Care of Ferrets

When ferrets become ill they tend to deteriorate rapidly due to their high metabolic rate, it is important to seek immediate veterinary care. Ferrets will hide sickness and pain, and by the time it's realized, the illness will be in an advanced stage. Ferrets that are ill can go downhill very rapidly, usually there is no time to "wait and see" if they will be okay. A common cause of death is not taking a ferret to the veterinarian when needed.

Ferrets are extremely curious. their natural instinct to investigate anything and everything leads to a number of dangers and is one of the leading cause of premature death. Special precautions must be taken to avoid this by keeping the ferret's habitat a safe one by "ferret-proofing" their environment.

Feeding ferrets an improper or poor diet of highly processed food with excessive vegetable protein can cause many illnesses and premature death. A ferret can suffer from such diseases as bladder stones, poor coat and skin , eosinophilic gastroenteritis (wasting, diarrhea, ulcerations of the skin and ear tips, swollen feet) and poor growth. Foods high in carbohydrates (sugar - ferret treats) causes insulinoma in ferrets.

Intestinal obstruction or blockage in the stomach is a common cause of premature death in ferrets. Many ferrets like to chew on soft rubber, foam rubber, sponges, rubber bands, pencil erasers and other small items and can become lodged in the intestines. Also grain-based foods (breads, cakes, cookies, cereals, noodles, etc.), nuts, or fibrous fruits and vegetables are indigestible to ferrets (lack a cecum) and can result in digestive problems, including blockages. Unless surgery is performed immediately to remove the obstruction or blockage, it will cause an agonizing, slow death.

Ferrets very susceptible to heatstroke and dehydration and do not have well developed sweat glands. They need to be kept indoors with temperatures of 80 F or less.

Ferrets are also susceptible to canine distemper and rabies. Adrenal and pancreatic tumors, cardiomyopathy, Aleutian disease, bronchial pneumonia and viral infections (human influenza) are other common diseases. With early diagnosis, most can be effectively treated.

Blood Loss - Blood can also be lost through the intestinal tract or respiratory tract due to infection, ulcers, cancer, and trauma or poisoning via vomiting, diarrhea or coughing. Consider internal blood loss an emergency If the ferret is suffering from a disease that prevents the blood from clotting such as liver disease, or poisoning, then bleeding can occur from any orifice of the body or small tear in the skin

Vomiting/Diarrhea - Ferrets have a very short digestive tract and digest food in about 3 to 4 hours from the stomach to the large intestine. Ferrets do have the ability to vomit, but don't tend to do so like dogs and cats, if they eat something that disagrees with them. Seek veterinary attention if the ferret is vomiting or passing diarrhea multiple times over two to three hours, passes blood in the vomit or stool or is exhibiting sudden or increasing weakness along with the vomiting or diarrhea. Blood in vomit can appear either bright red or look like coffee grounds.

• Causes - Vomiting and diarrhea in the ferret are problems related directly to the intestinal tract such as infections, obstructions, cancer, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, sudden changes in the diet or toxins (plants, insecticides, rodenticides, household cleaners, and overdose of medications). Other causes include kidney or liver disease and any systemic disease that causes metabolic changes.

(Source: Veterinarypartner.com)

When a ferret dies, that's when they cross the Rainbow Bridge

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

Copyright 1998 Steve and Diane Bodofsky.

All Rights Reserved. Reposted by Permission.

Most common health problems in ferrets are caused by improper care. Feeding an inappropriate diet can contribute to many diseases and illnesses in ferrets

How can you tell if a ferret is sick? Ferrets are known to hide or mask symptoms of illness and pain, often until it is too late or very difficult to bring them back. A sick ferret can dehydrate very fast. They usually need immediate veterinarian care. Never delay treatment! Any time your ferret is acting unusual, not playing, eating, etc, suspect illness. Ferrets that are ill can go downhill very rapidly, usually there is no time to "wait and see" if they will be okay, seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian. Ferrets can get sick very easily, a good prevention of illness or disease is proper care and diet. Ferrets are not like cats or dogs. You need to educate yourself about ferrets, and there are plenty of websites that offer information.

