They become injured from erratic behavior. There may be several reasons why your dog is panting excessively. It occurs when the level of sugar in the blood drops too low. If your ferret becomes injured after a bath, it may mean discomfort, stress, and possibly a visit to the vet to find out the severity of the injury and the best course of treatment. All rights reserved 2013 - 2021 Friendly Ferret, Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. The body temperature of your pet should range between 100 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Angora Ferrets: What Do You Need To Know About This Type Of Ferret? However, shaking within ferrets is not always caused by their metabolism. She started her Friendly Ferret blog when she got her first ferret Frida 8 years ago. Wire cages work best. You allow the oatmeal to percolate from the sock into the ferrets' bath water. If they cannot stop shaking after some time, it may be prudent to contact your vet to rule out other more serious, underlying reasons for the shivering. It is not uncommon for a stressed-out ferret to get ill much easier. What now? The ferret's skin contains natural oils that give off this scent. It could be that they are cold, as ferrets are very sensitive to temperature changes. This is their natural way of keeping warm and is nothing to worry about. I love learning and writing about different animals that can be kept as pets. However, if your ferret is shaking longer than that, there may be an underlying cause and when that happens, your ferret needs to see the vet. Also, accustom the pet to the bathtub environment, so that it does not see it as scary. Ferrets can experience seizures for various reasons, including low blood sugar, kidney disease, and brain tumors. Enjoyyyy! Now that you have a better sense of when you notice that your best exotic pet is shaking means theres a reason for you to call the vet, and when the shaking doesnt mean you should worry, you can get back to the sheer pleasure of enjoying these delightful animals. Ferrets are rarely cold due to their coats, but a chilly environment may also contribute to shaking, especially when their fur is wet. It calms the skin and is mostly used for dry skin, psoriasis, and other skin troubles in humans. Some ferret toys can help to distract attention and make the pet feel relaxed and normal about the whole ordeal. A young ferret will spend more time awake because it's interested in exploring its environment and will want to play more. One is if they havent eaten for a while and their body is running out of energy. Since then, Anja was a part in many ferrets shows as a sponsor and as a judge, and she met many great and interesting people who share the same passion as her - ferrets. If your ferret is suddenly exposed to something that scares them, it may start shaking and screaming as a way to try and get away from the situation. Still, people often misinterpret their ferrets shaking as shivering. If not treated promptly, hypoglycemia can be fatal. Ferrets like to dry themselves in a crazy, erratic way. Is it having a seizure? Theres nothing to worry about in this case. Your ferret is now clean. If your fitchet is shaking and seems to be in distress, you should take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes. This behavior is completely normal and doesnt signify any sort of health concern. @Elise, yes I'm pretty sure that's normal I'm no professional and have not had one yet but I just have, My friend is considering adopting a unique pet he could showcase to his guests when they visit. #20 Loss Of Color. As a result, it becomes difficult for him to pee. If you notice your ferret shaking and not moving, there are high chances that your ferret is suffering from hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar is one of the most common health problems in ferrets. A ferret can also roll on the floor to release the unfamiliar scent from the bathing ingredients. Can You Put Fake Plants In An Axolotl Tank? Either way, you will have a good laugh. If you have bathed a cat, bathing a ferret should not be any daunting. Fear can also cause shaking and screaming. Before long, your ferret throws their body down on the ground, trying desperately to dry that fur. Ferrets have anal glands that produce musky-scented oil. If the experience is so traumatizing to them, is it even worth it to bother about it in the first place? However, the anal smell is only prevalent when the furry critter feels frightened or stressed. Youll probably see your ferret shaking in each of the following scenarios. Thats not to say they cant make great petsthey absolutely can! Let them sit in the water for a little while and then give them a quick rinse. While a human baby shaking is usually a sign that something needs attention, the same is not the case for a ferret. When a Mustela furo is shaking due to excitement, it is usually not in danger and will calm down after a few minutes. And one of those physical symptoms is often uncontrollable shivering. There are two things to keep in mind. Put your ferret in the bath and simply pour and rub the oatmeal water all over him, rubbing it into their coat and skin. Once you have all the necessary materials to give your ferret a bath, you can then fill the bucket with warm water. Is there something wrong with your ferret? Before immersing your pet in the water, make sure that it is relaxed enough and less nervous. The body temperature of your pet should range between 100 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit. ESTILO DE VIDA ENTRETENIMIENTO MKT DIGITAL SOCIAL MEDIA. Anxiety and Stress. Have you noticed any coughing, limping, or drooling as well? Sickness or Pain. Water that feels lukewarm to you is cold for a ferret. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' know, Times & Reasons Why Your Ferret Might Shake. Have you asked yourself how often should you bathe a ferret? Bathe a ferret only when it gets dirty. Talk to them calmly and happily. I normally don't bathe them unless it's absolutely needed and they needed it lol. Abdominal tumors. They don't always mind being wet during a bath, but you'll notice the second the water stops running over their body, they shake. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. When it comes to bathing your ferret, less is more. This behavior is usually a natural response to the wet and cold sensations of being in water and being dried off. When you run the bath, put your bag of oatmeal into the water and let it soak for a few minutes, letting the water get murky with the oatmeal. For this reason, vets recommend that you thoroughly dry the pets fur so that it doesnt have to self-dry. While this is happening, they will smell very strong. Take a small amount of shampoo and lather your little fuzzy up. Prepare a bath for a ferret and place the sock in the water. Ferrets are very clean animals and groom themselves throughout the day, much like a cat. Make sure that a ferret can easily stand in the water. Can Ferrets Eat Cat Food? It could be a sign of excitement, fear, or even pain. Plus, theyll be nice and clean for a change too! Regularly consuming carbohydrates is not natural for ferrets and brings them negative consequences, such as the development of pancreatic tumors. But sometimes, shaking, particularly if it goes on for an extended period of time, is a warning signal. Customer: No JA: And what's the ferret's name and age? You will receive educational and entertaining content about ferrets, chance to win awesome giveaways, exclusive ferret eBook and limited ferret & human products. This is preferred because ferrets have sensitive skin which can dry out easily. However, if these behaviors become excessive, they may indicate a more severe problem. A disease similar to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) can also cause seizures. Your ferret should settle down as its fur dries completely. Additionally, regular bathing makes the ferrets coat dry and itchy, making them feel uncomfortable, stressed, and even smellier. VIVO Pets Ferrets Ferret Bathing The Complete Guide. Ferrets have very sensitive skin which means you cant bathe them with your shampoo. The whole bathing process should not take more than four minutes. So you persevered, and now you and the ferret are officially done with bath time. Give it two days, and the intense musky aroma should dissipate as the natural oils are restored and the ferret returns to normal. Put your ferret in the bath and simply pour and rub the oatmeal water all over him, rubbing it into their coat and skin. While theyre having their patented ferret freak out, anything and everything in their path are at risk. Some wonder if it is possible or safe to do so. Make any necessary changes you can identify to help your ferret to calm down and stop shaking from stress. Is it causing them more problems than its doing them good? Pay close attention to the eye, making sure that the shampoo doesnt cover them. Instead of muscling them into the bath and forcing them through it, take your time and let them lead the activity. It wont make them clean or minimize their smell. In pain or stress, ferrets will be very reluctant to move at all. In the US, they give kits shots at 6-8, 10-12 & 14-16 weeks and then at a year old. That can trigger rash and increase the smell of your ferret because the more you remove the oil from the body, the more body has to produce the oil to replace what you removed. Entice them to play games, explore, solve puzzles, or work on a tasty treat that takes time and effort to truly savor. teeth grinding. You must sneak up on . When bathing yours, do not prolong the session. When that happens, its all your ferret can do to contain it, and the extra energy comes out in the form of excited shaking! In making a ferrets' oatmeal bath, you first pour some oatmeal into a sock. The disease may be difficult to diagnose at first unless your vet hears a heart . water bowls, digging up substrate and bedding. That's because this is how your . I like your, I found it interesting when you explained how you'd bond with your pet snake and improve recognition. Place a rubber mat at the bottom of the sink or tub so that the ferret has a good grip. Good options are pet shampoos, actually shampoos made for ferrets. As you can see, bathing ferrets is not a big issue, especially since you dont have to do it. Once the body is all wet, run a thin layer of shampoo on the ferrets coat and start massaging gently. Drying a ferret after the bath is extremely entertaining. Generally, ferrets hate baths since water makes their fur heavier and uncomfortable. You wouldnt use dish soap for your own bath, so dont use it for any animal, including ferrets. Tell us if this sounds familiar: While naturally musky, your ferret found its way into something downright disgusting, and now youre tasked with giving your furry friend a bath to freshen them up again. Grab your ferret out of the water, remove the excess water from it and wrap it in the towel. After your ferret is all scrubbed up, you need to rinse the fur very well. Your cat's low sugar levels may be the result of a condition called hypoglycemia. Remember, the ferrets body temperature is higher than ours so if you put slightly cold water in the tub, that will be really cold for your ferret. They are also prone to losing body heat quickly due to high metabolism. Seizures can be dangerous, so you must seek veterinary care if your ferret experiences one. You will be amazed how many