Why is My Ferret Shaking? 5+ Common Causes With Solutions

Ferret shaking, also known as tremors, can be a concerning behavior for pet owners. It is essential to consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Some potential causes of ferret shaking include anxiety, stress, or underlying medical conditions such as polycystic kidneys, retinal atrophy, or CNS infections like cryptococcal meningitis.

Key Takeaways

Ferrets may shake due to various reasons, including:

1. Hypothermia: Ferrets are cold-blooded animals and can become hypothermic if their body temperature drops below the normal range of 100-104°F (37.7-40°C). Shaking can be a sign of hypothermia, as the body tries to generate heat by shivering.
2. Seizures: Ferrets can experience seizures due to various reasons, such as epilepsy, brain tumors, or poisoning. Seizures can cause the ferret to shake uncontrollably.
3. Pain or discomfort: Ferrets may shake if they are in pain or experiencing discomfort due to injuries, infections, or other health issues.
4. Fear or stress: Ferrets can shake when they are scared or stressed, such as during a veterinary examination or when exposed to loud noises.
5. Metabolic disorders: Some metabolic disorders, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hypocalcemia (low blood calcium), can cause shaking in ferrets.
6. Neurological disorders: Certain neurological disorders, such as vestibular disease or cerebellar hypoplasia, can cause shaking in ferrets.

Topics Covered In This Article

Why Do Ferrets Shake?

Ferrets may shake due to various reasons, including hypothermia, seizures, pain or discomfort, fear or stress, metabolic disorders, and neurological disorders. Shaking can be a sign of hypothermia as the body generates heat through shivering. Seizures, pain, or discomfort can also cause ferrets to shake uncontrollably.

Additionally, fear or stress can lead to shaking in ferrets, especially during stressful situations. Metabolic disorders like hypoglycemia or hypocalcemia and neurological disorders such as vestibular disease can also manifest as shaking in ferrets.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition in ferrets in which the body temperature drops below 95°F or 35°C. It can cause ferrets to shake as a physiological response to generate heat and maintain their body temperature within the normal range of 100-104°F (37.7-40°C).

When a ferret’s body temperature drops below this range, it triggers a shivering reflex, which is the body’s way of producing heat through muscle contractions.

Shivering increases the metabolic rate, generating warmth by burning energy stored in the body. This involuntary muscle activity helps raise the body temperature back to normal levels.

In ferrets, hypothermia can occur due to exposure to cold environments, inadequate heating in their living space, or prolonged contact with cold surfaces. As the body temperature decreases, the ferret’s natural response is to shiver to counteract the heat loss and prevent further cooling.

Hypothermia can also occur due to the absence of the nutritional component called riboflavin which is also responsible for growth and fur production according to National Research Council (NRC) (1987) Vitamin tolerance of animals. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.

Even when using medical drugs such as Sedative and Analgesic Drugs has shown to cause hypothermia in ferrets according to Ko JC, Nicklin CF, Heaton-Jones TG, Kuo WC (1998) Comparison of sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of diazepam, acepromazine, and xylazine in ferrets. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 34: 234–241.

Shaking in hypothermic ferrets is a visible sign of their body’s attempt to regulate temperature and avoid potential health risks associated with low body temperature.

Seizures

Seizures in ferrets can lead to shaking as a manifestation of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These seizures can be caused by various factors, including epilepsy, brain tumors, or poisoning.

During a seizure, the ferret may experience uncontrollable shaking or convulsions due to the disruption of normal brain function. Seizures can vary in intensity and duration, and they often result in involuntary movements that can include shaking of the body.

According to Feldman EC, eds. Textbook of veterinary internal medicine, 7th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders, pp. 1414–1445.

Pain or Discomfort

Pain or discomfort in ferrets can lead to shaking as a response to the unpleasant sensation they are experiencing. When ferrets are in pain due to injuries, infections, or other health issues, they may exhibit shaking as a visible sign of their distress.

The discomfort can trigger involuntary movements and muscle contractions, resulting in shaking behavior. It is essential to identify the source of pain or discomfort in ferrets promptly to provide appropriate treatment and alleviate their suffering.

According to Fox JG (1998) Biology and Diseases of the Ferret, 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger.

Fear or Stress

Fear or stress can cause ferrets to shake as a response to the emotional distress they are experiencing. When ferrets encounter situations that trigger fear or stress, such as veterinary examinations or exposure to loud noises, they may exhibit shaking as a visible sign of their anxiety.

The physiological response to fear or stress can lead to involuntary movements and muscle tension, resulting in shaking behavior in ferrets. It is crucial to create a calm and secure environment for ferrets to minimize stress-induced shaking episodes.

According To Fox JG (1998) Biology and Diseases of the Ferret, 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger.

Metabolic Disorders

Metabolic disorders in ferrets can lead to shaking as a result of the underlying imbalance affecting their physiological functions. Conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) can disrupt the normal metabolic processes in ferrets, potentially causing symptoms such as shaking.

