My ferret has a fever. Did he catch my flu? How to protect others?

Ferrets can get certain strains of influenza from people, so it would probably be best to make sure no one has an active illness before getting the ferret. Kits are more susceptible than adults for getting severe disease, so it's good to keep that in mind when choosing a ferret. For more information about ferrets, I recommend reading the information at the following link: http://www.cvm.msstate.edu/images/AHC/companion/CVS/Ferret_Husbandry_Client_Education.pdf I hope that helps and everyone gets well soon.

Ferrets occasionally suffer from colds and flu quite similar to humans, they will often sneeze and be lethargic when that happens. when a ferret has a fever he will usually stay still, sleep a lot and won't eat much. in order to get him better you will need to take him to the vet as he he may need to take medications to get better.

Thanks for reaching out about Cocoa. Ferrets are susceptible to influenza so monitor her health for now. If becomes ill, a veterinary visit early in the process is more likely to respond to therapy. You could always purchase a thermometer and take her temperature. If concerned, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out. A veterinary visit is recommended sooner than later. Ferrets are prone to bacterial and viral (influenza) infections. Gastric problems (foreign bodies, infections) can also appear like respiratory problems due to discomfort and nausea. Separate from other ferrets to limit exposure. Good luck.

Ferrets cannot contract infectious diseases from people. So you not have to worry that you have passed anything on to them. However, they are susceptible to a number of their own infectious diseases and, depending on their vaccine status may be infected with distemper virus (https://www.petcoach.co/article/canine-distemper-in-ferrets-cause-prevention-and-vaccines/). This disease is almost always fatal in ferrets. If your ferrets are unvaccinated, it is very important that you take your ferrets to see the veterinarian. Unfortunately, there is nothing you will be able to do for them at home and they will certainly need veterinary medical care.

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a gengivostomatitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hello. Thank you for using Boop by Petco. Yes, it sounds like they have an upper respiratory infection (URI). It could be serious, there is no way for me to know that. Often times, if left untreated, URI can turn into pneumonia which can be fatal. I suggest you take them to the vet for an exam and to get some medications to prevent this from worsening. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

I’m sorry Scarlet isn’t feeling well. It sounds like she could possibly have an upper respiratory infection. Has anyone in the house been sick? Ferrets can get influenza from people fairly easily. I would encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian soon. They may recommend antibiotics. Also taking her into the bathroom and running the shower can help humidify her. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Ferrets do get upper respiratory infections or colds just like us. Usually they get better with rest and no treatment is necessary. If the eyes or nose get green or yellow discharge or they stop eating they may have a secondary bacterial infection and would need an exam to confirm the diagnosis and antibiotics. Please do not give human medication. Good luck.

There are more than one disease in ferret that could be categorised as "cold" most of them are viral or bacterial diseases, some of them can be fatal, you need to take your ferret to the vet ASAP in order to get checked and treated.