I have two ferrets can they catch the flu?

i have been diagnosed with the flu (i work in nursing) i got it bad, and they are now coughing. can they get it? they still eat and drink and play, they just cough and wheez some. what can i give them as there are no vets in our town who do exotic

Yes, they can catch the flu from humans. One person mentioned they could get type A and B, but from what I've read, it's only type A. Either way, the best thing for you to do is handle your ferrets as little as possible while you're sick. When you are handling them, make sure you first wash your hands and also try not to sneeze or cough on them. Even if they would catch your flu, usually all that's needed is a little extra TLC. Make sure they're eating and getting plenty of fluids and rest. They might eat a little less than normal, but they should not completely refuse to eat (if they do, get them to a vet asap). Also keep an eye for abnormal discharge from the eyes and/or nose - clear is ok, anything else should be checked by a vet. If they show signs of the flu (coughing, wheezing, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever over 104 degrees F, runny nose and/or eyes, diarrhea) and those symptoms last for more than one week, then you should have them checked by a vet.

I have two ferrets two, and sometimes when I have the flu, it feels like they have it too, its normal I think, try to buy some vitamins for ferrets, any pet store has them, good luck

i would use common sense and say yes it is possible, if you have exotic pets go to the next town who can aide. if you took the responsiblities of a pet owner you should go all the way in their care

No animals can't catch the flu from people only eachother. It is wierd but I guess there sickness is different. I have the flu now actually and got 4 animals in my house but they won't catch it from me. Could be a conisadence or maybe they just got a cough.

Yup. They can get type A and B. It usually looks just like when any person would get it, but ferrets would get a runny nose...you'll see them slow down a bit sneezing...have a high fever. If a ferret has it they should see a vet for medication

Natalie doesn't know what she is talking about. Ferrets can and will catch the flu from you just as easily as another person would. Check out the links below. Good luck with your ferrets! I hope they get better if they're sick.

I am very glad you are taking note that they are acting like this. Many people and even vets (though it would be sad to see vets who deal with exotics say this but it may happen) will tell you that they cannot catch human illnesses. I have had ferrets for years and every time they caught a cold or a flu, it seemed to be from a family member or myself These illnesses can become extremely bad too. I always took them to the vet but sometimes the road to recovery was rather intense because they would stop eating and drinking, in which case I had to keep them under constant care and feed them mashed food mixed with water and sometimes FerretVite (an excellent treat!) to get their weights back up (their weight can plummet quickly when they become ill) Definitely try to find a vet who deals in exotics (maybe in another town as was suggested) I am not sure exactly what antibiotics I used, but obviously you will need a vet to get any as it is.