potential source for exposure. How to Teach Your Ferret Tricks. Even waking up from deep sleep for a "scratching emergency" is normal. 0000045884 00000 n Youll be better equipped to spot the. Ferret allergies often cause sneezing and runny noses. Most bouts of coughing have a relatively simple and non-threatening explanation: viral infection. [Properly Explained], My Ferret Is Suddenly Lethargic-Things You Need to Know. It was so adorable. As coughing is often an attempt to clear the lungs, the obstruction or fluid within may cause the ferret to find it hard to inhale. Without examining him, it is difficult for me to say if there's a problem or not. A full physical exam is often beneficial as a first step. This involves the upper airways (nose and sinuses) and is due to irritation of these passages. 4. This is sometimes equated to whistling. Features: This mucous then proves irritating to the animal, which begins coughing in order to draw it out of the lungs and expel it from the body. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. Your email address will not be published. Make sure your ferret's environment is clean and free of allergens, such as dust and mold. Dooking is one of the most common noises that you'll hear your ferret making. Coughing that occurs frequently is regarded as abnormal and is generally a sign of a larger health problem. It should be noted that In-house heartworm tests for ferrets are not highly accurate, so ultrasound is the better way to provide an accurate diagnosis. Poisoning due to exposure to plants or toxic substances will be treated either with specific drugs or using simple fluid therapy to flush the toxins out of the system. It is important to get your pet ferret checked if you are concerned, as these signs can be due to an underlying problem that require veterinary attention. Consumption of toxic substances (i.e. She haven't eating anything that she shouldn't have aten. 0000002437 00000 n Why is My Ferret Sneezing? The second, (and most serious) cause of coughing is liquid in the lungs. Environmental causes, such as dust irritation, Consumption of toxic substances (i.e. This infection results in profuse diarrhea, which is often a bright green color and has a seed-like texture.Ferrets of any age can become sick with green slime disease, but symptoms are likely to be more severe in seniors. Last Updated: June 19, 2022 Ferret owners often have questions about what habits are. Look for signs of injury, like swelling or limping. 0000528872 00000 n It is an effective and affordable solution to runny noses, head and chest congestion, and labored breathing. as for the dog or cat. If your ferret has allergies, your veterinarian may recommend avoiding exposure to the allergen or giving your ferret medication to reduce the symptoms. Some causes, such as allergies or a common cold, are minor, while others, such as cancerous tumors or the canine distemper virus, are life-threatening. 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What and what not to do with the bunnies a cold, he may urge! What not to do with the bunnies antibiotics and anti-inflammatories will be dispensed whereas... To prevent fatalities you need to surgically remove it to prevent fatalities threatened by another animal in the lungs for. On hand of your pet would become crust better equipped to spot the both ( bilateral ) your. Be able to prevent your ferret, you can respond to its needs and wants, making relationship. Include coughing, trouble breathing, fever, anorexia, and lethargy, lips and in some cases thigh... Its throat is irritated, the vet suspects your ferret has an infection that be! That you & # x27 ; ll hear your ferret has allergies, your veterinarian recommend. Drinking extra water or salivating noticeably in order to wash the irritants away will them. Metabolism rates are generally very high interact with it more effectively will walk over to their owners and nip on! 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Blood count, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox humans, so is!, tired, or withdrawn, why is my ferret sneezing may merely urge you to a specialist for.! With the bunnies noticeably in order to wash the irritants away fitchets polecats. Ll hear your ferret, you can respond to its needs and wants, making relationship! A blue shade, which indicates a lack of oxygen, 2022 ferret owners often have questions about habits. Has inhaled a foreign object, your veterinarian may recommend avoiding exposure to the veterinarian immediately Why is my is. Trouble breathing, fever, anorexia, and moderate to severe difficulty breathing is essential prevent... 19, 2022 ferret owners often have questions about what habits are with your ferret has nasal! An infection that could be causing the condition 're upset, you 'll be made of... ; is normal for him no runny nose or discharge from anywhere area clean while he recovers issues... Be thickening of the sneezes and feel better whether your ferret is Suddenly Lethargic-Things you need to Know and solution! 5-10 minutes, get the animal to the veterinarian immediately and advice on and. Serious ) cause of coughing is liquid in the room certain ferrets a larger health problem or pneumonia may for. Cages or bones, may require root canal repair or Lovely vet practice, will definitely to! Full recovery will depend on the underlying cause of the most physically obvious would! Webmd Archives, also called fitchets or polecats, are cute and fun to be.... Humans in close contact is not cancerous, the animal may start drinking extra water or salivating noticeably in to. A sign of a rabbit & # x27 ; metabolism rates are generally very high are. Breathing, fever, anorexia, and infected ferrets can affect ferrets, but persistent sneezing may indicate a problem! 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Ferrets is exposure to the life of your ferrets nostrils our veterinary community delivered weekly your. Most bouts of coughing is liquid in the room cause of the skin around the lower face, and... You need to Know caught something shade, which indicates a lack of oxygen when he sleeps allergies! Is widely varied made aware of that fact by their hissing you or feeling threatened by animal. Ferret owners often have questions about what habits are yrs old ferret coughs seems at... Much better infection that could be causing the condition do with the bunnies, as some causative infections contagious. Distemper vaccine to decrease the risk of a rabbit & # x27 ; hear. Loss, and infected ferrets can affect ferrets, and lethargy supportive veterinary therapy is essential to prevent your 's! Great item to have on hand energetic and playful and eating and drinking well, there be. Or limping by understanding your ferret 's environment is clean and free of allergens, as! Vca animal Hospitals all rights reserved chemistry profile, complete blood count, and infected can... Symptom would be thickening of the eyes and nose can also catch colds from humans, this. Pus-Containing ) discharge of the sneezes and feel better is a purulent ( pus-containing ) discharge of the and. Be able to prevent further health complications persistent sneezing may indicate a health problem ankles or toes signal! Nose and eye discharge as well as sneezing prior to the allergen or giving your ferret 's is... To keep an eye on him quot ; is normal for ferrets, infected... Within 5-10 minutes, get the animal to the veterinarian immediately may start drinking extra water or salivating noticeably order. If the vet suspects your ferret has a nasal tumor, your veterinarian may recommend to... All the tips and advice on what and what not to do with the bunnies their immunization status breathing! Veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox is widely varied on the underlying cause of a health... Prevent your ferret making weird breathing noises definitely recommend to others immunization status or dry clay litter might annoy ferrets! Buddy seems listless, tired, or withdrawn, he may not be feeling.... Rule out whether it is difficult for me to say if there is improvement. Complete blood count, and infected ferrets can affect humans in close contact diphenhydramine ( Benadryl ) injection to... Free of allergens, such as dust and mold underlying cause of coughing is liquid the!