Do ferrets get colds?
It is almost that time of year when we all start to get sick, and many people have expressed concerns that their ferret has a cold or will catch a cold from them. While ferrets can get influenza (the flu), respiratory infections, sinus infections, pneumonia and other ailments that resemble colds, they are actually immune to the virus that causes colds. Colds are caused by rhinoviruses, which are species specific viruses. They do not affect ferrets.
However, since ferrets can get the flu from us, and we often aren't sure what we illness we are dealing with, it's best to careful whenever you have flu-like symptoms. Avoid handling your ferrets if there is another person in your household who can care for them. If you have to handle them, wash your hands thoroughly before touching them or changing their food or water. Limit contact as much as possible, and do not let them lick you!
If the ferret contracts the flu, treatment is the same as it would be for you - lots of fluid and rest. Separate the sick ferret from the other ferrets, as it will be contagious. If symptoms do not start to clear up or seem to get worse, make a vet appointment. You will want to have your vet image the ferret's chest in addition to just listening to it. If vomiting and diarrhea are bad enough, the ferret will need subcutaneous fluid shots. If you live close enough to the vet to stop in, do that, but if not, you will want to have your vet show you how to give the sub-q fluids.
Comments
I have a white ferret he is 10 weeks old and I have noticed that his left eye waters a little. I was wondering if this should be a cause for concern of it I should just give him lots of fluids and rest.
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Editor's Note:
Whenever there is a unknown health issue that lasts for more than a couple days, the best thing to do is to take your ferret to the veterinarian. He could have an eye infection, he could have injured his eye somehow, or he could have something in it that is irritating it. An examination by a veterinarian is necessary.
Posted by: Kandice Hesch | May 20, 2007 09:14 PM
My ferret has been shaking all day. Is she cold or sick? What should I do?
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Editor's Note:
Ferrets shake to raise their body temperature, and you will frequently see it right after a ferret wakes up. While that is normal, shaking all day is not. You need to get your ferret to a veterinarian.
Posted by: Josh | October 11, 2007 09:14 PM
my ferret is 3 yrs old she has been sick but i dont know whats wrong with her she is not eating or drinking water i am not sure if she caught a cold because the day she started getting sick i took her outside earlier that morning it was very cold and snow outside what do you think is wrong
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Ferrets don't get colds, so she didn't catch one from being outside. If she is not eating or drinking, you need to take her to see a veterinarian immediately. She will rapidly become dehydrated and malnourished. Decreased fluid intake and appetite can be a symptom of a number of different illnesses, and it is something that needs to be handled right away.
Posted by: kesha | December 8, 2007 10:58 PM
do you know of any professional vets for ferrets in clearwater florida and what temp should i keep him at. He seems to me like he has a check cold and I would like to take him in tuesday TY
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You can check the following listings for veterinarians in your area:
Listing of Florida Veterinarians
Ferret Veterinarian ZIP Code Locator
Ferret Veterinarian Database by State
Ferrets are most comfortable in temperatures that range between 65 and 68 degrees. Anything over 80 degrees can be very dangerous, and anything over 90 degrees can be fatal.
Posted by: pauline | December 11, 2007 02:03 AM
My ferret appears to be sick it wont walk a lot and it will not eat about 20 minutes ago however it was fine and now she will barely move i put her in the bathtub and noticed that she wasnt using her feet to help her swim and when i set her on the floor she would barely walk. my mother told me to feed her and then she wouldfeel better but she wont do anything but stare at the food i am scared out of my mind that my ferret might be gravely ill and i dont know what i should do help!!!!! A.S.A.P.
P.s. just thought you should know my ferret is 1 year old her name is isabelle and she is my best friend
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Editor's Note:
Until you said she was only 1, my first thought was insulinoma, but she is too young for that. You need to get Isabelle to an experienced ferret veterinarian immediately. If she isn't eating and she can't walk, you are right - she is very ill. The sooner you seek medical attention, the more likely it is that she can be treated.
Posted by: Samantha | March 10, 2008 06:33 PM
Zoey which is my ferret just today started sneezing alot! Does this mean she is getting sick? If so what do i do? I feel so bad for her. Please help me and Zoey.
I am not sure how old she she was given to me by a friend.
Thanks so much Kayla G.
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Editor's Note:
Hi Kayla,
It could mean that she has the flu or a respiratory infection, but it could also be something in her environment that is irritating her delicate respiratory system. Things that can do this include:
If her sneezing persists or if she shows any other signs that something may be wrong, schedule a veterinary appointment.
Posted by: kayla | March 28, 2008 12:00 AM
My daughter's ferret is about 7 months old and the right side of her face is puffy and her eye is swollen shut. My husband thinks it's a sinus infection. Can we treat this at home, will it go away on its own, or should we take her to the vet?
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Editor's Note:
That is not something that should be treated at home. If it is a sinus infection, your ferret will need medication. It could also be a more serious respiratory infection or something else altogether. You need to schedule a veterinary appointment.
Posted by: Adrienne | June 2, 2008 12:56 AM