There are several considerations to make when it comes to what to feed a sick ferret. Ferrets are active and curious creatures that will consume almost anything that is available. Although their bodies are not designed to eat anything but meat, they are prone to consuming fiber and carbohydrates, which can be dangerous for your pet. You must take every precaution to keep your pet safe. In case your pet does become sick, here are some guidelines to keep in mind.
Contents
Baby food
If your ferret has a stomach ache, you’ll probably be worried about what to feed it. Some ferret owners wait until the ferret is old enough to start eating from the jar. But it’s important to know that the food in jars can make your ferret sick. Just as you wouldn’t nurse a baby human, feeding a ferret chicken or duck soup will not give it enough energy.
Soft food
While the exact daily fluid requirements of a ferret are not known, it is recommended that they be fed a physiologically balanced solution to compensate for ongoing fluid losses. You may need to add a bit of dextrose to the fluids you feed your pet to prevent the animal from suffering from hypoglycemia. Ferrets can suffer from a variety of diseases and health conditions, including diabetes, insulinoma, and hypoglycemia.
High-calorie supplement
If you have a sick ferret, you may have to administer high-calorie supplements to keep your animal healthy. Luckily, there are several supplements available. Emeraid Exotic Carnivore is one such supplement, and can be fed to your ferret alone or through syringing. Another high-calorie supplement for sick ferret is Carnivore Care, manufactured by Oxbow Animal Health.
Avoiding sugary foods
When feeding a sick ferret, avoid giving it too much food at one time. This is because ferrets can’t eat enough in one sitting. Depending on the severity of the problem, your ferret may need to be fed smaller amounts every half hour or an hour. In addition, ferrets can only hold 10cc of food at a time.
Keeping ferret hydrated
It’s important to keep your sick ferret well hydrated if he is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting. A diluted Pedialyte is the most appropriate drink for a sick ferret. It also contains the right balance of electrolytes and sugars. If you see signs of dehydration, consult with your vet for further treatment. If you’re unsure, consider a mixture of water and diluted Gatorade.
Avoiding dairy products
Despite their sociable nature, ferrets don’t love dairy products. This is because they can’t digest dairy products, leading to dehydration, diarrhea, and even death. According to the American Ferret Association, dairy products contain complex carbohydrates and can also cause intestinal upset. Lastly, they can lead to cancer. By avoiding dairy products when feeding a sick ferret, you can ensure the health of your pet.
Taking a sick ferret to the vet
Ferrets are a fun pet that can live up to 10 years, but they are also prone to certain health issues. The good news is that most of these conditions are treatable if caught early. However, if you notice that your ferret is suffering from an illness, it is important to get it to the vet immediately. Listed below are the common signs of a sick ferret and what you can do to help your ferret.
