According to the American Ferret Association, "Ferrets naturally have a light, musky odor. This scent is produced by oils in the skin and the odor is greatly minimized when the animal is spayed or neutered.
Ferrets also have scent glands which release scent as a defense. The American Ferret Association strongly opposes the practice of descenting of ferrets, unless medically necessary, as it will not reduce a ferret's natural scent. This will in fact have the opposite effect to the one desired, since the ferret's skin will produce more oils to replenish what was lost in the bath. Baths may be given no more than once per month and as infrequent as every few months. Be sure to use a very mild shampoo, like one manufactured especially for ferrets.
Overall, clean bedding and a healthy diet are the best ways to minimize a ferret's odor. A wide variety of products are available that are made specifically for cage cleaning, hard floor surface cleaning and carpet cleaning. Never use powdered carpet cleaners that are sprinkled down and vacuumed up. Airborne deodorizers are also a no-no, but solid-type odor eliminators kept well out of reach of the ferrets can be used.
When selecting cleansers or deodorizing products, those with natural ingredients are the best choice for a ferret. Keep toilet lids closed. Spirito tells a story about one ferret who liked to get into the toilet and empty all the water out by getting wet and shaking. Also, your ferret will love you so much they will often end up in any laundry or clothing lying about.
Spirito is happy to answer questions about ferret care by email: educatedferret aol. We'd also like to thank the American Ferret Association for their tips.
PROMOTE - To promote the domestic ferret as a companion animal through public education via shows, newsletters, legislative education, and other venues.
PROTECT - To protect the domestic ferret against anti-ferret legislation, mistreatment, unsound breeding practices and overpopulation, needless scientific research, and any practice deemed to lower the health standards or survivability of the animal.
PROVIDE - To provide constant and up-to-date information about veterinarians, legislative activities, medical developments, research data, rescue shelters and other information of interest to ferret fanciers everywhere. Published: June 12, What causes that distinctive ferret smell in the first place? What are some safe grooming practices to help control the smell in ferrets?
Fiorella suggests the following to help keep ferret odor at bay: Keep their ears clean. How does the cage play into ferret smell? This article was verified and edited for accuracy by Dr. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Yes No. Share this article. What did you find helpful? What was not helpful? Cats and ferrets are both obligate carnivores and meet all their nutritional needs by eating meat-based foods. Dog food is not appropriate for a ferret!
Clean the litter box regularly as ferrets poop a lot. The cage also causes stink throughout the house, and how often you clean the housing may impact the smell of your ferret.
Poor conditions amplify your critter's odor. Also, ferrets poop all the time, and proper hygiene is a best practice! A new ferret needs to get used to a new home. If your ferret is afraid of anything in his surroundings, he may emit a foul odor. Always give your new buddy time to acclimate and take things slowly. If you hear a hiss, a foul scent may follow. Always make some notes if you think your ferret is overstimulated and angry.
Ferrets may need more playtime as these critters are demanding and require a lot of attention. Biting isn't cute. Pet parents need to train a ferret and ensure this small pet is socialized. Ferrets are musky critters! If you live with an unaltered male, your ferret is going to be smelly. A ferret with full scent capabilities is still a wonderful pet, and there are ways to manage the smell. The litter pan needs a deep cleaning once a week. The litter box also needs to be scooped daily, and the same rules apply to a cat, so create a similar routine for your ferret.
Bedding needs to be cleaned every few days, and use your nose to determine if this needs to be a daily task. Similar to when chickens dust bathe to remove parasites, a ferret also enjoys a dirt bath. Pet parents need to provide this small pet with a tub of clean potting soil to dig in, and the soil absorbs the excess oil on his skin.
This dirt bath is an excellent activity for a ferret, and your small pet smells better afterward. Ferrets do not need regular baths, which causes your small pet to overproduce the smelly oils you are trying to reduce.
A few baths are fine every few months. This musky smell is typical. Consider the scent a unique and vital social tool. There are many reasons your ferret's odor may smell worse, and a clean cage and proper diet may help eliminate some of the scents in your home. Always provide an opportunity for your ferret to dirt bathe and skip a regular bath as it may make the smell worse.
Understanding and Controlling Odor So ferrets smell? Do Ferrets Smell? What Smells to Expect A slight musky smell is what to expect and perfectly normal.
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