Signs of illness in ferrets:

* Lethargic * Constipation * Diarrhea or dirty bottom * Drooling and or pawing frantically at mouth * Straining to urinate * Abnormal hair loss * Sneezing - Susceptible to Human Influenza * Vomiting * Poor appetite * Weight loss * Distressed breathing or difficulties * Skin lesions

* Teeth grinding * Eye or nasal discharge * Hind end weakness * Posterior paralysis * Unusual behaviors

* Unusual lumps on the body * Contusion or bruise - sign of internal bleeding * Convulsions or seizures * Abscesses * Black tarry feces, blood in stools * Abdominal swelling * Swollen joints * Lameness * Excessive Itching

Ferrets should be vaccinated for Canine Distemper which is airborne and can possibly be transmitted to ferrets carried in from outdoors on shoes or clothing. It is 100% fatal in ferrets. They can contract human influenza (flu) and are used as animal model for experimentation for testing flu vaccines. They can suffer from ulcers due to stress. Ferrets can get hairballs, except that they do not have the ability to eliminate them like cats. Ferrets need to given hairball treatment or laxative once every few days, and more often during seasonal shedding. Hairballs can accumulate and cause intestinal blockage that will need to be removed surgically to avoid a painful death.

Can a ferret Kill a Human?

No, As pets, there are potential health hazards just like any animal by transmitting disease to humans - but it's very unlikely. Ferrets can harbor several pathogenic microorganisms in their digestive tract, especially Salmonella and Campylobacter. No human cases have been reported from ferret contamination. Ferrets can harbor many other zoonoses, including cryptosporidiosis, and listeriosis. They share parasites with dogs and cats (Toxocara, Dipylidium) as well as dermatophytosis Can you catch a disease from a ferret

it's possible, ferrets can contract some of the same diseases as cats or dogs. Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and treat for fleas. Use precautions the same as dog or cats. Wash hands after handling any animal and cleaning litter boxes, try to avoid animal bites or scratches. Your more likely to catch a disease from an animal bite of a cat or dog. Be aware that ferrets can contract human influenza, humans with flu need to avoid handling ferrets, and vise verse.

Major Zoonoses that can be transmitted from ferrets to humans * Enteric diseases- Campylobacteriosis * Influenza * Tuberculosis * Rabies Can a ferret give you rabies? Ferrets are vaccinated against rabies. It is a myth that ferrets are carriers of rabies. Rabies is a rare disease in ferrets, because they don't have the exposure. There have been fewer than 20 cases of confirmed rabies in ferrets in the US since 1958. In some of these cases, ferrets were vaccinated with a live vaccine not approved for ferrets. There has never been a reported case of a human contracting rabies from a ferret. This year rabies is at an all time high in many states.

Will a ferret get sick if you play with it too soon after bringing one home?

Ferrets from pet stores usually have been transported by air and truck when they are only a few weeks old after being taken away from their mother. They are shipped with very little water and food. As with any animal, this is very stressful, being in a new environment, sounds, and different smells. It is best to allow your ferret a few days of quiet time with plenty of food and water to let them settle in and get accustomed to its new home before playing with them. If a ferret was obtained from a pet store or pet shelter, he will be stressed and prone to illness. Offer your ferret the same food it has been eating, to avoid upset stomach. Any food changes need to be gradual. Prepare an area that is quiet and dark for the ferret's sleeping area, they need about 15 - 18 hrs of uninterrupted sleep a day. Food and water needs to be available at all times When your ferret is awake, he'll be ready for you to play with him. Frequent handling and social interaction with humans is very important for your ferret's health. Ferrets are not caged animals, you cage them only for their protection.

The length of the Jill (female ferret) season is until she mates, otherwise if she will stays in heat and does not mate, she will eventually die.

Female Ferret "Jills" are "seasonally polyestrous" which means they have multiple heat cycles, in spring and summer.

The ferret is a photoreceptive breeder. Breeding season is triggered by photoperiod, the length of daylight hours, it's when there is more daylight than night or the ratio of daylight hours to night time hours to cause physical changes in their bodies. The Jill or females ferret, if not bred, will go into a prolonged heat, or estrus cycle that can last up to six months, causing high estrogen level that will result in a hormonally induced anemia that can be deadly. Ferret breeders can control a Jill's estrus periods by manipulating light cycles, breeding whenever she comes in heat, or artificially ending an estrus with injectable hormones.

* Ferrets mentioned in Greek historical documents- Strabo, a Greek historian and geographer, in his book Geographica, written in about 20 AD, of an animal in Libya which was said to been bred in captivity for hunting rabbits.

Aristophanes mentions the ferret in his comedy The Acharnians, written in about 450 BC.

Aristotle lists the ferret in his Historia Animalium, written about 320 BC

In 6 B.C. Caesar Augustus sent ship loads of ferrets to the Balearic Islands to help control an overpopulation of rabbits released by colonists as game animals.

Elizabeth I of England gave ferrets as gifts because of their importance to farming and hunting.

