Can I Give my Ferret an Aspirin?
Having an ill pet can be very alarming to most owners. And as pets like ferrets become more like a family, it breaks every owner’s heart to see their beloved pet suffer. And because ferrets are known to be delicate creatures, it is quite challenging and nerve-racking whenever they are sick.
The normal temperature of a ferret is between 101 and 102 degrees. If your pet seems a bit off and feels abnormally warm to the touch, then you have to be on the guard. Shower him with attention and take him to a veterinarian as soon as you can.
Can I Give My Ferret Aspirin? Yes, but under veterinarian supervision
Aspirin is a very powerful medicine and should not be given to small animals without the supervision of a veterinarian. Giving aspirin and any other over-the-counter medicines can be dangerous for your pet. Before giving your ferret any type of medicine, it is best to consult a veterinarian first.
Wrong dosage of aspirin could lead to aspirin toxicity. This condition is a kind of poisoning that occurs following the ingestion of aspirin or products containing aspirin. Administration of incorrect dose of aspirin is fatal to ferrets.
Young and small animals are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of aspirin compared with adult and larger animals. Aspirin toxicity commonly causes bleeding disorders, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory difficulties, neurological problems, and kidney failure.
If your ferret has two or more of the following symptoms, it is recommended to take him immediately to a veterinarian: Depression, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, black stools, dilute urine, vomiting, panting, lethargy, restlessness, extreme thirst, spontaneous bleeding and pinpoint bruises in the skin and on the gums.
The above symptoms are the most common signs of aspirin toxicity. However, there are other conditions that also have the same indications. So it is best to consult a professional to identify the health issue of your pet.
It is recommended not to self-medicate. Never administer aspirin to your sick ferret unless instructed to do so by a trusted veterinarian. Also, keep your aspirin and other drugs out of your pet’s reach.
It could be really dangerous for your ferret if he would accidentally take up some aspirin. If ever this happens, try to discover how many pills he might have taken and get him to the vet as soon as possible for appropriate treatment.
To properly care for a sick ferret, ensure to keep him hydrated. Ferrets will become disoriented and lethargic if dehydrated. Vomiting and/or diarrhea can cause severe dehydration. So be very vigilant if ever your pet is suffering from these symptoms.
Also check on everything that your ferret eats. If he could still eat even if he’s not feeling very well, then that is a good sign that he can bounce back sooner. When your pet is sick, ensure that you feed him with the right kind of foods. Nutritious foods are of course the best faster recovery.
However, the foods you give your sick buddy depend on his condition as well. For instance, if your ferret had just undergone some major surgery and is still recovering, the best kinds of foods to give him are those that can be digested more easily.
Most of the time, a sick ferret would be hard to feed. Be very patient and understand that the road to recovery is not easy for your pet. Monitor his food intake well. If he is not eating anything at all then you must force him to eat. It is suggested to feed him with soft kinds of food fist. Open his mouth and place a dash of food carefully. You can also use canned foods for cats or some baby foods. This is to let him experience various tastes and textures of foods, and hopefully induce his appetite. You can feed him using a syringe at least twice a day or until your beloved ferret can eat on its own.
Lastly, keep your ill ferret comfortable. Shower your pet with love and attention as this may be the best and safest form of medicine you can provide him.
As an owner, it is normal to feel terribly sad and worried whenever your beloved ferret is ill. This situation can be quite challenging for the both of you. But you have to keep calm to effectively look after him. Always ask for professional advice and don’t just believe everything you see online. It is best to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.