Ferrets tend to be susceptible to heat stroke. When the temperatures get over 80 degress it can actually be fatal! Some of the warning signs of heat stroke that you can look for are heaving panting, runny nose and mouth, lethargy, shaking or even unconciousness. Never leave your ferret locked in a vehicle or house when the temperature is over 80 degrees!!
One of the products that I have used that is wonderful for preventing and helping with heatstroke is Marshall Ferret-Aide. It is an electrolyte replacement that you can put right in the water. It helps to maintain hydration during warm weather.
If you see your ferret starting to get heatstroke, remove him or her from the sun/heat immediately. Make sure they have plenty of water to drink, with Ferret-Aide if possible. Place your ferret in a dry bathtub which tends to stay cool or on a cool towel. Placing cool water on the ferrets stomach or feet can also help to lower body temp - but don't use cold water! Another good idea is to freeze a 2 liter soda bottle filled with water and wrap it in a towel. This can be placed in the ferrets cage to help him or her cool off.
Hopefully keeping your ferret hydrated and using an electrolye replacement such as Ferret-Aide will help to avoid this. I just wanted to give you some extra tips on helping prevent heat stroke in your ferrets. Enjoy the nice weather!
