Ferrets also known as Mustela furo or fitchet are small, furry creatures that make great pets. They’re playful and entertaining, but they can also be a little unpredictable. One thing you may not know about ferrets is that they can shake a lot sometimes, and you may be worried about why is my ferret shaking?
Is your ferret shaking for no reason? You may be wondering what’s wrong. In this post, we’ll explain why your Mustela furo might be shaking and what you can do to help.
Why is my ferret shaking?
Excitement, Nervousness, Stress and Anxiety and change in the metabolic activities is the leading causes of ferret shaking. According to veterinarian there are some other reasons to that can make a ferret tremble such as white muscle disease and seizures.
Blew we have explained briefly the 8 known causes of ferret shaking and trembling.
#1. Excitement
When a ferret is excited, its body may start to shake. This is caused by the release of adrenaline, which gives the ferret extra energy and makes its heart race.
The shaking may also be caused by the ferret’s excitement arousal response, a physical reaction to visual or auditory stimuli associated with potential prey.
When a Mustela furo is shaking due to excitement, it is usually not in danger and will calm down after a few minutes.
However, if the shaking persists for more than a few minutes or the ferret seems distressed, it may indicate a medical condition and should be seen by a veterinarian.
#2. Nervousness
As any ferret owner knows, these lively little animals are full of energy and personality. They love to play and explore, and their playful nature leads them to mischief.
However, ferrets can also be quite skittish and sometimes shake or tremble when nervous. This shaking is generally not a cause for concern, and it usually goes away on its own once the ferret has had a chance to calm down.
However, if the shaking persists or seems to worsen, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition. In such cases, it is always best to consult a veterinarian to ensure your ferret is healthy and happy.
#3. Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are some of the main reasons ferrets tremble and shake. When a ferret is stressed, it will release a hormone called cortisol. This hormone increases the heart rate, which constricts the blood vessels.
As a result, the ferret’s body temperature drops, and it starts to shiver. In addition, cortisol also suppresses the immune system, making the Mustela furo more susceptible to illness.
If a ferret is anxious, it may also pace back and forth or hide. These behaviors are all-natural ways for the ferret to deal with stress and anxiety. However, if these behaviors become excessive, they may indicate a more severe problem.
If you notice your pet trembling or shaking more than usual, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any potential health problems.
#4. Increases in Metabolic rate due to eating
When a ferret eats, its metabolism rate increases in order to help digest the food. This can sometimes cause the ferret to tremble, especially if it is a small or young ferret.
The increased metabolic rate causes the ferret’s body to produce more heat, which can make the ferret feel hot and uncomfortable. If your ferret is trembling after eating, you can try feeding it smaller meals more often or giving it breaks between meals to rest and cool down.
You should also make sure that your ferret has access to plenty of water so that it can stay hydrated. If the trembling persists or gets worse, please consult your veterinarian.
#5. Change in the metabolism while sleeping.
When a ferret sleeps, its body temperature drops, and its metabolism slows down. This change in metabolic activity can cause the ferret’s body to shake.
In addition, ferrets often sleep in short bursts, which can also contribute to shaking. While it may be concerning to see your ferret shaking, it is usually nothing to worry about.
However, if the shaking is accompanied by other symptoms, such as diarrhea or vomiting, it may be a sign of a more serious problem, and you should take your ferret to the vet.
#6. White muscle disease
White muscle disease is a condition that can occur in ferrets, characterized by abnormal deposits of fat and protein in the animal’s muscle tissue.
The condition can lead to several symptoms, including trembling, shaking, and weakness. In severe cases, white muscle disease can be fatal.
There is no cure for the condition, but prompt treatment can help to improve the ferret’s prognosis. Treatment typically involves providing the ferret with supportive care and managing the symptoms.
With proper care, many ferrets can live relatively everyday lives despite their condition.
#7 Excessive cold
Usually cold weather don’t make any affect on Ferrets because they are cold weather species. However they are susceptible to changes in temperature and will shiver when they get cold.
This is their natural way of keeping warm and is nothing to worry about.
However, if a ferret is shivering excessively, it may be a sign of suffering from hypothermia.
If you suspect your ferret suffers from hypothermia, wrap them in a warm blanket and seek veterinary care ASAP.
Ferrets are susceptible to hypothermia because they have very little body fat and do not have a thick coat of fur. They are also prone to losing body heat quickly due to high metabolism.
For these reasons, providing your ferret with a warm, safe environment is essential, especially during cold weather.
#8. Seizure
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. Ferrets can experience seizures for various reasons, including low blood sugar, kidney disease, and brain tumors.
Seizures in ferrets can be very frightening to witness, as they cause the ferret’s body to shake violently. Sometimes, the ferret may lose consciousness and fall to the ground. Seizures can be dangerous, so you must seek veterinary care if your ferret experiences one.
Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause of the seizure but may include medications, changes in diet, or surgery. With proper care, most ferrets with seizures can enjoy a good quality of life.
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What does a ferret seizure look like?
A ferret seizure can vary in intensity and duration but typically involves the animal losing consciousness and experiencing muscle spasms. Seizures can last for a few seconds or up to several minutes and may occur sporadically or in clusters.
In some cases, a fitchet may seem disoriented or lethargic after a seizure. If your pet experiences any type of seizure, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
Why is my ferret shaking and screaming?
There are several potential reasons why your ferret might be shaking and screaming. It could be a sign of excitement, fear, or even pain. If your ferret is shaking and screaming consistently, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Excitement is often the most common reason for shaking and screaming in ferrets. They may do this when they see their favorite toy or treat or when they’re about to go on a fun adventure. Fear can also cause shaking and screaming.
Mustela furo are naturally curious creatures, but they can also be easily frightened by new people, animals, and objects. If your ferret is suddenly exposed to something that scares them, it may start shaking and screaming as a way to try and get away from the situation.
Pain can also cause shaking and screaming in ferrets. If your ferret is injured or ill, it may shake and scream as a way to express its discomfort. If your fitchet is shaking and screaming, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Why is my ferret shaking after a bath?
There are a few reasons why your ferret may be shaking after a bath. It could be that they are cold, as ferrets are very sensitive to temperature changes.
It could also be that they are nervous or stressed from the experience of being in the water.
If your fitchet is shaking and seems to be in distress, you should take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes.
Why is my ferret shaking and not moving?
If you notice your ferret shaking and not moving, there are high chances that your ferret is suffering from hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar is one of the most common health problems in ferrets.
It occurs when the level of sugar in the blood drops too low. Symptoms include weakness, lethargy, shaking, and seizures. If not treated promptly, hypoglycemia can be fatal.
How do you know if your ferret has low blood sugar?
There are several reasons why a ferret’s blood sugar might drop too low. One is if they haven’t eaten for a while and their body is running out of energy.
Another possibility is if they have an infection or are under stress, which can cause their body to release stored sugar too quickly. Sometimes, certain medications can also cause hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of low blood sugar in ferrets are:
