9 Most Common Signs Of A Sick Ferret

Ferrets are great pets, but they have a tendency to get sick, this post will address signs of a sick ferret, so keep reading…

Ferrets can have as many as 250 different types of viruses and bacteria that affect their bodies, some of which are quite serious.

If you notice any of the following signs in your ferret, take it to the vet immediately:

Abnormal Behavior

Ferrets can be very sick and act perfectly normal. Although they’re masters at hiding their symptoms.

If you notice changes in your ferret’s behavior, it’s important to keep an eye on them and see if they return to their normal self.

For example, say your ferret becomes more aggressive or less playful than usual.

This could mean that something is wrong with them—but it could also be due to stress or another health issue (like allergies).

Be sure not to panic! It may just be the case that their personality has shifted a bit as a result of their illness; if this happens often enough though, then there might be something more serious going on!

Change In Appetite

Changes in appetite are a common symptom of illness in ferrets, keep this in mind.

Sometimes, changes in appetite are due to an underlying medical condition, such as kidney failure or liver disease.

Other times it is due to something as simple as aging or stress.

If you notice that your ferret isn’t eating enough and seems lethargic, try encouraging them with food by enticing them with treats like fruit bits and cheese cubes (if they’re old enough).

If this doesn’t work, consult a veterinarian about whether there might be something wrong with their diet—he may recommend adding more variety of foods or making sure they’re getting enough essential nutrients through supplements.

Read more: 16 Most Common Health Problems In Ferrets.

Not Urinating Or Defecating

Not urinating or defecating is a common sign of illness in ferrets which can quickly get out of hand if not attended to.

Ferrets that do not have a regular routine of elimination may develop urinary or fecal blockages, which can lead to serious health problems.

Ferrets that do not urinate or defecate should be brought to a veterinarian as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

Changes in Eye or Nose Discharge

The most common eye or nose discharge is yellow or green, while clear-colored discharges indicate a bacterial infection.

If your ferret has an eye or nose discharge, but it’s not clear, you should get veterinary care right away.

An infection could be causing your pet discomfort and pain, so this situation requires immediate attention.

If you notice that your ferret is sneezing often and/or has a runny nose (a sign of upper respiratory infection).

Again contact a vet as soon as possible to rule out other issues that might be affecting their health such as allergies or parasitic infections like giardia lamblia.

Bad Breath

Bad breath can be caused by a respiratory infection, dental problems, or a change in diet or eating habits. It may also be related to stress or anxiety.

Your ferret’s breath may smell like something other than bad breath when you first notice it, but once the condition has progressed further into its later stages and become chronic (lasting more than three weeks), then his/her symptoms will likely include:

• A foul-smelling burp that smells like rotting meat;
• Vomiting up food after eating;
• Changes in appetite;
• Difficulty swallowing food;

Abnormal Weight Loss or Gain

Weight loss or gain is a sign of illness, but it can also be normal for the animal.

If your ferret loses weight and becomes thin, he may be having trouble absorbing nutrients in his diet. You should monitor his weight closely and make sure he’s eating well.

If your ferret gains weight and becomes plump, it could mean that he has a good appetite.

However, if you notice that he’s gaining too much weight (or losing less than usual), then this could be an indicator of illness as well.

Especially if he doesn’t seem interested in eating more often than normal or if his appetite seems off-kilter compared to what would normally occur when there aren’t any obvious issues with his health system.

Hiding Out

If your ferret is hiding out, it’s not just because he doesn’t want to be around you. He’s probably scared and nervous about something.

Hiding can also be a sign of illness, so if you see your ferret hiding in a small dark place, or if he seems lethargic and uninterested in food or water, take him to the veterinarian immediately for an examination.

If your ferret has other symptoms as well (e.g., diarrhea), then there may be more problems going on than just being afraid of you!

General Weakness and Lethargy

Ferrets are very active animals, so if one of your ferrets is lethargic or weak, it could be a sign of illness.

If you notice any general weakness and lethargy in your ferret, make sure to take them to the veterinarian immediately!

Respiratory Problems

Ferrets are known to have respiratory problems. Respiratory diseases, like pneumonia and bronchitis, can be caused by a variety of factors including allergies and infections.

Some ferret owners have noted that their pets show signs of sneezing, wheezing, and coughing when sick.

If you suspect your ferret has a serious respiratory issue it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately.

If left untreated, this could lead to more serious complications such as depression or even death!

Conclusion

The symptoms listed above are just a few of the signs to look out for in your ferret.

You should also perform a rectal exam on your pet every three months, and have them checked by a veterinarian if they seem sick.

If you notice any symptoms above or changes in behavior, contact us immediately, so we can help diagnose them properly!