Ferret Hair Loss Reasons
Hair loss in a ferret could be absolutely normal. It is possible for a ferret to lose almost all hair on its tail especially during spring and summer. This is a normal phenomenon and the hair that is shed grows back subsequently. When there is excessive shedding and lost hair does not get replaced, those are signs to worry about. When hair loss starts at the tail base and spreads upwards, it could also be a sign of some disease. The vet must be immediately contacted to identify if it is a cause of problem or a natural occurrence.
Some common reasons for hair loss include seasonal molting, tail alopecia, hormonal imbalance and re-growth of clipped hair. The number of light hours for every 24 hour day is called the photoperiod and a ferret faces several changes during this period. It tends to lose most of its hair and a new fluffy coat develops later. This is called as seasonal molting and is not a condition to be alarmed about.
Every summer, a ferret loses its tail hair. Tail alopecia or rat tail is a condition that occurs largely in males. It looks unattractive but is harmless. The tail begins to look like a rat’s tail often characterized by bristly, sparse hair and scaly skin with blackheads. In fall, this hair usually grows back.
Endocrine alopecia or hormonal imbalance is another reason why a ferret can lose hair. This is a condition where a specific pattern of hair loss is observed. A ferret loses hair at the base of the tail and spreads gradually to the inside of the hind legs and thereafter to the entire body. Mostly, the tip of the tail and the head are spared. A Jill can grow back its hair when it is spayed or when it moves out of the heat. This pattern of hair loss must be watched out for and visiting the vet is imperative.
The problem occurs because of tumors in adrenal gland or due to prolonged heat periods. This is a common condition in American ferrets. It usually is seen in middle aged and older ferrets. It encompasses a condition called adrenocortical hyperplasia (adrenal gland cells proliferation) plus malignant and benign tumors that are cancerous. The visible signs of endocrine alopecia include hair loss, prostate enlargement (males) and difficulty in urinating, muscle wasting, weakness, enlarged vulva (females), skin thinning and increased aggression.
At times, there could be other problems associated with this condition like insulinoma. A vet will rule out possibilities of other diseases after a thorough examination and then prescribes treatment. A surgery is the first choice in such cases where the affected adrenal gland is removed. If the left gland is affected, the entire gland is removed. If the right gland is enlarged, then a part of it is removed owing to the proximity to the vena cava which is a large vein. It is important to identify the cause of hair loss before rushing to take any kind of medication.
Ferret Fleas and Techniques of Prevention & Medication
All pet owners face the problem of controlling, eliminating and preventing fleas on their pets and in the environment. Although this is not an uncommon occurrence in ferrets like the way it is in dogs and cats, it could prove to be even fatal for the ferret many a times.
Ferrets can get fleas especially when the weather becomes hot and humid. Other pets in the house act as carriers and could bring fleas from outside. Eggs of fleas can be dormant for almost a couple of years waiting for its prey. Moving into a house or buying used furniture could serve as reasons for triggering a flea attack. Cat flea is the most common one that attacks ferrets.
Reaction on ferrets:
Every ferret reacts differently to a flea attack. Fleas suck blood when they bite and this causes anemia. Some develop scabby or inflamed skin or a bald patch besides itching. Scratching is a natural behavior of fleas and so should not be misconstrued for the presence of fleas. Hence proper checking is necessary. Some kinds of fleas, especially the ones found in south western United States, are known to transmit bubonic plague. Besides skin allergies and infection, flea bites can cause ferrets to lose appetite and sleep and they can also become irritable. When a flea is ingested accidentally, it could result in intestinal parasites or tapeworms.
How to identify fleas?
Ferrets can scratch with or without the presence of fleas. You can check your ferret either by means of running a comb (flea comb) through its fur or by blowing on its fur until the skin is exposed. Fleas are reddish brown to black and the size of a pencil tip. They can be observed on the stomach or between the ferret’s shoulder blades.