These disorders can impact the nervous system and muscle function, leading to involuntary movements and tremors in affected ferrets. It is crucial to diagnose and manage metabolic disorders promptly to alleviate symptoms like shaking and ensure the well-being of the ferret.

According To Fox JG (1998) Biology and Diseases of the Ferret, 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger.

Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders in ferrets can cause shaking as a result of disruptions in the normal functioning of the nervous system. Conditions such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, idiopathic seizures, ataxia, and other central nervous system disorders can lead to neurological symptoms, including tremors and shaking.

These disorders may have various etiologies, including bacterial, viral, mycotic, or unknown causes. Ferrets infected with certain viruses like rabies virus, canine distemper virus, systemic coronavirus infection, or Aleutian disease parvovirus can exhibit signs of central nervous system involvement, which may include shaking. Additionally, drug toxicosis can induce central nervous system signs in ferrets.

According To Fox JG (2014) Biology and Diseases of the Ferret, 3rd ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

How Can I Reduce Ferret Shaking?

The possible ways to reduce ferret shaking include creating a calm and secure environment to minimize stress-induced shaking episodes.

Additionally, it is essential to identify and address sources of pain or discomfort promptly to alleviate the ferret’s suffering, which can contribute to shaking behavior.

The following are some of the guidelines that you can follow to reduce ferret shaking

Consulting A Veterinarian

When consulting a veterinarian about “Ferret Shaking,” it is essential to provide detailed information about your ferret’s behavior and any accompanying symptoms. Here are some key points to consider when seeking veterinary advice:

1. Observations: Describe the frequency, duration, and circumstances surrounding your ferret’s shaking episodes. Note any other behaviors or symptoms that accompany the shaking.
2. Medical History: Provide your veterinarian with a comprehensive medical history of your ferret, including any past illnesses, medications, vaccinations, and changes in behavior.
3. Environmental Factors: Inform the veterinarian about your ferret’s living conditions, diet, exercise routine, and any recent changes that might be contributing to its anxiety or stress levels.
4. Diagnostic Tests: Be prepared for the veterinarian to conduct a thorough physical examination and possibly recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, X-rays, or ultrasound to rule out underlying health issues causing the shaking.
5. Treatment Options: Discuss potential treatment options with the veterinarian based on their assessment of your ferret’s condition. This may include medication, behavioral modifications, environmental changes, or other interventions to address anxiety and reduce shaking episodes.

By providing detailed information and working closely with your veterinarian, you can ensure the best possible care for your ferret’s well-being.

Calming Techniques

Some calming techniques that can be used to reduce anxiety in ferrets include:

1. Environmental Enrichment: Providing a stimulating environment with hiding spots, tunnels, and toys can help reduce stress and anxiety in ferrets1.
2. Regular Handling and Socialization: Interacting with your ferret regularly and providing socialization opportunities can help build trust and reduce anxiety levels1.
3. Quiet and Safe Spaces: Creating quiet and safe spaces within the ferret’s living area where they can retreat to when feeling anxious can help them feel secure1.
4. Routine and Predictability: Establishing a consistent routine for feeding, playtime, and interactions can help reduce anxiety by providing predictability for the ferret1.
5. Music Therapy: Playing calming music or white noise in the background can have a soothing effect on ferrets and help reduce anxiety levels1.

These techniques aim to create a comfortable and secure environment for your ferret, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety levels effectively.

Using Music To Uplift Ferret’s Mood

Music has been shown to have a calming effect on various animals, including ferrets. The specific mechanisms by which music reduces anxiety are not fully understood, but some possible explanations include:

1. Rhythmic patterns: The repetitive patterns in music can help to regulate the heart rate and breathing, which can be beneficial for reducing anxiety.
2. Sensory distraction: Music can provide a sensory distraction, diverting the ferret’s attention away from the source of anxiety and helping to reduce stress levels.
3. Cognitive effects: Listening to music can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which can help to improve mood and reduce anxiety.

What type of music should I play for my ferret?

There is no specific type of music that is universally effective in reducing anxiety in ferrets. However, some studies suggest that classical music may have a calming effect on animals.

It is essential to choose music that your ferret enjoys and that does not cause stress or agitation. You can experiment with different genres and styles to find what works best for your pet.

FAQs

Sources

VeryWell Animals uses high-quality sources, such as scientifically reviewed studies in its articles. Discover our unique approach to fact-checking and ensuring our content remains accurate and trustworthy.

1. National Research Council (NRC) (1987) Vitamin tolerance of animals. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.
2. Ko JC, Nicklin CF, Heaton-Jones TG, Kuo WC (1998) Comparison of sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of diazepam, acepromazine, and xylazine in ferrets. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 34: 234–241.
3. According to Feldman EC, eds. Textbook of veterinary internal medicine, 7th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders, pp. 1414–1445.
4. Fox JG (1998) Biology and Diseases of the Ferret, 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger.
5. Fox JG (2014) Biology and Diseases of the Ferret, 3rd ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Last Updated on 2 March 2024