keeping ferrets cool

Question
We have a baby ferret and its about six months old give or take and we live in Arizona and the temperature has been getting over a 100 degrees but we keep our house about 80 degrees. Ive read that they could have trouble coping with 80 degrees temps. Ive also read about some really good ideas on how to keep them cool when its hot. but im curious can they get to cool meaning if i use some of these ideas will/can its body temp drop to low and die?

Answer
Hello Frank,

Yes, ferrets can suffer from heat exhaustion/stroke at 80 degrees.  They are cold-weather animals with thick fur coats.  Make sure you keep your ferret in a cool air conditioned room with plenty of water at all times.  Even if you decide to keep the rest of your house at 80, place a window unit in the room you keep him in and make sure it gets no warmer than 70-75.  For example, I keep my room at 72 at all times, and live in Louisiana were it gets between 90-100 everyday during the summer. I even have a backup plan if the power is knocked out by a hurricane, since a ferret can not survive those temperatures even in the shade.  

It is true that things such as cooling baths can cause the body temperature to drop too quickly and cause the ferret to go into shock and possibly die.  It is much better to simply keep your ferret in a well air conditioned room and avoid any problems. Keeping your house at 80 degrees is too warm for him.  

-Cindy P.