Medication:
The environment, other pets, ferret, bedding, cage, and the house must be de-flead to completely get rid of the problem. On a ferret, the most essential supply includes a flea shampoo that is considered safe for kittens and cats. Marshalls is a shampoo that is specifically formulated for ferrets. Anything that contains carbamates, petroleum distillates and organophosphates must be avoided. Some suggest products like frontline, advantage or revolution. However, the vet needs to be consulted before any kind of medication is given to the ferret. It is essential to give a thorough bath to the ferret and all fleas removed using a flea comb.
Dips and pet sprays are not recommended since they are considered to be toxic. Flea powders can cause lung problems to a ferret. Flea towelette is one of the latest products in this area. They are wipes that help in killing fleas and preventing new ones for a further two weeks. In order to treat the house, it is necessary to launder bedding and vacuuming the floors along with application of flea spray. Other pets, if any, must be taken to a vet for a good scrub. Getting rid of fleas is a time consuming task but is extremely vital.
Ferret Eye Problems
A ferret’s eye can be compared to a human eye. They have eyebrows that comprise of eight whiskers which act as a sensory mechanism when some objects are likely to affect the eye. It is easy to tell a healthy ferret eye. They would be shiny and bright with no whitish areas when light is flashed on them. There should be no evidence of discharge or tearing near the corners. The size of both the eyes should be even. Any unusual change noted should be reported to the veterinarian and a thorough check-up done.
There are various species of ferrets basically differentiated because of their coloration. The eye color also has a bearing on the breed of ferret. The iris of a sable ferret is typically dark brown. Pandas and dark-eyed whites have a burgundy shade in their eyes. The eyes of albinos are red in color and a blaze ferret may sometimes have blue eyes which is a rarity. Interestingly, the eye sight of a ferret is not so commendable. At close quarters, their eyesight is better than a cat’s but they cannot see objects that are right under their nose and hence they prefer to sniff. At farther distances, they cannot observe any detail clearly.
Ferrets are likely to suffer from a plethora of eye problems. The most common ones include trauma, allergies, cataracts, retinal atrophy and glaucoma. Most of these problems are either congenital or arise due to hereditary issues, cancer or infections. They could at times even threaten the life of the ferret besides impairing vision. Blindness in ferrets is not an uncommon condition and these animals rely heavily on their whiskers and sense of smell than on their eyesight.
Cataract is a condition that is more common in older ferrets and aging is a primary reason for this occurrence. There is also the existence of juvenile cataract which is congenital or hereditary. A surgery to correct this condition is risky and not practical. Glaucoma is a state that occurs due to changes in the pressure of the eye. It is generally difficult to determine or diagnose this condition until the later stages.
The respiratory system of a ferret is highly sensitive and so are its eyes. Dust or heavy scents can trigger allergies. Dusty litters, deodorizers, sprays, rugs, second hand smoke are all sources of allergies. Swollen eyes or discharge from eyes indicate the presence of an infection. Conjunctivitis, infectious keratitis and distemper (distemper vaccination is highly recommended) are all common eye infections. Ferret proofing the room is important to avoid trauma or any kind of eye injury. Their inquisitive and investigative nature could land them in trouble where some foreign object can poke their eye.
Retinal atrophy is a condition where vision and sight gradually fades over time. The pupil gets fixated and shows no response to light. The exact reason for this condition is speculative. It sometimes becomes difficult to notice any change until the later stages but it is better to meticulously watch out for unusual signs and visit the vet for a periodic check-up.
Ferrets Diarrhea – A few of the common causes
Ferret Diarrhea is a common clinical condition. When a ferret suffers from diarrhea, the form of the stools will change. Normally ferret stools are slightly soft and are well formed. When infected, the stools change to a more liquid form accompanied by increased frequency in defection. Sometimes due to gastrointestinal diseases, the stools could become loose or look like bird seeds, a condition referred to as malabsorption. As a result of diarrhea, the ferrets could suffer from a loss of appetite as well as weight loss.
