\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Ferrets are unique animals and as such, their diet is also unique. when hes sleeping his breathing is very loud and sometimes it sound like hes about to sneeze and then doesn't. eventually he does. Owners may notice this being accompanied by a degree of swelling or redness around the mouth, which will often provide fairly conclusive evidence for the ferret having swallowed or inhaled a harmful substance. 0000010928 00000 n Your ferret might be sneezing because she got under the furniture where there was a lot of dust. Emily's sneezing fits were also getting so much worse. Signs there may be a respiratory issue are as follows: Sneezing. Ryan Dugan is a dedicated pet care professional who offers top-notch services for a variety of pet species. Like in dogs and cats, heartworm disease should always be considered in cases of respiratory distress in a ferret. From the WebMD Archives. The ferret may show signs of mild to moderate respiratory distress. The distemper virus can survive for up to three hours in the environment, so it can also be spread by hands, gloves, food/water bowls, and litter pans. The ferret may also start exhibiting signs of discomfort that point to an external cause for its coughing (such as plant poisoning). Ferrets are susceptible to a number of different diseases of the respiratory system. In fact, many ferrets with nasal discharge become anorectic, so a high-calorie diet should be considered. He could have any number of conditions Upper respiratory tract inflammation or infection, Viral infections including human influenza (the flu), Environmental factors: irritation from dust, allergic reaction, harmful substance ingestion. He may have other symptoms such as a fever, diarrhea, and he may not want to eat at all, or very little. Human influenza virus can affect ferrets, and results in mostly upper respiratory symptoms, such as sneezing and conjunctivitis, with a watery discharge from the eyes and nose. Treatment is very dependent on the underlying cause. The causes for labored breathing, rapid breathing, or deep breathing in ferrets may include central nervous system diseases, shock, anemia, congestive heart failure, respiratory diseases, lack of oxygen (hypoxia) and related causes. Get reimbursed on your pet's routine care with Mint Wellness by Pet Assure! 4 Why is my ferret making weird breathing noises? Why is my ferret sneezing? Can You Bathe Ferrets? In this article, we'll explore the common causes of ferret sneezing and provide solutions to help your ferret feel better. Your email address will not be published. Would highly recommend and absolutely will use again. The ill ferret can become dehydrated and lose its appetite.Luckily, most ferrets recover, but epizootic catarrhal enteritis is quite contagious and easily spread amongst . like breathing rapidly like before you sneeze. 0000042255 00000 n Some causes, such as canine distemper virus, are not curable, while allergies or infections are easily treatable. illness or disease and you should get him to the vet right away. In older animals, it may be nasal tumors or primary dental disease (rare). This mucous then proves irritating to the animal, which begins coughing in order to draw it out of the lungs and expel it from the body. The underlying cause for nasal discharge varies, and often depend on whether it is unilateral or bilateral. Sneezing. Most bouts of coughing have a relatively simple and non-threatening explanation: viral infection. Ask Dr. Jenn: Is It Safe to Keep a Rat as a Pet? diet. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Canine distemper virus is a paramyxovirus that can infect both dogs and ferrets. He. Ferrets are fascinating unusual pets, but they, like cats and dogs, are susceptible to a range of diseases. Asthma and allergies can be triggered by pollens, strong fragrances, and dust. Use a soft, clean tissue or paper towel to wipe your ferret's nose before feeding it. I keep her on the same diet that she have always eaten, but i start putting 'Marshall goodbye odor ' in her water. If your ferret is experiencing persistent sneezing, it's important to have them examined by a veterinarian. Do bunnies make good pets? Also, ferrets have a pair of scent glands near their chins, and sneezing can be a way of forcing some of the scent out so it can be rubbed on something. Want to learn how to save on veterinary care for your ferret? He did not have a runny nose, but was lethargic and lost much of his appetite. However, if you hear this noise during interactive play, you'll need to get your ferret checked by a vet because it could be injured. Allergies can be caused by anything from pollen to dust to cleaning products. trailer <<14386326B0DA47368892C30150F39497>]/Prev 681745>> startxref 0 %%EOF 61 0 obj <>stream 0000534657 00000 n These are some common antibiotics that help my pet ferret get rid of the sneezing problem: Some causes are incurable, such as an infection-causing virus. In most animals, it is almost always an indicator of a larger health problem, be it a common cold or a chronic lung condition. Some vets do not treat dental issues, so they may feel more comfortable if you speak to a specialist about your ferrets condition. 0000029381 00000 n Closely monitor your ferrets symptoms once he is home with you and alert your vet if they begin to worsen over time. This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Why Does My Ferret Keep Sneezing? Some signs that the sneezing may be due to a more serious condition include sneezing with discharge such as pus or blood, or multiple sneezing fits a day. However, ferrets with distemper generally appear much sicker than those with influenza. Like in dogs and cats, heartworm disease should always be considered in cases of respiratory distress in a ferret. Usually, if it's afraid, it's scared of you or feeling threatened by another animal in the room. 0000010584 00000 n Ferrets have multiple rapid sneezes in a row. If the symptoms are caused by allergies, talk to your vet about whether your ferret should receive allergy testing to determine what he is allergic to so you know how to protect him in the future. A lateral view is useful in detecting any abnormality over the nasal bones; for gross changes in the maxillary teeth, nasal cavity, and frontal sinus; and for evaluating the air column of the area behind the throat. Ferret Association of Connecticut - Ferret Association of Connecticut 0000047178 00000 n Wipe your ferret's nose before meals if it is runny. Sometimes, you will hear noises, like clucking, barking, dooking, whimpering, or snoring in the enclosure of your ferret's bed. Lets dive into the depth of it. ferrets. 0000046114 00000 n A ferret with a flu or cold will be sneezing, and upon closer inspection, there may be a slight nasal discharge, like a wet mustache near the nostrils.