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Why are my ferrets losing tail and body hair but acting normal?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Male | neutered
I have 3 ferrets and one of them started losing hair on its tail about 1-2 months ago and now has lost most of his hair on his back tail and feet, he seems completely healthy and acts normal ,, and a couple of weeks ago my female ferret started losing some hair on her tail, she also is acting normal and seems healthy, I don’t know if I should be worried and should actually take them to a vet or if it’s just harmless
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 15th, 2018
I would be a bit worried about this. Hair loss in ferrets can be a sign of many different ailments but the most common is adrenal disease. The one with the rat tail may be seasonal hair loss but I cannot be 100% sure of that just by looking at a photo. In females, hair loss can be hormone related if not spayed.
I suggest a vet visit so you can get some answers. If you don't already have a vet you use be sure to use one that is used to treating ferrets. I would suggest this one that I found in your area:
( http://www.islandexoticvet.com/ )
Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Todd Cecil
Veterinarian
Published on March 21st, 2019
Thanks for reaching out about Xena and including photos. Hair loss on the tail is a common clinical sign of adrenal disease. Hair can return in spring but does not correlate with tumor reduction, just fewer hormones. Typically these conditions worsen year by year. A veterinarian savvy in ferrets should carry hormonal implants that can drastically improve this condition.
Good luck.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 19th, 2017
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear that Mushabi is losing his fur. Hair loss in ferrets can be caused by several conditions including mites or fleas, bacterial and fungal infections. Ferrets can have hair loss due to hormone imbalances. Some ferrets will have an overactive adrenal gland (a small gland located within the abdomen, just above the kidneys). This gland over secretes certain sex hormones which may cause hair loss. Luckily, all of the conditions above are easily treated, but the correct diagnosis isextremely important. Have a vet examine Mushabi to determine the cause and appropriate treatment for his hair loss.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful