can ferrets have allergies?

Question
I had a question about allergies but for my ferret, shes about 8 or 9 months
old now and I got her in the winter so as its turning spring I've noticed she
seems kind of stuffy yet shes not sick. sometimes when she wakes up she
sounds congested but it eventually gets better as she wakes up and moves
around, and I feel like shes breathing louder than normal lately. So basically
my question is can ferrets have allergies such as seasonal, or if this doesn't
sound normal I should bring her to the vet.
Thanks
Cristina

Answer
Hello Christina.

Allergies do occur in ferrets, just as cats, dogs and people!  Often the cause is difficult to isolate, since it can be anything from seasonal allergies from pollen, food, litter, or even the fabric softener you use.  The symptoms can be coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, itching, etc.  Unfortunately allergies can start at any age.  My cat was 10 before she developed a food allergy, for example.  The symptoms you are mentioning could be seasonal, but it might also just be a coincidence.  You might want to try eliminating some common causes to see if that helps.

First, discontinue any use of fabric softener in any of your pets blankets and bedding.  Fabric softeners are a common source of allergy.

Another cause could be diet.  Make sure you are using a high quality ferret food that is protein based and not carbohydrates.  often, low quality food causes allergy, and is also very unhealthy and can lead to other health problems.  If you would like me to recommend some good brands, please do not hesitate to ask.

What type of litter do you use?  Clay cat litter contains dust that are renowned for causing upper respiratory problems!  Also, most wood chips are toxic, and carefresh can cause obstructions.  I recommend switching to Yesterdays News if you do not already use it.  it is made from recycled newspaper and works wonderfully.  You can readily purchase it from any large pet store.  

Yesterdays News website:
http://www.yesterdaysnews.com/?D=686994&T=4343138

Ask yourself if you have begun to use any different products lately.  There are SO many things that these guys cold be allergic to!  Make sure you use only pet-safe cleaners around your ferret.  Lysol or harsh chemicals are very toxic. It is a possibility she is having a reaction from even minimal exposure to cleaners.   

Seasonal allergies or those of unknown origin might be more difficult to determine.  If they are seasonal, they will return every year around the same time.  The likely cause would be plant pollen or some other debris in the air.  

As long as she is eating, drinking and maintaining a normal activity level it would be fine to keep an eye on her.  If she becomes worse, or has labored breathing, you should see your veterinarian ASAP.  They can give steroid injections to help with allergies, although I do not condone the use of steroids long term since they can cause serious health problems.  It is far better to find the root of the cause which is possible though extensive testing, although this can be expensive.  

There is also a possibility that this is not allergies at all.  It could be a cold or a sign of another underlying cause.  Colds pass in a week or so and generally cause coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, lethargy and an increased temperature.  If, however, you notice she is getting worse or looses her appetite, bring her to your vet for evaluation.  Whether it is a cold, allergy or other cause, it is far better to have such things seen earlier than later.  

Good luck Christina!  I hope this information has proved useful.  please let me know if you have any other questions.    

-Cindy P.