How to Stop Ferret Odor Problems
Ferrets are similar to the rest of their weasel cousins in that they have a distinct, musky smell. This is a natural smell, but over time, it can build up to produce an unpleasant odor. If you are in a pet store or a private home and the ferret smells, it’s not as much the ferret’s fault as it is the owner’s! You will need to clean and house the animal properly to make sure they don’t smell. There are always things you can do to prevent these odors, however. Most of the time, commercially sold ferrets will have their glands removed. This helps to cut down on the smell. Sometimes, ferrets can use these glands to spray when they are nervous or scared. Getting rid of them will cut down on the odor potential, however. Some of the odor will remain, however, since it is excreted through the skin and there’s nothing you can do about that! If you keep the cage of your ferret very clean, you will not have any problems with smell. You should give your ferret a bath at least two times a year or whenever they get into trouble or have an accident. This will also keep the animal clean and free from odors. However, sometimes your ferret can actually smell more after a bath as they will emit extra oils to compensate for the ones that were removed during bathtime. If the ferret becomes stressed, they will emit a scent. You can cleanse them with a damp cloth to remove it. Ferret scent doesn’t stick around very long. There are some odors that can be signs of illness, so you will need to watch out for those. ECE or Green Slime Disease can be an indication that the ferret is sick. ECE causes ferrets to have a very powerfully smelling feces with a green tint to it. The odor is very obvious. You will need to search for any abnormality in their waste as a way to keep the odor down and make them stay healthy. Besides the natural scent odors and the presence of EVE, there are some bacteria that can be the cause of the odor. Check your pet to make sure they don’t have an intestinal problem or other disease that could be causing the problems. You should have a vet look at your animal at least once a year. Bedding and soft toys can also cause an odor so you will need to clean these toys frequently. You should clean your animal’s bedding at least once a week, but if they have an accident, you will obviously need to clean it beforehand. However, it is very uncommon to have your ferret eliminate on their bedding. A bleach diluted with water can help to keep the bacteria that causes the odors down. You will need to use a dye and scent-free detergent to prevent any allergies or skin issues for your ferret. You can use an array of products to make sure your ferret is safe, including Ferret Sheen and similar sprays. You will always need to watch your ferret to make sure they do not have an adverse reaction to the spray or cleaner. More Articles on Ferret Health Care: | 