My ferret ate a maggot?

Question

It is possible that my ferret may have eaten a maggot.

I'm pretty sure he should be fine, since they're carnivores and everything, but my roommate keeps telling me that he could get heartworms from that.

I've always thought that animals got heartworms from being bitten by misquitoes, but I suppose it could be a possibility, and I was just wondering if anyone knew for sure.

Answer 1

Animals get heartworms from mosquitoes. That's a fact.

But it is possible for him to get intestinal parasites from the maggot. Call your vet and ask to make a checkup, then bring in some stool samples as well as the ferret in question.  

Answer 2

I thnik he will be fine.  If you notice any appetite changes or weird looking poo then take him to the vet but heartworms come from mosquitos.  

My ferret has eaten a few spiders in the past.  I guess its just fun since ferrets are so domesticated that they rarely come in contact with live prey.

Answer 3

I don't reckon any harm will come to him - if they were wild they would probably eat worms and that - he would have chewwed it up and killed it before he swallowed

Answer 4

it should be fine but why did it come in contact with one?

Answer 5

wow. interesting

Answer 6

Nah, nothing bad will happen.  You are right about the mosquitos and heartworm but the maggots won't hurt him.  Eating a maggot or a worm now and again is probably great for your ferret, actually.

Answer 7

yeah it should be fine but watch him for the next 48 hours and if he changes his  behavior or his poo looks funny you should take him to the vet

Answer 8

A single maggot won't hurt him. I wouldnt recommend feeding them on a regular basis lol but one should do anything to him.  

Answer 9

he'll be fine.  gross, but fine.

heartworms come from mosquitos.  tape worms come from fleas.  regardless, worms come from worm eggs.

Answer 10

IN NATURE FERRETS EATS ALL KIND OF STUFF AND A MAGOT IS NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT THEY WOULD NORMALLY EAT ALL IS WELL SWEETNESS.