Ferret Care: Things At Home that Can Poison Your Ferret

Proper ferret care must be done to avoid poisoning. Medications that are left behind anywhere in the house could be eaten by your ferrets accidentally. Keep medications out of reached and place it in a safe place or cabinet. Insecticides used can also be harmful to them. Before using or applying any insecticide in the house try to ask your vet for any effects to other pets in the house.

Food could also be a poison to them like grapes, raisins, avocado and foods that contain Xylitol such as gums. There are thousands of cases reported as food poisoning. Chocolates in large amounts can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, thirst, excessive urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures because it contains Methylxanthines.

House plants can be poisonous such as varieties of azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kanlanchoe and schefflera. Even animal medications that are intended for animals when improperly given could be harmful. This includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs for heartworms, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements.

Product cleaners such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants can cause gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract when inhaled. Fertilizers can cause severe gastric upset and gastrointestinal obstruction. Heavy metal components of paint chips, linoleum and lead dust produced in old house could be dangerous too. Chemicals hazards found in ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool or spa chemicals can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.

Prevention is better than cure. Proper ferret care avoids accidental exposure by keeping the things mentioned inside a safe cabinet. Any suspected incident of ingesting harmful substances must be reported to the Animal Poison Control Center's or your ferrets' veterinarian.