Ferrets may suffer from diarrhea due to infection from several organisms. The following are some of the common causes:
Ferret-kit disease or green slime disease caused by virus such as the Rotavirus enteritis usually affects ferrets aged between two and six weeks. This diarrhea is called so because of the yellow or greenish liquid stools passed along with mucus. As this is a fatal infection the mother ferret will stop nursing such kittens. Veterinary Science has so far not found any serological test or a vaccine against this disease. A lot of supplementary feeding and care will be required for such infected kittens to survive.
Epizootic Catarrhal enteritis is a viral infection caused in ferrets when they are groomed or bred in large numbers in close confinement. Sometimes the incubation of these viruses could take several months and the infected ferrets would show no signs of the infection until it is too late. During this infection, the diarrhea is green and has a lot of mucus. The diarrhea also has a birdseed consistency. Because of the delayed diagnosis, the probability of the liver being affected is very high.
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is seen commonly amongst the male ferrets, especially the young males. It causes the abdominal organs to inflame. Diarrhea, weight loss and vomiting are common symptoms of this disease. It is diagnosed only through biopsy of affected intestine. Treatment is generally long term along with the drug prednisone.
Bacterial infections like Proliferative colitis are caused due to Lawsoia intracellularis. This disease is prevalent amongst males between the months of four and six. When infected by these bacteria, the stools are very frequent and are painful because of straining. This could sometimes develop into a rectal prolapse, resulting in small feces and mucus along with blood. This disease is diagnosed through intestinal biopsy and is treated by using chloramphenicol and metonidazole.
Another bacterial infection like the Heliobacter mustelae infection in ferrets between twelve and twenty weeks result in black and tarry stools. This bacteria is usually present in the Gastrointestinal tract of all ferrets but is triggered by dietary changes, rapid growth etc. It can be diagnosed only from organisms of the stomach culture. This type of infection is treated by amoxicillin etc.
Some of the other causes of diarrhea in ferrets include gastric ulcers, Campylobacter jejuni infections, Aletuian disease etc. In diagnosing diarrhea, the history of the symptoms is very crucial for the doctor to adopt the proper treatment.
Ferret Breeds – A brief look at the popular types
The Ferret is a small mammal scientifically called as mustela putorius furo. The ferrets belong to the genus Mustela, subgenus putorius. One way of classifying the different kinds of ferrets is at the subgenus level. According to this classification, there are only three species in the sub genus – the European polecat; the Siberian polecat and the black-footed ferret.
European ferrets – These ferrets are found in large numbers in the forests and meadows. The European ferret is considered by the scientists as the ancestor of today’s domestic ferret.
Siberian ferrets – They are believed to be very similar to the black footed ferret. They inhabit the great grasslands and the arid regions of Central Asia that is today’s Russia, China and Siberia.
Domestic pet ferrets – These domesticated ferrets are much like the other mammals that man has reared for his necessities. In the colder climates they are used mainly as hunters.
Today the domestic ferrets are bred by commercial and private breeders more as pets and also for hunting of rabbits. This has resulted in a variety of ferrets of several exotic colors. Naturally the ferrets occur in a few colors of brown, white, grey and mixed colors. A distinct feature of the ferrets is the dark circles around their eyes, called as bandit masks, which is also used as one of the aspects for differentiating the different ferret breeds.
The domestic ferrets are categorized into different types based on the following parameters:
• The bandit mask
• The guard hair
• The undercoat hair
• The color of the eyes
• The color and zone of the nose
1. Sable colored ferret – has a bandit like mask around the eyes, and the guard hair is deep warm and brown. The undercoat is generally white changing to a golden tint. The color of the eyes varies from brown to a light brown color. The noses are generally of the T outline type and are either mottled or speckled.
2. Black sable colored ferret – These ferrets too have a bandit mask. The guard hair is black. The under coat of these black sable colored ferrets varies from white to cream color. The eyes are black colored. The nose is mottled and is generally ash, blackish brown.
3. Chocolate colored ferret – mask is similar to that of a bandit. The guard hair is a milky chocolate brown and warm. The undercoat could be white or a golden. The eyes are brown with a pink nose.
4. Champagne colored ferret – resemble the chocolate colored ferret but with black or burgundy hair. Guard hairs are tan brown. Undercoat is white to cream color. Nose is ‘T’ outline in beige, pink, beige and light brown.
5. Cinnamon colored ferret – Similar to the champagne ferret but is reddish tinged.
6. Silver colored ferret – is white and silver. The eyes are black. Charcoal or silver gray guard hair is the highlight here. The undercoat is white. These ferrets do not have a mask and have a black nose.
These are but a few of the popular domestic ferrets that are reared as pets or for hunting of rabbits in certain climates.
Ferrets Pictures and Facts
Ferrets are domestic mammals although they are closely associated with polecats. It is not an easy task to train ferrets like the other domestic animals but this can be done with a little patience. When one plans to domesticate a ferret, there are certain facts one must be cognizant of. The scientific name of ferret is Mustela Putorius Furo. They have a life expectancy of approximately eight to ten years. The males are substantially larger than the females. They are generally black, brown and white or even mixed fur and about 20 inches long.
There are different species of ferrets. The most popular one, the Fitch ferret is buff colored with black masks, tails and feet. Albino ferret is white and has pink eyes. Siamese ferret is another variety. Jill is the name given to the female and the male is called Hob. Babies are referred to as Kits. These baby ferrets are deaf and their eyes are closed when they are born. The average size of litter is 8 but it could range anywhere from 2 to 17.
Ferrets are crepuscular which means they spend about 14 to 18 hours sleeping in a day. One can find them most active during dusk and dawn. They are territorial, socialize in groups and like to sleep in an enclosed space. Ferrets have scented anal glands secreting a specific smell that serves as a defense mechanism. This can be compared to the characteristic of the skunk though the scent released by a ferret is not so potent. These scent glands are usually removed (descented) in ferrets that are purchased for the purpose of keeping them as pets. Ferrets are carnivores and feed on smaller preys like their ancestors.
Ferrets have a keen sense of smell and their whiskers are utilized as tactile senses. But they are short sighted and not very good when it comes to hearing. Ferrets are generally excellent diggers and good swimmers. Some believe that they belong to the family of rodents or guinea pigs or one kind of rabbit; some others believe that they are related to cats and dogs which is a more belief. Hence their origin is still speculative. Domestication of ferret is not recent and dates back to the time of the Romans.
Ferrets are categorized as exotic pets because of their playful nature and engaging personality. There has been no recorded proof of any kind of animosity with other pets like dogs and cats and Ferrets engage in most social activities with these animals. However, it is not a good idea to have pet birds along with them since these ferrets have a tendency to attack small birds. Their inquisitive nature could make them pave their way through any nook or corner of the house, hence it is important to seal and secure every possible opening and make the house ferret proof.
Ferrets cannot survive in the wild as they have been domesticated and tamed for over 2000 years. This animal should not be confused with the black footed ferret which is its wild cousin.
Ferrets Litter Training Tips
Ferrets are mammals that can be domesticated and are quite intelligent. Though some of them are considered to be hard to train, some amount of consistency and patience helps in training them effectively. The techniques of training differ from one ferret to another but some basic tips and techniques can be applied while training them. The simplest way to approach is by applying positive reinforcement. In many cases, the reward could be as simple as offering food when a particular desired behavior is achieved.
Litter training a ferret could be quite a chore but can be achieved with patience and repetitive activities and instructions. Ferrets do not use the litter as easily as cats do but consistent training does the trick. It is recommended to use a litter that is specifically made for ferrets. As an initial step, ensure that the ferret is kept in a cage with a litter box. It is best to have a litter box that is low fronted, high backed and big enough to accommodate the ferret comfortably. This litter box can be kept in one corner of the cage.
Either the complete cage or even one half (by blocking the other half) of the cage could be taken while training the ferret. You can leave a small amount of feces or urine in the box to indicate the bathroom area. You need to ensure that this is a small amount since the ferret may not use if it is very dirty. This is more so because ferrets are clean animals naturally. The other corners or areas in the cage can be reserved for certain specific activities. For example food and water can be left at one corner, some comfortable and cuddly bedding or blanket in another corner.
