If you provide the correct care, diet, environment, exercise and attention to your ferret it will normally stay fit and healthy, and will be bright, alert and eating and drinking normally. Younger and older pets are often more susceptible to illness due to lowered resistance. Handling and grooming your pet every day gives you the opportunity to examine him for signs that may indicate illness.

Ferrets should be bright and alert. Monitor their food intake to check that they are eating and drinking normally.

Any change in normal behavior may indicate an underlying problem. Watch out for:

• eating or drinking more or less than normal
• restless or lethargic - or a crouched, huddled appearance
• coat that looks dull, is soiled or itchy, and check for cuts and lumps
• any discharges
• difficulty in eating, drinking or moving
• dull eyes
• plaque build-up on the teeth
• wax in the ears
• long nails

Common illnesses
Getting to know your ferret by handling and grooming is the most essential aspect to recognizing if there is a problem. These are some of the most common illnesses and health problems that ferrets can suffer from:

Eye Problems
Healthy eyes are clear and sparkling. If the eyes are dull, take your ferret to the vet immediately.

Ear Problems
If you notice any was in the ears, or if your ferret is pawing its ears or there is a lack of balance and direction, you should take your ferret to the vet.

Respiratory Infections
Stress such as weaning, separation, overcrowding and poor husbandry can lead to illness. Symptoms will include sneezing, coughing, fever, nasal discharge and lethargy. Seek veterinary treatment as your ferret may require a course of antibiotics. Ferrets are also able to contract kennel cough, often leading to pneumonia. Avoid boarding ferrets in kennels near dogs, or consider vaccination before boarding.

Nutritional Diarrhea
This can be due to a sudden change in diet. New foods should be introduced gradually over a minimum of two weeks. Diarrhea should correct itself within a couple of days. If not, seek veterinary advice.

Infectious Diarrhea
This can be associated with parasites, bacteria or a virus and can affect ferrets at any age, although kittens are most susceptible. In all cases it is important to find the cause as ferrets fall ill quite quickly, resulting in dehydration, poor condition and, in the worse scenario, death. In all cases seek veterinary advice.

Vomiting
This may often be associated for foreign bodies present in the alimentary canal, such as hairballs and partially eaten toys. Groom your ferret regularly (especially during a moult) to reduce the loose hair which can heighten the risk of hairballs. If your ferret is vomiting it is always sensible to seek veterinary advice in case there is a more severe underlying problem.

Canine Distemper
Ferrets are very susceptible to Canine Distemper which often leads to fatality. Signs of the virus include discharge around the eyes, nose and chin (eyes may be closed). Other symptoms are loss of appetite, a rash and lethargy. It is highly infectious and can be picked up from dog urine on the soles of your shoes. To prevent infection ask your vet to vaccinate at 9-10 weeks.

Estrogen Induced Anemia
Jills are induced ovulators and may often have prolonged seasons if not mated. High and prolonged levels of estrogen in the body can cause aplastic anemia. To prevent this occurring if you are not breeding from your jill, you should have her spayed or, when in season, present her to a vasectomised hob. He will mate her and finish the season without production of a litter.

External Parasites
Ear mites are common and will be apparent if your ferret constantly shakes its head and scratches its ears. It can lead to inflammation of the area and generally be uncomfortable to the animal. Regularly check your ferret for fleas and flea dirt. If fleas are found, you will need to treat with a product recommended for use on ferrets. Dont forget to treat their cage and run as well.

Always seek veterinary advice for treatment.