If you think your ferret has been poisoned
- Stay calm and remove your ferret(s) from the source of poison.
- Contact your vet immediately. Explain when, where and how it happened. If at all possible and safe to do, carefully take the suspected packaging, plant or substance to the vet.
Follow your vet's advice. The vet will tell you what the situation is depending on the poison and how much of it your ferret has had.
Here are a few things to remember:
- Never try to treat or medicate ferrets yourself. Some medicines for humans and other animals may be poisonous to ferrets.
- Never try to make your ferret vomit. Don't use salt water, as it's extremely dangerous.
- If their skin or fur is contaminated, wash it with mild shampoo and water, rinse well and dry.
Keep your ferret(s) away from any other animals to avoid cross-contamination.
Common ferret poisons
Some of the things you have around your house may be harmless to you, but they can be fatal to your ferret. Make sure you know what substances you should keep away from your ferrets and what symptoms to look out for in case your ferret has eaten something poisonous.
If you think your ferret has been poisoned, call your vet immediately.
Rodent Poisons ('rodenticides')
Anticoagulant rodenticides, such as bromadiolone, difenacoum and warfarin, act by preventing blood clotting. Not all rodenticides are anticoagulants, so it's important to check which one your ferret has eaten. Poisoning with these may cause life-threatening bleeding, and the effects may not appear for several days. Bleeding may be internal and is therefore not always visible.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
This group of drugs includes ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen and many others. Any quantity may be extremely toxic to ferrets if they eat them. Eating NSAIDs can cause depression, weakness, tremor, vomiting, diarrhoea, bleeding from the gut, weight loss, coma and kidney failure in ferrets.
Chocolate
Never give chocolate to your ferret. Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine, and dark chocolate and cocoa contain high levels of it. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, hyperactivity, high temperature and blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm and tremors. Some chocolate products also contain xylitol (see below).
Xylitol
Xylitol is a popular sweetener commonly found in ‘sugar-free’ gums, mints and sweets, baked goods and some peanut butters. It’s also found in many dental products, sore throat lozenges, cough drops, and children’s multivitamins. Xylitol poisoning in ferrets causes their blood sugar level to drop dangerously low (hypoglycemia) and can result in vomiting, decreased activity, weakness, staggering, incoordination, collapse and seizures.
Grapes, raisins, sultanas, currants
Any quantity of these can be toxic, and cooking or baking them doesn't reduce the risk. Poisoning may cause vomiting and diarrhoea and subsequently kidney failure.
Human oral contraceptives and HRT
Tablets like the Pill often come in packages that ferrets can open. Estrogen-containing products, including oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can cause serious adverse effects and toxicity in pets. Ingestion of these medications can cause stomach upset, diarrhoea and bone marrow suppression, while topical exposure can result in hair loss. If you suspect that your ferret has eaten one of these pills, call your vet immediately.
Household and garden plants
The following plant species are all highly toxic and ferrets should never have access to them: aloe vera, amaryllis, azalea, baby’s breath, begonia, carnation, castor bean, chrysanthemum, cyclamen, daffodil, gladiola, hosta, ivy, all lily species, milkweed, morning glory, oleander, poinsettia, pothos, sago palm, tomato plants, tulips, narcissus, rhododendron and yew.
However, it's wise to keep all potted plants and cut flowers out of your ferrets’ reach, even if they aren't listed above. Exposure to most of these plants will cause kidney and/or liver damage. If you suspect your ferret has been exposed to a toxic plant contact your vet.
Toiletries
Toiletries and personal hygiene products designed for human use pose dangers to ferrets. Many perfumes, shampoos, and scented body washes and lotions contain essential oils and other ingredients that can be toxic if ingested. Ferrets seem quite interested in soaps made with tallow, but care should be taken to keep all of these types of products out of ferrets’ reach.
Household cleaners
Many types of detergents or disinfectants including bleach, polish, detergents and bathroom cleaners are very toxic to ferrets and can result in vomiting, diarrhoea and severe blistering and/or ulceration of the mouth and throat, which may cause difficulties with breathing and swallowing.
Always keep the toilet lid down, not just because illicit swimming is distasteful, but clip-on toilet deodorisers and toilet bowl cleaning products are unsafe. Plug-in type deodorising devices should be placed out of ferrets’ reach as they are possibly poisonous if ingested – as well as presenting an electrical hazard. Drain and oven cleaners and dishwasher products can be extremely corrosive and cause severe burns. Skin or eye contact with any of these is also a concern.
If a household chemical is:
- On your ferret's skin or fur: wash them thoroughly with lukewarm water and mild shampoo, rinse well and dry, and then take your ferret to the vet.
- In your ferret's eye: contact your vet immediately for advice about washing the eye, follow the advice and then take them to the vet urgently.
- On your ferret's skin or fur: wash them thoroughly with lukewarm water and mild shampoo, rinse well and dry, and then take your ferret to the vet.
- In your ferret's eye: contact your vet immediately for advice about washing the eye, follow the advice and then take them to the vet urgently.
If you think your ferret has been poisoned, always contact your vet immediately. For further information and advice visit The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS).
Keeping your ferrets safe from poison
Follow our tips to keep your ferrets safe from poisons.
In the home:
- Keep houseplants where your ferrets can't reach them. Pick up dropped leaves and petals.
- Keep pesticides (such as rat baits) away from areas your ferret(s) can access.
- If treating your ferrets with medication at home, separate them from other pets to avoid cross-contamination.
Watch your ferrets closely when they're running free indoors.
Outside:
- Check your ferrets' housing and exercise areas are away from poisonous plants.
Keep their water fresh and change daily as it can easily become contaminated.
Finally, always insure your ferrets to make sure your vets' bills are covered, should the worst happen.
