Antibiotics are sometimes necessary in the event of disease, but they do destroy beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. Recently, my Howl had to undergo a 2 week antibiotic treatment for Pharyngitis and Conjunctivitis! Read on to find out what I do to heal my ferrets after (and during!) a round of antibiotics. (Disclaimer: Please follow your veterinarian's advice when creating a treatment plan for your ferrets. This post will not be promoting avoidance of antibiotics, but showing you ways to heal your ferrets' gut after a round of antibiotics)
Healthy gut, healthy ferret The benefits of a healthy intestinal microbiome have been long studied and proven for all animals. Beneficial bacteria are responsible for creating an impenetrable immune system. Without them, our animals would fall ill and die. They also help with nutrient creation, digestion, and absorption. Studies show it also affects mood. In summary: gut health is nothing to underestimate. It's critical for your ferrets' physical and emotional wellbeing. Healthy gut, healthy ferret. Antibiotics compromise this beneficial bacteria; "Dysbiosis" I like to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use. There have been many situations where antibiotics have been prescribed to one of my ferrets for a very minor issue (metronidazole, anyone?) Sometimes before finding any issue at all. In this case, Howl could not fight off the infection on his own, making antibiotic intervention necessary. Check out how I administer medicine to my ferrets. After finishing a round of antibiotics, here's a couple tips to help heal your ferret's digestive tract (also- artificial ingredients, vaccines, and flea/tick meds can negatively affect the microbiome too!) 1. Feed a natural diet A no-brainer at this point- a high quality protein, fat and zero carbohydrate diet will greatly benefit your ferrets in every aspect of their health. Commercial pet foods often fed to ferrets contain grains and other carbohydrates. These ingredients fuel dysbiosis and contribute to chronic inflammation. Some popular pet foods contain added bacteria, that appear to create SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) like symptoms. When feeding a diet closest to what ferrets were built to consume, we set them up for success with the right amount of bacteria. Raw diets also contain plentiful amounts of water soluble B vitamins, that are often wiped out during a course of antibiotics. 2. Whole food supplements When the word, "supplements" is used we often assume over the counter bottles of vitamin gummies. In this case, I'm talking about natural whole food additions we can add to our ferret's diet to help repair dysbiosis.
3. Keep your ferrets stress free This can be hard depending on what you have going on in the home, but try and keep your ferrets stress free whenever possible. Your ferrets' mood affects the gut. Provide them with safe, quiet and dark spaces to sleep and keep them cage free as often as you can. Check out my 5 Natural Ferret Care Tips post. Restoring your ferrets' gut health will not occur overnight. Be patient and keep a log of their symptoms and any unusual behaviors and remember: healthy gut, healthy ferret!
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