Common ferret poisons

Find out more about the most common, potentially serious poisons that can affect ferrets and learn what symptoms to look out for and what treatment is likely to be required.
 

Rodent Poisons (‘rodenticides’)
The following specifically refers to anticoagulant rodenticides [1], for example bromadiolone, difenacoum and warfarin [2]. Anticoagulants act by preventing blood clotting. These products are commonly used to control rodent infestations. The baits are usually coloured blue or green (sometimes purple or red) and can be sold in the form of a powder, paste, seeds or grains.

Repeated ingestion of these products is a particular problem.

Poisoning may result in life-threatening bleeding; effects may not appear for several days. Bleeding may be internal and is therefore not always visible.

Take your ferret to the vet if you suspect he/she has been exposed to this poison. Most ferrets will require a course of the antidote. Blood tests may confirm poisoning.

[1] Not all rodenticides are anticoagulants; it is important to check which one your pet has ingested.

[2] Also brodifacoum, chlorphacinone, coumatetralyl, diphacinone and flocoumafen.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
This group of drugs includes ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen [3], which are widely available.

Any quantity may be extremely toxic to ferrets if ingested.

Ingestion can result in depression, weakness, tremor, vomiting, diarrhoea, bleeding from the gut, weight loss, coma and kidney failure.

Take your ferret to the vet if you suspect he/she has been exposed to this poison. All ferrets will require treatment for at least a week.

Please note that pain-killers intended for human use may be extremely toxic to your ferret.

[3] Also aceclofenac, acemetacin, azapropazone, celecoxib, dexibuprofen, dexketaprofen, etodolac, etoricoxib, fenbufen, indometacin, ketoprofen, mefenamic acid, meloxicam, nabumetone, piroxicam, sulindac, tenoxicam and tiaprofenic acid.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains a powerful stimulant called theobromine, which is similar to caffeine. Dark chocolate and cocoa contain high levels of theobromine.

Signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, hyperactivity, high temperature and blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm and tremors.

Take your ferret to the vet if you suspect he/she has been exposed to this poison. Most ferrets will require rehydration and hospitalisation for at least 24 hours.

Never give your chocolate to your pet as a treat.

Grapes, raisins, sultanas, currants (Vitis Vinifera)
Any quantity of these fruits can be toxic to ferrets. Cooking or baking them (e.g. in cakes) does not reduce the risk of poisoning.

Poisoning may initially result in vomiting and diarrhoea and subsequently in kidney failure (which may occur a few days after the initial effects).

Take your ferret to the vet urgently if you suspect he/she has been exposed to this poison. Treatment for at least three days is usually required.

Household cleaners
Ingestion of many types of detergents or disinfectants can result in vomiting and diarrhoea. Severe blistering and / or ulceration of the mouth and throat (which may cause difficulties in breathing and swallowing) are also common.

Drain / oven cleaners and machine dishwasher products may be extremely corrosive and cause severe burns. These products should have warning labels.

Skin and/or eye contact with any of these products is also a concern.

If your ferret has a household chemical on his/her skin or fur then wash thoroughly with lukewarm water and mild shampoo, rinse well and dry, and then take your ferret to the vet. If your ferret has a household chemical in his/her eye, contact your vet immediately for advice about washing the eye, follow your vet’s advice and then take him/her to the vet urgently.

If you think your ferret has been poisoned, contact your vet immediately.

You can also read our top tips for more information on what to do if you think your ferret has been poisoned: Poisoning in ferrets. 

 

 

Acknowledgement for this information is made to The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS). The VPIS is a specialist 24-hour emergency service, which is only available to veterinary professionals and animal welfare organisations, providing information and advice on the treatment of animals exposed to toxic substances. It is not a public access service.  Some helpful information is available on their website www.vpisuk.co.uk.