ferret colds?

Question
hi i have a 4 month old ferret and would like to no can they get colds ? she sneezes n is coughing alot has she isnt eating very much and all she wants to do is sleep i cant afford vet bils for a few days so was wondering if anyone has anyideas on how i can help my little girl before i can get her to a vet i have her inside warm but she wnt eat :( i dont know what to do please help
          kerrie

Answer
Hi Kerrie:

Sorry your baby isn't feeling well.  Yes, keep her inside and with lots of warm blankies to snuggle down into.  You can also warm her food if you can - depending on what you feed her - you may have to add water to it if you use a kibble - and let it soften so she will eat it, then re-warm it just before giving it to her. Make sure it's not too hot to burn her mouth.

Extra fluids - Pedialyte - what you give babies who are dehydrated - is excellent. Warm it slightly. My kids like apple flavor and grape flavor the best. That will help get extra fluids down her. Remember, tho, you MUST use an open bottle of Pedialyte within 24 hours, so try to get a small bottle since they don't drink as much as a human baby does. Be sure to offer fresh Pedialyte often.

As long as she is drinking plenty fluids and eating, she will probably be just fine in a couple of days.  If she refuses to eat or drink, she will need to see a vet as soon as possible.

Hope that helps and she gets well soon!

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers