wheezing and coughing, gaging can be caused by lots of things... unfortunantely ive ahd that experiance....we found that ONLY ONE of our 7 Ferrets is alergic...and also is prone to hairballs...so as a rule with them we give petromalt every other day( i watch their stools you can really tell about their health)...and i wash their stuff in WOOLIGHT....NEVER EVER use bleach or clorox 2 and etc.... hepa filters are great too.... WELL IF YOU SMOKE THEN>>>>YOUR FERRETS ARE TOO!!!! just something to think about ( i smoked for ten years but never in my house...but i went cold turkey 3 years ago and now i cant stand the smell from anyone who smokes...if i can smell it what about our animals...hmmm something to think about) changr your air filter in your house at least once a month ( i live in Arizona so i change it every 2 weeks) makes a difference with someone who wheezes ( ialso have an asthmatic child..) and of course benedryl is for allergies too ...i dont really have to useit now that i have changed things for my ferrets ( the thing i just talked about) hope this helps :-) sincerly, Trudi & slinkey marshmellow(may he rest in peace) patches cloyee chi chachita lucky coco and: thunder, spirit, (my dogs) and: paw paws, cinders, midnight, starburst, and a stray that we have not yet named!!! GOD BLESS!!! [Posted in FML issue 2435]