Ferret Dehydration: How to Keep Your Ferret Hydrated
Ferrets can become dehydrated very easily - when they're ill, during warm weather, when they have diarrhea. You can tell if your ferret is dehydrated because when you scruff the skin over their shoulder blades, the skin that you pull up will either stay up or take a long time to go back down to the normal, flat position. This is called "tenting the skin." Other signs of dehydration include dry, sticky gums (they should be slippery and wet) and squinted eyes.
Dehydration is a very serious condition, and it can kill your ferret quickly if it isn't treated promptly. Therefore, it's very important to make sure that your ferret stays hydrated. Provide him with plenty of water at all times, and change his water daily. Consider using water bowls rather than water bottles, as your ferret will be able to drink more easily. You may also want to give your ferret a pet fountain in his play area to encourage more water intake. If your ferret is ill, speak to your veterinarian about ways to keep him properly hydrated. If you are taking your ferret outside or are traveling, be sure to provide plenty of water.
Schedule a veterinary appointment as soon as possible if your ferret becomes dehydrated. If you can't get your ferret to the veterinarian right away, prevent further dehydration by giving him children's Pedialyte mixed with water in addition to his regular water. You may need to syringe feed him water if he isn't drinking on his own. If your veterinarian has shown you how to administer subcutaneous fluids, you may want to give those as well. Feeding him wet foods, such as Science Diet a/d, mixed with water will also help.
Even if your ferret doesn't appear to be dehydrated anymore, it's still important to have him seen by an experienced ferret veterinarian. Dehydration is the symptom, not the problem.
