From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2004-08-07 17:19:46 UTC
Subject: RE: coughing
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <6050176.1091899186995.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Age? Other details?
Ferrets can get allergies.
Ask your vet how much Pediatric Benedryl Elixir (the plain kind with no other added meds -- have your vet check it) would be okay to try for your ferret.
Benedryl makes them sleepy and sleeping itself prevents coughing, but if the ferret has a dose that doesn't knock him out but it has a marked affect on the coughing then an allergy is a real possibility.
We had one with asthma to assorted pollens so that was a common med for her and it gave her great relief, but in the many years since then there have been other more advanced approaches to allergies so check the archives.
Change your detergent to one without dyes and perfumes, remove air fresheners, stop wearing perfumes, don't let anyone smoke inside your home, don't use perfumed litters, and stop using fabric softener as a first step to see if the cause may be in those easy to tackle things. If so, narrow down from there. If not, consider other sources. Prevention is better than treatment when possible.
Here is the addy for the FHL Archives:
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/
I think I also have seen this topic in the FML Archives:
http://listserv.cuny.edu/archives/ferret-search.html