* A ferret named Felicia was used to clean the pipes at the National Accelerator Laboratory at Batavia. Felicia went through a 300-foot-pipe dragging a string. When she came out the other end, technicians tied a swab dipped in a chemical cleanser to the string. They pulled the tight-fitting swab through and when it came out it was covered with dust and steel specks. * A ferret named Misty was used to help pull conduit at Peterson Air Force Base. Additional wires had to be run through 40-foot-long narrow pipes, called conduits, under the floor to connect computers. A piece of yarn was tied around the ferret's midsection. The animal crawled through the conduit, towing the yarn behind her. Then the loose end was tied around the wires and they were pulled through the conduit. Misty made several trips, and her work was done in an hour. * In the1960's, Boeing Aircraft Corporationused ferrets to lay guidewires that pull heavier cables through conduits. * Ferrets have been used in the White House to eliminate a rat problem. In 1889, Caroline Harrison, wife of President Benjamin Harrison, brought in an army of ferrets to eliminate the hordes of rats. * Freddie, the only ferret anywhere with a steady job as an electrician's assistant.Freddie's bosses tie a length of fishing line to his collar; to the fishing line they attach another length of electrical wiring. Then, while Freddie is held at one end of a piece of pipe designed to protect wires, another man, with a dead rabbit and an air compressor, goes to the other end. The air compressor sends the scent of the dead rabbit down the pipe to Freddie's nose. Released, Freddie runs up the pipe in pursuit of the rabbit, and, simultaneously, lays the wiring. In one morning recently, Freddie laid wiring in 60 pipes, the longest of which was 130 ft. In contract the job would have taken a human electrician a month. * How telegraph wires in London were put through small pipes. A large rat, with a fine steel wire, was put in the pipe. Behind there was thrust a ferret. The rat ran from the ferret a short distance and stopped. It was feared that he would show fright and be killed. But he started on again. He ran through the whole length of the pipe and brought out the wire in good style, though closely pushed by the ferret. The Electrician, 17 May 1884 * Ferrets been known to help lay cables! To prepare for the Millennium Pop Concert in Greenwich Park, a trio of ferrets were used to lay power cables. Fitted with small nylon harnesses attached to a rope, the ferrets ran through a series of tunnels, leading the cables with them. * TV and sound cables were run by ferrets for both the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer * In Britain, ferrets have been used for centuries for hunting rabbits and rodents - typically flushing the victim out of its burrow to be shot by the hunter. Ferreting is still practiced today.

* First Cloned ferrets - named Libby and Lilly - May 2006 (Cloned ferrets produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Developmental Biology 293(2): 439-448. ISSN: 0012-1606. NAL Call Number: 442.8 D49) * Ferrets have been domesticated for thousands of years; in fact, on the walls of some Egyptian tombs there are pictures of ferret-like creatures on leashes. * Some ferrets can sleep so soundly, they cannot be woken up even when picked up and jostled. Some ferret owners have even thought their ferret was sick or had died, only to awaken once they reach the veterinarian office.

* Ferrets are used in many broad areas of research and have been since the early 1900's to study the pathogenesis and treatment in a variety of human disease as animal models in biomedical research, including studies of cardiovascular disease, nutrition, respiratory diseases (such as SARS and human influenza), airway physiology, cystic fibrosis and gastrointestinal disease (such as peptic ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori). Ferrets share many anatomical, metabolic and physiologic features with humans which has promoted their use as an animal model. * Ferret are used in fur farms in other countries to produce fur coats and other fur products. The fur is called "fitch fur" * In the early 1900's, the U S Department of Agriculture issued a farm bulletin advising farmers to use ferrets for rodent extermination in grain storage. * The film Along Came Polly with Jennifer Aniston and a ferret named Rudolfo

I've always believed a pet that smells Bad is because the person handling them isn't properly taking care of them.

A combination of Healthy Diet for a Ferret with plenty protein, they're Obligate Carnivores, which means they can only digest nutrients from meat-based 'premium' ferret food/cat food products And a healthy, clean home will knock down the so-called strong odor a few decent notches.

Fish-based food or vegetable/fruit will increase poop smell , and some veggies/fruits are deadly.

As opposed to some animals, the less u actually bathe a ferret, the better.

Like a cat, a ferret bathed frequently will be stripped much needed oils, which means they'll produce it more and smell more.

A male ferret that is Not neutered, besides the fact they really should be unless breeding, will noticeably stink...Pungent, strong, and the 'big boy' will look more 'yellow' if he's rutting, that's his Musk in action, a ferrets version of studly Cologne to make the female ferret swoon, and the rival male beware.

That's their biology, which means they use that Odor to mark territory.

A fixed ferret, however, shouldn't have more than a mild 'scent' that most ferret Owners don't mind, it doesn't rub off, it's just a ferret thing.

Any animal will smell, a Dog, a Cat, a Ferret, a Hamster.

It's all in how well the owner takes care of them.