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My ferret is coughing and has very stinky poop. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | neutered | 4 months and 4 days old | 0.75 lbs

my ferret is coughing and has stinkyer poops than normal

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1 Answer

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Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 16th, 2017

Hello, and thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear that Freddy has been unwell. Coughing may be a sign of an upper respiratory infection (e.g. a cold), or a hair ball, or heart disease. Coughing can also be mistaken with wretching, or the attempt to vomit. In this case the cause may be related to a gastrointestinal infection, or foreign body ingestion. Stinkier stools may also be related to a gastrointestinal issue. I would recommend taking Freddy to a vet, who will be able to fully diagnose his condition by performing a thorough physical exam. They can take a good listen to his lungs to check for pneumonia, and palpate his stomach to check for pain or evidence of hair ball or foreign body. They may also recommend checking a fecal sample to test for intestinal parasites. I hope this helps, and that Freddy is feeling better soon!

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