Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My ferrets are sneezing and less active. Do they have a cold?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | neutered | 8 months and 16 days old | 1lb

My ferrets have not been as active as normal the last couple of days and have been sneezing some?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on July 29th, 2017

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 28th, 2018
Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my ferret still sneezing and having odd poop after treatment?

If they are otherwise well, eating, palyful and not losing weight I would continue to monitor them closely. Ferrets are susceptible to a number of upper respiratory viruses just as we are and they tend to be self limiting, resolving over a couple of weeks (and do not cure with antibiotics). Be cautious about using any possible irritants such as air fresheners etc which may be aggravating the symptoms. If there condition worsens, they lose weight, appetite or energy then a recheck by a ferret familiar vet would be recommended.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My ferret is sick: coughing, red eyes, lethargic, and can't swallow.

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My new ferret is sneezing non-stop. When should I be concerned?

Without more of a history, it is difficult to determine if this is cause for concern. Monitor for lethargy, discharge from the eyes/nose/mouth, decreased appetite, fever, loose stool or weight loss. Since they are "new" to you, an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating ferrets would be recommended. At the very least, Wednesday will get a clean bill of health and you will get peace of mind.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My ferret is sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. Should I worry?

Poor Cynthia! Certain viral infections such as distemper and flu, bacterial infections, foreign bodies and upper respiratory infections can cause the signs you are describing. If you think that Cynthia is having trouble breathing, she should be seen by a vet immediately. The conditions above can be treated with supportive care and/or antibiotics depending on the cause. I hope this helps and that Cynthia feels better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My ferret has cold symptoms. When should I take them to the vet?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My ferret has a cold. Should I give him children's cold medicine?

Hello. Thank you for your question. I am sorry Riki is not feeling well however, you cannot give over the counter cold medicine to ferrets. Please do not do that. If he is sick you need to take him to a vet for an exam. If he has an upper respiratory infection he will likely need antibiotics and not cold medicine. Here is a link to respiratory disease in ferrets: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=11+2071&aid=565 I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Riki. Dr. Amber

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share