Every time before you take the ferret out to play, make sure that you place it in the litter box and bring it back frequently to its box whenever you notice signs of the ferret either defecating or urinating. Every time your ferret comes to its litter box, encourage it with food or praise. Similarly, when it backs up with its tail in any other place but the box, indicate a firm NO and place it back in the box until it stays there. This should be backed by a treat.
If there is an accident, you can keep the feces in the box, clean the place and place the ferret immediately in the litter box. Once the ferret understands that it has to return to its box every time to do its business, expand its territory by taking it out to a room or any large area.
The choice of placing the litter box could be made by seeing if the ferret has any specific preferred corner or area in the room. Extra litter pans could be placed at strategic locations since your ferret may not go far in search of the pan. If the frequency of accidents increases, return the ferret to its cage. Supervision and consistency helps in litter training your ferret.
Ferret Lead – Redefining the Walking Experience
Many people have settled for ferrets as house pets thanks to their portability and their ease of care. This is made even simpler with the use of a ferret lead that will enable you to take your ferret out on walks without having to worry about it writhing out of your hands and running away. A ferret lead is a great way to discipline your furry little friend and protect him from the wrath of oncoming feet or vehicles while outside the house.
By purchasing a lead you will be able to give your ferret sufficient exercise and allow him to explore the world around him. Just like humans, ferrets get bored when left in the same place for a long period of time and so a lead will solve this issue. Taking your ferret out will allow him to smell new things and experience the world outside; this will definitely contribute to his happiness and his health.
Taking your ferret out on walks is also a great bonding experience that will bring you and your ferret closer together. By giving him a treat whenever he accepts the harness you will instill in him a sense of appreciation for the lead and he will thus be all the more happy to put it on. This happiness will undoubtedly reflect on his health and behavior and you are sure to have many good times with your hearty pet.
Though training a ferret to accept a lead is a laborious process, it is definitely worth it if you can take your pet outside to meet new people and explore the area. This training involves a great deal of time and patience and you will have to reward your ferret with each improvement. He may begin by abhorring the lead with all his might but by encouraging him daily and diligently following a routine you will be able to make him get used to it.
The first step in this training process is to find the perfect lead for your ferret; check the size carefully so that it fits your pet perfectly but is not too tight. The lead should be attached to a secure harness made of a sturdy yet comfortable material that will ensure your ferret cannot escape easily.
Once you have the perfect harness and lead you should teach your ferret to get used to them; attach the harness without the lead to the ferret while indoors and allow him to get accustomed to it while playing a game so that he understands that it is not meant to be restrictive. When he is comfortable with this you can attach the lead and walk him in your backyard. This will obviously take some time to get familiar with but once it is understood that the lead is comfortable your ferret will love to be walked around.
Getting a lead is essential for ensuring a happy lifestyle for your ferrets. Like all pets they love to go outdoors but their small size means they are at a great risk due to oncoming cars and people; you should thus invest in a good quality lead so that your pet can enjoy the outside world without any worry.
Ferret Equipment – The Definitive List
Today, cats and dogs have become increasingly common and those looking for individuality have to look elsewhere. Ferrets are fast becoming popular as they are unique and uncommon in households. Ferrets are great pets to have at home and they are sure to interact well with all members of your family; they are affectionate and friendly and make great additions to your household. Taking care of a ferret does indeed require some specialized equipment but the overall experience is simple and hassle-free.
First and foremost, you will need a box for your ferret to sleep in. This needs to be spacious and comfortable yet portable so you can carry your ferret in it if need be. Make sure that your box is large enough to accommodate the ferrets that you own; ideally, the box should be three feet wide, two feet deep and two feet high to comfortably house two ferrets so keep similar measurements in mind to ensure you don’t make the space too claustrophobic.
