Why is my ferret losing hair?
During the fall and winter, ferrets should build up a thick, fluffy coat. In the spring, they will go through a shedding period so their summer coats are thinner. Significant hair loss, called alopecia, at any other time of year should always be a cause for concern and a reason for a veterinary appointment.
The most common cause of hair loss is adrenal disease. Adrenal disease is generally seen in ferrets over three years old, but can be seen in ferrets as young as a year old. Other symptoms that may accompany adrenal disease related hair loss are excessive itchiness, a swollen vulva in females, or aggressive mating behavior and trouble urinating in males.
If your veterinarian determines that your ferret doesn't have adrenal disease, other causes for hair loss include:
- Rat tail
- Overly dry skin
- Ringworm
- Fungal infection
- Scabies (sarcoptic mange)
- Ear mites
- Flea infestation
- Ticks
- Malnutrition
- Old age
- Allergies
- Hormonal imbalance in unspayed females
- Stress
- Improper light cycles