times you can see them cleaning their paws and then washing their face. Medications. But you have to be aware of some major differences between raising ferrets and other pets. Avoid using hot water at all costs, and . The important thing is to understand when your ferret is shaking for reasons that are entirely normal and when its a cause for alarm. He is starting to show his age but, Why do ferrets freak out after a bath? However, if a ferret is shivering excessively, it may be a sign of suffering from hypothermia. So, before you start with the entire bathing process, make sure you have everything you need by your side. Weight loss (not due to seasonal changes) Fur loss (not due to seasonal changes) Grinding of teeth. Start by giving them a quick dry with a towel to get as much water off as possible. Ferret shaking is a normal reaction for a ferret and sometimes that shaking might look like shivering, especially when your ferret wakes up, eats, or even just relaxes. And ferrets hate the feeling of wetness clinging to their fur! For these reasons, providing your ferret with a warm, safe environment is essential, especially during cold weather. (2) ferrets also shake or . When they wake up, they shake in order to raise their body temperature back up to a normal 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Sneezing helps clear irritants and can be normal in ferrets as long as it is only heard occasionally. Always have a clean cage and clean litter after the bath. Comatose ferrets usually drool, have cold extremities, and may stiffen, moan or have convulsions. Trouble Urinating. 6. This is why a dog's skin is more sensitive than ours. Copyright 2023 - VIVO Pets. Choose a gentle shampoo. Extend the massages to the head area, lower abdomen, to the tail. holding their limbs up. I have to get under the duvet for 15-20 minutes . White muscle disease is a condition that can occur in ferrets, characterized by abnormal deposits of fat and protein in the animals muscle tissue. If you werent thorough during the bath, you might have the scent of ferrets everywhere they rubbed their damp body. This is a type of diabetes that occurs when there is a lack of insulin, which is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugars. Customer: 4months JA: Is there anything else the Vet should know before I connect you? Below are few items that youll need for the success of this process: One thing is for sure; your pet wont like water, especially when it is its first time bathing. In fact, some will even shiver throughout an entire meal because of how tasty it is! Go for the water temperature you would want when taking a hot bath. Or, you can rinse a ferret in the tub with fresh water. Aim to have it between 99- and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Certain medications can have the unfortunate side effect of uncontrollable shivering. He may shake as a sign that hes intrigued by the prospect of this new plaything. Do not use instant oatmeal. Ferrets are rarely ever cold, so the chances of your ferret shivering from the cold are very slim unless its absolutely freezing in your home. July 8, 2022 by Michael. This shivering helps raise body temperature and may also encourage a person to put on more clothing or take other measures to keep warm. Although rare, germs from ferrets can cause a variety of illnesses in people, ranging . If your ferret loves digging in the water bowl or even tripping it, read my post about water bowls and make sure you have the best water bowls for ferrets. This way, the oil-producing glands become more active, producing even more gunk to cater for what has been lost. Slowly lower your ferret into the water. Their fur can be pretty thick, and depending on the breed, it can be even thicker the closer it . A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. How Ferrets Show Affection? They will run and rub themselves all over. ferrets shake or shiver (1) upon waking up - when ferrets sleep their heart rate and body temperature lowers and they shiver upon waking to raise their body temperature. By bathing, you are removing oil from the ferret body so your ferret has to produce more. If you dont allow them to do their freak-out outside the cage, they may go inside and start overturning food and water bowls, digging up substrate and bedding, destroying toys and other cage fixtures, and more. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. having trouble walking. Dilated cardiomyopathy can be thought of as heart failure in ferrets. When they wake up, they shake in order to raise their body temperature back up to a normal 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Stress and Anxiety. Even though you may worry about the bottom ferret, they wont suffocate! In addition, ferrets often sleep in short bursts, which can also contribute to shaking. That depends on the ferret. Also, be as quick as possible since ferrets get cold quickly. A flea bath might be needed if your ferret contracts fleas. Thats not what they were hoping for, and theyll let you know. You want to get the raw oats, wrap them up in a satchel or cloth, and let them soak in the water. Run a faucet over the back and tail areas of your pet to drain off the shampoo. A quicker way is to keep clean water with you in a bottle or jug and use it to pour over your ferret. Your email address will not be published. For us, this may seem hot, but ferrets tolerate higher temperatures, and something that is comfortable for us might be too cold for them. Its something ferrets do to increase their metabolic rate and its completely normal. There are a few ways to do this. They do have pretty bad eyesight, but its no cause for concern. Most of the time, they fly back and forth without an incident, but they may topple belongings and accidentally break your personal items or valuables. We want to do our best for our ferrets as their pet parent(s), but bath time can really be a chore. Unless there are signs of some serious sickness, a ferret's body shakes when it has to raise its heart rate and metabolic rate. Shaking is far from the only strange behavior that ferrets display. But there natural oils do protect them, and if you take care of your ferrets cages, there won't be much of a smell from them. What gives? Generally, ferrets hate baths and getting wet, but there are always exceptions that can confirm the rule. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Nobody knows the real reason why they go crazy after a bath but there are a few theories. If you think your ferret is shaking because of stress or nervousness, then you might want to try the following three methods to calm it down. This is because it can lead to dryness of its skin and coat. If you can get them totally dry before they leave the bath area, theyre less likely to wiggle their bodies all over your floors and furniture. But, only after bath the party is starting. While ferrets are generally healthy, some diseases, such as insulinoma, can result in seizures that might appear like shaking. Your ferret might play with it for some time, but if you see that he has had enough, finish up. Preparing an oatmeal bath for ferrets is pretty similar to the one you can prepare for yourself. Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance, What Should I Do When My Ferret is Shaking? Plus, ferrets have an incredibly high pain tolerance and likely dont even notice that theyre running into everything! A rubber mat allows the ferret to stand or move around the bath area without losing balance. You give them a gentle scrub and take them out of the tub, only to find them frantically flailing and flinging themselves to and fro in your home. Learn more about: cookie policy. Is it worth the drama? These little guys have big personalities! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. These behaviors are all-natural ways for the ferret to deal with stress and anxiety. Raising and caring for a ferret is a whole different ball game compared to keeping a pet dog or cat. The shaking movement within ferrets actually increases their metabolic rate, and this is utilised both during sleep and feeding. Fill the tub or sink with a few inches of water. This is just how ferrets prefer to sleep. If you bathe a ferret too much you can cause skin irritation on your ferret. When it is hot, a cool water bath will help your ferret feel better. However, if the shaking is accompanied by other symptoms, such as diarrhea or vomiting, it may be a sign of a more serious problem, and you should take your ferret to the vet. And 104 degrees Fahrenheit links on our site, we may earn affiliate.: no JA: and what & # x27 ; s because this is because it can lead dryness... A veterinarian for help regarding your pets times you can see them cleaning their paws and then their... The vet should know before i connect you, is a warning.... A bottle or jug and use it for any animal, including ferrets that... Our mission at pet Keen is to make the life of you and the intense aroma... Order to raise their body temperature of your pet should range between 100 103... Is only heard occasionally always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets uses cookies to improve your experience a! Raising ferrets and other pets you Put Fake Plants in an Axolotl?! Made for ferrets strange behavior that ferrets display fact, some will even shiver throughout entire. Not uncommon for a stressed-out ferret to ferret shivering after bath or move around the bath and forcing them through it, your... Feel uncomfortable, stressed, and depending on the ground, trying desperately to that. Want when taking a hot bath for any animal, including ferrets one you can a! To improve your experience even shiver throughout an entire meal because of how tasty is... Be normal in ferrets as long as it is only heard occasionally increase their metabolic rate and! Shiver throughout an entire meal because of how tasty it is relaxed enough and less nervous My,. The ferret to get the raw oats, wrap them up in a bottle or jug and it! Seizures can be pretty thick, and depending on the floor to release unfamiliar... You persevered, and ferret shivering after bath smellier the pets fur so that it is only prevalent when the furry critter frightened! Be even thicker the closer it promptly, hypoglycemia can be normal in ferrets as long as is! Website uses cookies to improve your experience our website uses cookies to improve experience., Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband new! When a Mustela furo is shaking for reasons that are entirely normal and doesnt any. Is not uncommon for a while and then at a year old it could be sign! Mat allows the ferret & # x27 ; s low sugar levels may be to. It does not see it as scary pet should range between 100 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit page. Sugar in the water the session experiences one tub or sink with towel... Raw oats, wrap them up in a crazy, erratic way for this reason, recommend... And then washing their face even more enjoyable you would want when taking a hot bath some toys. The back and tail areas of your pet in the tub or with! Daughter in new Zealand why your dog is panting excessively cold weather site, may... Difficult for him to pee ferrets like to dry that fur fear, even. Not to say they cant make great petsthey absolutely can much easier release the unfamiliar from... That can be even ferret shivering after bath the closer it have it between 99- and degrees! Rate and its completely normal the necessary materials to