Dying pet ferret will usually give you some signs that he/she will leave this world soon. Not all ferrets are the same,nor circumstances ( age of the ferret, presence of illnesses or injuries etc).
So how to know if the ferrets end is close? Most of dying ferrets would be lethargic, unresponsive, would eat and drink far less than usual or they will totally stop eating.
Of course these signs could be some health issue symptoms and not necessarily the signs of death but everything depends on concrete case and situation. To get more information about how to recognize the signs, what to do and how to prepare for it, please keep reading
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What Can Cause Your Pet Ferret to Die?
Ferret’s lifespan is usually 6-10 years. Pet ferrets are susceptible to many diseases, especially in older age so a lot of things to think of.
Few types of cancer ( Isulinoma, Lymphoma and Adrenal gland cancer), gastrointestinal blockages( hairballs and foreign objects), heart diseases which are pretty common in ferrets (Cardiomyopathy, Heart worm parasite), variety of parasites, viruses( Canine distemper and Influenza )and bacterial infections.
Females that are not spayed and not mated when they should, could die. Most of these conditions are treatable but they can lead to death if not treated on time.
How To Recognize That Your Furry Ball Getting Closer To an Inevitable End?
Death is always a sad thing, but on the other hand it is reality that we must face with.When you bought or adopted your furry baby, you were aware of its lifespan and most probably all things that can go wrong and end her /his life even sooner.
At that time, when you brought your furry ball to your home, death was so far away. You two had a great time together, you spent a lot of memorable moments with your pet, learnt him/her how to use the littler box, not to bite you, where to sleep, to eat….
You two enjoyed in each other company and you did your best to provide a great, quality and happy life for your ferret. It seems that now everything is coming to the end.
Your furry pal is not in the mood for play anymore, does not have energy, eats very little, maybe suffers and feels some pain. He/she prefers now to be curled up in the blanket in your hands. He/she still looks for your love and attention in a different way now.
Ferrets can decline to the point that they stop to eat and drink. It is not advisable to force them to eat, it is always better to consult the vet. If your furry pal stopped drinking, maybe you could offer him/her a little water by your finger.
It is time to make a decision. If your ferret is very old or(and) ill, you tried every medication, therapy, or surgery in order to make his/her health condition better but now there is nothing to be done anymore. Nothing you do will make improvements. You need to decide whether you let your pet die at home or you will seek for vet’s help and put him/her to sleep.
If You Have Decided to Let Your Pet Die at Home
This can be quite stressful and very hard. Depends on the illness your pet has and dying from, different things can happen.
Breathing of your furry pal can become rather shallow, irregular due to the fact that fluids are accumulating in its lungs.
His/her heart can have irregular rhythm,
Body temperature will most probably go down to 97 degrees or even less, so make sure you hold your pet wrapped in the blanket and use the time to cuddle your furry pal, to make him/her safe in its last moments.
You might notice that your pet is producing very small amount of urine as its kidneys are shutting down slowly.
As the times passes, ferret will become weaker and weaker. At some point he/she will have problem to make movements, blink or even swallow.
Do not be confused if your pet suddenly get some energy out of nowhere and wants to walk and run again, but this is last lurch, no improvement will happen….
Not all ferrets will die peacefully. Some illnesses can provoke seizures. Ferrets can be in deep pain, suffering a lot.
If you have other ferrets, separate them from ailing one, as ferrets who are close to the end do not prefer to be part of the group. You should place him/her in some small, isolated area.
Bear in mind that body temperature will be lower than usual so turn on some heater and put an additional blanket or soft towels close to him/her. If you have kids, explain to them what is going on and let them say goodbye.
If you have a small child then keep him/her away from ill ferret as he/she might find your small kid running around rather disturbing.
What About Euthanasia? Is it Better to Put your Pet Ferret to Sleep?
Some ferret owners cannot imagine to let their furry balls die in their homes. They simply think that they need to do something to help them in their very last moments.
Moreover if your pet is in great pain suffering from some terminal illnesses and he/she cannot do the basic things like use litter box or eat/drink then maybe euthanasia is better solution.
There are some other reasons you might decide for euthanasia. If you furry ball suffers from some serious chronic disease that gets worse over time ( no hope for recovery )and therapy melts your budget.
Some illnesses are very hard to handle, time-consuming and exhausting for the person who is taking care of a sick animal, so all listed reasons can push you to think about euthanasia as a solution.
When it is The Right Time for Putting Your Furry Ball to Sleep?
From emotional point of view – never! But if you use common sense you will make this decision easier.
First you should talk to your vet :
- Double check with him/her that you did everything you could to help your pet.
- Recheck any medication/therapy or alternative that might help.
- Discuss with your vet about your pet’s disease development. Maybe when you hear what is expecting your furry ball, you decide to shorten his/her pain and suffer.
If you have friends who have ferrets and enough experience, talk to them as well. Maybe they have some good advice on how to make things easier for you or maybe they can tell you some comforting words,share their experience.
Most of the ferret owners will tell you that you should keep your furry pal alive while he /she is not in pain and can do basic things but if your pet lose its dignity due to the illness, then you should take the next step.
I have read that ferret owners usually do not regret putting to sleep their ferret pets too early but a big number of them regrets that they did that too late and let them suffer for too long. Be always frank with yourself, it is not fair to keep your pet in great pain unless there is a chance for recovery.
What is the Procedure For Euthanasia?
Once you determine that euthanasia is the best solution and you made an appointment at your vet’s practice or clinic, some paper work first needs to be done.
You have to sign a document that is called Euthanasia authorization. This document contains personal date of you,as owner, your pet,as a patient and about the doctor that will perform the procedure.
Signing this document you authorize the doctor to perform euthanasia. You will also express your preference regarding possible autopsy and what do you want to do with your pet’s remains.
You will given the choice regarding your being present during the procedure. There are various options :
- To be present during the whole process of euthanasia
- To say goodbye before the process starts and not to see your pet again
- Not to be present during the procedure but to see your pet after euthanasia
Euthanasia procedure is rather quick, performed by the vet, by giving your pet anaesthetic in large dose( overdose )ensuring your furry ball goes peacefully in couple of seconds.
Anaesthetic overdose will slow your pet’s heart which will stop beating. Blood pressure will decrease which will make breathing to stop. Eventually circulation to the brain will cease and your tiny friend will pass away.
After this part, some involuntary movements such as muscle motions or release of the bladder or bowel content are possible.
Loss of the pet is always sad, no matter you lost your little friend by natural causes or euthanasia is preformed.
If you feel like you need additional support, ask your vet is there any Pet loss support group in your area,as maybe contact with the people that went through the same experience could help.
Cost of Euthanasia?
Cost of this procedure depends on where you live and rates may vary but some average price is about 35-50$
What to Do With Your Pet’s Remains?
You have several options :
- Private cremation with return of ashes
- Cremation with no return of ashes
- Home burial, you will take your pet’s body home
- You can authorize the vet clinic/practice to dispose of remains according to the clinic policy. You can also concede your pet’s remains to the clinic for further scientific research.
Cremation Cost
The cost of Euthanasia procedure does not include cremation afterward,in case you choose this option.
You will be able to choose between the private and communal cremation and the prices for private are about 120-150$ and communal ones are lower of course, about 50-70$.
Both communal and private cremation rates include the euthanasia procedure as well.
