Signs of Heatstroke in Ferrets

Ferrets are creatures that are able to withstand cold but not heat. As a consequence, ferrets are prone to heatstroke (also called hyperthermia.) Miami Ferret recommends prevention as the best way to keep a ferret from suffering hyperthermia. Keep ferrets out of parked vehicles--even if the vehicle is parked in the shade--and keep them out of any area that gets over 90 degrees Fahrenheit (over 32 degrees Celsius).

  1. Panting

    • Ferrets do not sweat, so they keep cool by panting. Ferrets with heatstroke will pant before they collapse. The ferret's jaw may hang open and only the tongue will move in and out rapidly to show signs of panting. Holly Nash, DVM also mentions that out of the ferret's panting mouth may ooze thick saliva. The ferret will pant so hard that it will not be able to swallow any saliva. If the saliva is wiped off, the ferret's tongue will have turned an unhealthy bright red.

    Behavioral Signs

    • A ferret suffering from heatstroke will often act strangely. The ferret may wobble while trying to stand or appear dizzy. He may seem extremely tired and ignore everything around himself, walk into objects, or show other signs of being dazed and confused. Although the ferret is probably feeling pain, there is little danger of being bitten, because the ferret is concentrated on cooling off. This means the ferret will not struggle while being whisked away to a cooler environment and then to a vet's.

    Digestive Signs

    • Not all ferrets with heatstroke will display unusual problems with their digestive system, but ferrets with hyperthermia may suddenly get diarrhea or a bout of vomiting. The ferret may vomit blood. This is because their bodies are so hot that the organs shut down due to excessively high temperatures within the body destroying the organ's cells. But even if a ferret with heatstroke shows no sign of digestive problems and seems to be recovering, damage may still have occurred. This is why ferrets with heatstroke need to get to the vet as soon as possible

    Collapse

    • If a ferret has collapsed or is discovered unconscious in a hot environment, assume that heatstroke is the culprit. According to Holly Nash, DVM, the ferret may be in coma or suffering from shock. Other signs of shock in ferrets include seizures, thready heartbeat and pulse, and very pale gums. Ruth L. Heller, DVM, notes that a collapsed ferret with heatstroke may have its eyes open and yet be unconscious.