My ferret seems sick. How to check for fever/cold & help him recover?

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.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ferrets are very susceptible to the flu, which they can get from humans and spread to each other. In some cases, infection can be life threatening. I recommend separating Cheech from his companion immediately and having him seen by a vet. You should wear a disposable mask and gloves when handling your ferrets until you recover. Your vet can stabilize him if necessary, and prescribe the appropriate medication to keep him comfortable. I hope all is well!

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.

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.

I am sorry to hear about your ferret! A temperature can be taken using a well lubricated thermometer rectally (most accurate so recommended if you can), or but holding the thermometer under her armpit and adding 1 to 2 degrees (you will need to press her arm against her body to ensure the thermometer is pressed up against the skin on all sides. You can also purchase a thermometer made to take a temperature from the forehead and press it against your ferrets naked belly/groin area. Most ferrets will hold still if you gently hold them by their scruff with the legs dangling. Lubricate a normal digital thermometer with large amount of ky jelly, Vaseline, or other lubricant and insert about an inch into the rectum. Normal temperature is 100 to 103 degrees so they area little warmer than we are, so it is possible she feels warm to you due to her normal temperature being high than ours. If her temperature is over 103, a vet exam is needed.

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.

If they are sick, it would be best to wait until they recover before bathing them. The stress could make their illness worse. What you can do is use a pet wipe or plain, unscented baby wipe to "spot clean" them.