like a dog will run away when it's time to die. what do ferrets do?
2006-10-31 04:22:41 · 3 answers · asked by cherrios85 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
In my experience a ferret doesn't go to a spot to hide. I have lost 4 in the past 3 years and even though each case was unique what I noticed is that they just drop energy real fast and have difficulty in movement, often slumping to the ground and showing signs of stressed breathing. This is different than the normal slumping/sliding they do when they lay down and you'll notice the difference.They will tend to stay in a comfortable spot and sleep more than normal and most likely exhibit signs of illness of some type or behavior out of the ordinary. If you have a ferret that is extremely lethargic, drooling or having difficulty walking when they usually don't otherwise I would see a vet as soon as possible. Lethargy can be a sign of insulinoma and drooling is a sign of dehydration. Difficulty walking could be a reaction to a virus or an abdominal issue such as a blockage or intestinal disease. I had 1 ferret that passed overnight due to intestinal issues, possibly an undiagnosed bowel disorder, 1 that had to be euthenized because she had an untreatable bowel disorder, 1 that died in the vet hospital due to what may have been a chest infection and 1 we had to euthanize who we believe was just too old to fight anymore. None of these animals, aside from the one in the hospital, strayed too far from us.
2006-10-31 04:35:53 · answer #1 · answered by Charlie G 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure about ferrets, never had one, want one though. I know many animals have a behavior called "Going to ground" which means they find a place to go when they are dying, frightened, injured, etc. When my cat is frightened he sneaks into the closet & lies in the dark. (he can open the door). I wouldn't be surprised if ferrets do this too. My sisiter's cat was hit by a car & we found her dead under the house. The city worker who came to get her explained this behavior. Maybe look up the term for yourself...hope this helps.
2006-10-31 13:02:03 · answer #2 · answered by PAMELA G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aw! Sorry, but your question just sounds funny ... how it's worded. Um, my ferret did, but she wasn't too much like a dog. As she was older she became kind of cranky, but I am sure that all do. I hope your ferret isn't dying :(
2006-10-31 12:26:46 · answer #3 · answered by Ellem E 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