My Ferret’s Ears Are Red–What Do I Do?

Between racing through tunnels, feasting on freeze-dried treats, and bringing all kinds of cuteness and chaos to your daily life, you might notice your ferret’s ears looking red when they’re tuckered out and ready for scritches.

Red ears in ferrets can be a sign of inflammation and are most commonly caused by ear mites or ear infections. The good news: Both can be prevented and treated.

We spoke with two exotic animal veterinarians to learn more about ear mites and ear infections in ferrets, other causes for red ears, and how to keep your furry slinky’s ears healthy.

Ear mites are tiny parasites that are related to ticks and target the ear canal of animals, says Robin Urie, DVM, owner and veterinarian of Warm & Fuzzy Veterinary Center in Middle River, Maryland.

The highly contagious parasite known as Otodectes cynotis is the culprit that causes ear mites in ferrets, as well as dogs, cats, and other animals. Ear mites are extremely common, and in rare cases, can even infect people, Dr. Urie says.

The most common ways ferrets get ear mites include:

• They were adopted with an existing infestation.
• They were exposed to a new animal with an infestation, such as another ferret, dog, cat, or even wildlife if they’re allowed outside.
• They were exposed to contaminated bedding containing mite eggs.
• The pet parent unintentionally brought mite eggs or mites home on their clothing. This could happen if a person was in contact with another animal who has ear mites.

Many times, pet parents won’t realize when a ferret is infected with ear mites, and these parasites can easily spread to dogs and cats as well, says Walter Merker, DVM, exotic animal veterinarian at Orange Grove Animal Hospital in Tucson, Arizona.

Signs of ferret ear mites include:

• Redness to the pinna (outer ear)
• Redness to the ear canal
• Excessive dark (brown or black) waxy discharge from the ear canal
• Thick, milky discharge from the ear canal
• Itching of the head and ears
• Bleeding or scabbing in and around the ear
• Hair loss along the sides of the face and ears

In severe cases, a head tilt, changes in pupil size, and facial drooping can occur, Dr. Urie adds.

If you notice that your ferret’s ears are red and/or that they’ve been itching excessively, she recommends scheduling a vet appointment.

The following symptoms warrant an urgent vet appointment:

• Any unusually colored or smelling discharge from the ear canal
• Bleeding or scabbing in and around the ear
• Hair loss around the face and ears
• Head tilt
• Changes in pupil size
• Facial drooping

Without treatment, ear mites can lead to inflammation and secondary infection.

Notice that your ferret is scratching their head more than usual or has a smelly ear? If so, they might have an ear infection.

Ear infections, or otitis, are caused by opportunistic bacteria, yeast, or parasitic organisms that collect in the ear canal and cause inflammation, Dr. Merker says. These are also a common ear problem in ferrets.

Signs of an ear infection include:

• Redness
• Itchiness
• Dark discharge
• A strong smell or odor

Dr. Merker says it’s best to schedule a vet appointment right away if you notice any of these signs to prevent potential progression into a more complicated infection.

While ear mites and infections are the usual causes for red ears in ferrets, other issues can cause ear redness as well, including:

• Excessive wax buildup
• Allergies or irritation from chemicals
• Foreign objects in the ear canal
• Trauma to the ear
• Circulation issues to the ears
• Bleeding disorders
• Polyps or masses in and around the ear

If you notice any changes to your ferret’s ears, consult your vet to determine the underlying cause and best treatment plan for your pet.

Keeping your ferret’s ears clean and healthy can help reduce the risk of ear problems.

Dr. Merker says ferrets should receive a monthly flea and ear mite preventive, like Advantage. Talk with your vet to determine the proper dosage for your ferret.

He also recommends cleaning your pet’s ears every one to two weeks with a ferret-friendly ear cleaner, like the Marshall Ferret Ear Cleaner. As part of your furball’s grooming routine, it’s always a good idea to check their ears weekly.

Dr. Merker shares these tips on how to clean your ferret’s ears:

1. Use caution in not touching the nozzle of the ear cleaner to the ear.
2. Dispense a small portion into the ear canal.
3. Massage the canal.
4. Let them shake their head.
5. Wipe any spare solution away with a cotton round or tissue.

Ask your vet during a routine checkup for tips and guidance on how to apply this type of preventive care. They can also recommend a frequency that works best for your ferret.

This content was medically reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.