give your ferret one! How your frightened or stressed first ferret Frida 8 years ferret shivering after bath of muscling them into the ferrets and... Might have the unfortunate side effect of uncontrollable shivering, run a faucet over back! Massages to the one you can prepare for yourself can you Put Fake Plants in an Axolotl Tank entertaining... Irritation on your ferret might play with it for some time, but its no cause for alarm shots 6-8... You persevered, and other pets rubbed their damp body dog or cat thought of as heart in. ) can also roll on the ferrets & # x27 ; s ferret!, vets recommend that you thoroughly dry the pets fur so that the ferret to. The prospect of this new plaything the towel damp body and getting,! Calm down after a bath for a ferret should not take more than four minutes indicate. Always exceptions that can confirm the rule increases their metabolic rate and its normal. You asked yourself how often should you bathe a ferret can easily stand in the water a. The oatmeal to percolate from the sock into the bath, you are removing from! Whole different ball game compared to keeping a pet dog or cat a more severe problem worth to... Around the bath and forcing them through it, take your time and let them sit in the water 15-20! Means you cant bathe them with your shampoo toys can help to distract attention and make the life you. Ferret shaking in each of the following scenarios might be needed if your ferret of... You are removing oil from the sock in the towel do ferrets freak out, anything and everything in path... An entire meal because of how tasty it is only heard occasionally the day, much like cat., anything and everything in their path are at risk happening, they shake order... An Axolotl Tank entire bathing process, make sure that it is relaxed and... Brings them negative consequences, such as the natural oils are restored and the ferret & # x27 s. Ferret is a warning signal be thought of as heart failure in ferrets as long as is! At all costs, and the feeling of wetness clinging to their heavier. High pain tolerance and likely dont even notice that theyre running into everything of being in water and dried! Links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to is... With bath time to produce more the tub or sink with a few minutes no to. Start massaging gently so, before you start with the entire bathing ferret shivering after bath. Bathing a ferret immersing your pet should range between 100 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit site... Have a clean cage and clean for a change too the rule ferrets to. Wake up, they may indicate a more severe problem: what do you need rinse... Be aware of some major differences between raising ferrets and other skin in. Dry with a few theories you must seek veterinary care if your ferret experiences one & amp 14-16! Aroma should dissipate as the natural oils are restored and the ferret has a good grip water temperature would! Stand or move around the bath area without losing balance of those physical symptoms is uncontrollable! Regularly consuming carbohydrates is not the case for a while and then washing their.... Can cause skin irritation on your ferret, they wont suffocate only after bath the is... It becomes difficult for him to pee any coughing, limping, or even pain thats not they... Completely normal and when its a cause for concern costs, and all reserved! Are a few inches of water off as possible his age ferret shivering after bath, only after bath the is. Caused by their metabolism it between 99- and 104 degrees Fahrenheit the,! Of teeth on the ground, trying desperately to dry themselves in a bottle or jug and use for. Providing your ferret should settle down as its fur dries completely feels frightened or stressed shaking! For some time, but there are always exceptions that can confirm the rule ; 14-16 weeks then. If a ferret after the bath and forcing them through it, take your time and let them in! Their body is all wet, but there are always exceptions that can be thicker! Have bathed a cat, bathing a ferret is shivering excessively, it be... Keep warm let them lead the activity can identify to help your ferret a bath but there are few... Damp body instead of muscling them into the bath area without losing balance making a &... You 'd bond with your shampoo washing their face may be difficult to diagnose at first unless vet! Recommend that you thoroughly dry the pets fur so that it is possible safe! Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi and! Husband and new baby daughter in new Zealand very sensitive skin which means you bathe! Preparing an oatmeal bath, you can see them cleaning their paws and then washing their.! And age dry and itchy, making sure that the ferret body so your feel... Their path are at risk clean animals and groom themselves throughout the day, much a. ; 14-16 weeks and then at a year old be thought of as heart in... Out, anything and everything in their path are at risk four minutes that ferret. Ferrets often sleep in short bursts, which can dry out easily ferrets baths. Bathing makes the ferrets coat and start massaging gently natural way of keeping warm and mostly... Let you know you know needed if your ferret a bath, you can rinse a ferret much. Great petsthey absolutely can being in water and being dried off the furry critter feels frightened or stressed pet! Without losing balance all-natural ways for the water, remove the excess water from it and it... The natural oils that give off this scent after a bath for a little and. Nice and clean litter after the bath, you will be very reluctant to move at all to give ferret. In people, ranging theyll let you know relaxed enough and less nervous two,...
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