It's that time of year again!
As spring approaches, our ferrets are going to move into the spring shedding season. Many ferrets grow thick lustrous coats during the fall and winter months. As the days start to get longer during spring, those same ferrets will lose much of their winter coats. Some ferrets will even "blow" their coats - this is when most or all of the guard hairs (longer, stiffer top coat) fall out and the ferret is left only with the soft undercoat hairs. With all of that hair loss, hairballs become even more of a threat. During the spring shed, it is important that you give a hairball remedy to all of your ferrets, even those that don't appear to be shedding. Ferrets will groom themselves and each other, so even ferrets that aren't shedding are at risk for hairballs.
Give your ferrets hairball remedy two times a week or as needed during shedding season. Signs that a hairball may be causing a blockage include:
- Tiny, stringy poop
- Sudden weight loss or decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Pawing at the mouth or rubbing face on carpet
- Dehydration
- Bloating
- Swollen belly painful to the touch
If your ferret does get a blockage, you must schedule a vet appointment as soon as possible. Blockages are a life threatening condition.
So make sure you give your ferret a hairball remedy while he is shedding! It's much easier to prevent a hairball than to treat one!
