Keeping Pets Cool during the Balmy Summer Months

My husband and I live in the beautiful southern United States. While we wouldn’t want to live anywhere else, we sometimes get excruciatingly hot during the summer months. We aren’t the only ones that get hot at our home though. Our beautiful dog Lucy also gets hot. I’m constantly searching for effective ways to keep her cool while she’s outside. And during the winter, it can get oddly cold at times. Do you have loving pets at home? Consider purchasing a small plastic pool for your pets to splash around in. And when it's cold, make sure to monitor them very carefully while outside. On this blog, I hope you will discover ingenious tips to help you care for your pets during any extreme weather.

Should You Be Worried About Yellow, Seedy Stools From Your Ferret?

Pets & Animals Blog

Ferrets are surprisingly tough and durable little creatures, but their digestive tracts aren't always so reliable. If you have had your pet for some time, you are probably already aware of the potential for blockages, ulcers, and other unpleasant conditions that can even be life-threatening. But when your ferret is producing yellow, runny stools with a birdseed-like consistency, you may not know whether to write it off or rush to the nearest animal hospital. These four steps, along with the help of an experienced veterinarian, will help you determine both the severity of the situation and its underlying cause. 

Understanding the Range of Normal Ferret Stools

Ferrets on a kibble diet should be producing consistent stools that are soft but not runny, and the color should be a healthy shade of brown. During routine litter box cleanings, you should start recognizing what is and is not normal for your pet. Any changes in stool color or quality should be a cause for concern, though in most cases it is safe to wait for a second stool as confirmation. Stools with a seedy consistency, on the other hand, are a sign that your ferret is no longer absorbing nutrients effectively, meaning you should see a veterinarian as quickly as possible. 

Testing for ECE

Green or yellow diarrhea is a common symptom of epizootic catarrhal enteritis, or ECE, a coronavirus infection that is highly contagious and potentially dangerous to your ferret. Colorful stools are so characteristic of this virus that it has also been nicknamed "green slime disease." If left unchecked, ECE can lead to rapid dehydration and loss of appetite, leaving your ferret weak and growing weaker. You or your vet may have to hydrate your ferret with a dropper or IV line, depending on your ferret's current state. Thankfully, most cases of ECE are resolved without lasting damage. 

Looking for Signs of Malnutrition

If your ferret tests negative for ECE, it is time to consider other possibilities. Your vet may recommend feeding your ferret a common laxative product to help any stubborn hairballs or blockages pass through its system, which could be preventing it from eating and digesting normally. In serious cases, x-rays may be taken to guarantee that the digestive tract is clear. 

Switching to a Blander Diet 

When these common causes of yellow, seedy stools don't yield results, your veterinarian may begin to suspect a dietary imbalance or a deeper problem with your ferret's system. Switching to a diet of plain cooked chicken or chicken-based baby foods can make absorption easier for your ferret's digestive tract and may resolve the issue entirely. Otherwise, you will need to begin conducting tests quickly, before your ferret becomes too malnourished or dehydrated. Whenever you notice something wrong with your ferret's stools, don't hesitate to visit your nearest animal hospital. Acting quickly is vital to potentially save your furry friend's life and avoid unnecessary discomfort. 

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29 September 2016