metamucil?

Question
I have heard and read that ferrets can have metamucil. Is the metamucil they are talking about special pet metamucil or is it just normal metamucil you buy at the drug store? How much do you give them? Do you cruch it first or do you just give it to them hole?

Answer
Hi again Madeline,

Metamucil is okay to give to ferrets, but I would suggest Vetasyl, which is like a pet form of Metamucil as an alternative. It is easier on their tummies and it accomplishes the same thing. It bulks up their poop and that hopefully catches anything that might be building up in the GI tract. It can be dangerous to give as it may cause a blockage if not administered properly, so if you're at all worried about that, I would stay away from it. I would give it once a month for regular maintenance and maybe twice a month (or three times) during shedding season to avoid blockages. Again, if it makes you uneasy don't do it because it can cause more harm than it helps if not done right (and even if done perfectly, it might still cause problems).

With the Vetasyl treatment, you should give it at least three days in a row (just once a day). You should take 8 ounces of water and mix in about a teaspoon of Uncle Jim's Duck Soup (http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?familyid=10504&Ntt=Duck%20SOup&OneResultR...). You should mix enough water in to make it the consistency of a pretty thin gravy. After you mix that in, you should heat the mixture up just until it is a little warm (not too hot) and then you should mix in the Vetasyl (*****just ONE capsule and don't put the actual capsule in: break the capsule open and pour the powder in and then discard the capsule*****!). There are two important things to remember with this treatment : one is that you need to make sure they drink as much as they can and two : (and this is the most important!!!) they need to have A LOT of water(which is why the "mixture" should be a thin gravy sort of consistency). They need to be drinking a lot of water during this treatment because if they don't, that bulk forming laxative will cause a blockage in their system. You want to give the treatment every day for at least three days and if their poops aren't bigger or at least back to the size they normally are, you should either continue with the treatment or you should see a vet. With this, you should be watching their poops because you may see some pretty amazing things come out. When they use the bathroom, you should pick it up and put it in a plastic bag with water in it and squish away. I know, that sounds utterly disgusting, but you want to make sure that the treatment is doing its job if there is a blockage there. Also, when you are giving the mixture, make sure that you keep stirring it because if you don't, the bulk of the Vetasyl could sink to the bottom and it would be useless. Also, something else to remember with this treatment: only give it if you are going to be around your ferret for the next few days that you give the treatment just in case it does cause a blockage and she needs to be taken to the vet. Otherwise, I wouldn't suggest this treatment for you.

I hope this helps, and if you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask!

Sincerely,
Emilee Andrews

P.S.
I strongly suggest the use of Vetasyl as opposed to Metamucil, but if you absolutely have to use Metamucil, then you should use half a teaspoon and no more. Mix with at least 8 ounces of water and make sure you follow the directions as with the Vetasyl. If you have further questions about this, please ask, because it can be dangerous to do if not done right!!