|
| |
Care
Ferret after a shower
A ferret wrapped in a blanket.Pet female ferrets should be spayed if they are
not going to be bred. Ferrets go into extended heat, and an unbred female
without medical intervention can die of aplastic anemia.
Ferrets need their nails clipped and ears cleaned on a regular basis. Regular
nail clippers will work, and most pet stores supply ferret-specific ear-cleaning
solution. Ferrets usually shed twice a year, in the spring and fall: during this
time, it can be a good idea to brush them regularly. Some owners also administer
a laxative, to help any ingested fur pass more easily through the digestive
tract: others believe that the administration of laxatives to an animal with
such a short "mouth to floor" duration may be potentially harmful.
It is a misconception that ferrets smell bad. The bad smell usually attributed
to ferrets comes from their bedding and litter box. Bedding should be washed or
changed out regularly, and a ferret's litter box should be cleaned every day, or
at least every other day. Depending on the cage, it is a good idea to take it
apart and hose it down every once in a while, to remove material stuck in
crevices.
However, some owners find that their ferrets enjoy baths and/or showers; a
specific ferret shampoo that replenishes the oils in the ferret's coat can help
to avoid the potential problem of dry skin. Just remember never to leave your
ferret alone in deep water from which it may have trouble escaping.
It is recommended that ferrets are taken to a veterinarian for a yearly checkup.
Ferrets often hide symptoms of illness very well, perhaps from an instinct to
not appear weak to predators in the wild. Any out-of-the-ordinary behavior is
good cause for a consultation. Ferrets have high metabolisms and cancers can
progress at an alarmingly fast rate. Early detection is critical.
| |
|