Ventilation is also extremely important and you can risk disease and even death if your box is not properly ventilated. Make sure that your box has windows or openings that allow air to freely enter so that your ferrets have no chance of suffocating and any bacteria can be dispersed away from the box. You must also be aware that ferrets will always try to escape their enclosures and so any doors in your box should be secure and should be bolted shut when not in use. Ferrets enjoy poking their snouts into any openings and so to avoid injury you should make sure the openings cannot burst open with force.
Since most boxes are made of wood or plastic it is also imperative to make sure that the flooring is covered with a small stretch of carpeting to avoid damaging your ferrets’ feet. Keep in mind that this carpeting will need to be cleaned often as it can harbor germs. Moreover, ferrets will enjoy digging through the soft cloth and may even get stuck in it so you should check to make sure the cloth is not unraveling.
Bedding is another important requirement and to ensure that your ferrets are comfortable and happy you should purchase ferret sacks and fabric tunnels; ferrets love to dig through their bedding and these tunnels and sacks will allow them to do so without destroying their home. You will definitely need to spend some time watching your ferret’s behavior so that any rabid eating of bedding can be curtailed immediately.
Feeding often poses a problem but you can avoid this by purchasing sturdy bowls for your ferret’s food and water. You should definitely opt for thickened plastic or steel over flimsier materials as your ferret will undoubtedly be throwing around his food dish occasionally and you don’t want him to swallow any broken pieces. Preference should be given to attachable bowls which can be firmly fixed to the side of the cage to avoid any mishaps; these can easily be purchased from your nearest pet store.
Owning a ferret is undoubtedly a rewarding experience similar to that of owning a dog or a cat. Luckily, ferrets are portable and easy to care for and with the use of a few simple tools you can relish their company for many years to come.
Ferret Disease – Tips to Avoid Disaster
Ferrets are fast becoming the pet of choice in numerous households thanks to their adorable good looks and their simplicity with regard to care. However, they are indeed susceptible to a multitude of diseases that are of a high risk and should be treated immediately. Some of the main diseases that attack ferrets are adrenal disease, Aleutian disease and influenza but these are mainly treatable once detected.
Adrenal disease is extremely common in American ferrets and the primary sign is hair loss that begins in the back and proceeds throughout the body; other signs include weakness and enlarged genitals which lead to difficulty in urinating and hence much discomfort. The preventive measure for adrenal disease involves frequent medical check-ups which can monitor the health of your ferret and detect abnormalities. Furthermore, you should give your ferret Lupron injections which will suppress the release of certain hormones that contribute to the disease. This disease is extremely risky for ferrets as it can leader to life-threatening cancers and so you should definitely have your ferret checked often.
Another disease which plagues ferrets is Aleutian disease which is a viral infection that is spread through contact, through the air and even through the placenta to infant ferrets. This disease results in the bizarre functioning of the ferret’s immune system and often results in the slow wasting away of the ferret or even paralysis. This terrible infection is difficult to trace as some ferrets can carry the virus without showing symptoms and thus pass the disease on.
However, if you do suspect your ferret of suffering from the disease you should immediately isolate it and ensure that it gets some form of treatment from your vet. Here again regular medical check-ups will save the day as you can easily monitor your pet’s health and avoid unruly and painful diseases.
Ferrets can also suffer from the flu and can indeed catch it from you! The symptoms are similar to those you are familiar with: discharge from the nose, sneezing, sluggishness and fever. However, the common flu can have disastrous consequences for ferrets with weak immune systems or for young ferrets and so precautionary methods must be taken. If you think you might be coming down with the flu, stay away from your ferrets to avoid infecting them. If you have to handle them, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly to avoid the spreading of germs; you should also keep sick ferrets isolated to further curtail the spread.
Ferrets are certainly hardier than other animals but they do run the risk of suffering from cancers and viral infections and so it is essential that you monitor their health and ensure that diseases do not spread by keeping a clean cage and changing their bedding and food bowls frequently. Taking on the responsibility of a ferret is no joke and so you should make yourself well-informed about the health risks it can face before you include one in your family to avoid any disastrous consequences.
