by princess doodah

Created on: February 16, 2009   Last Updated: March 06, 2009

When owning a ferret your home must be 'ferret proofed' for the sake of your house but mainly for the health and safety of the ferret.

Each room in your home will have some form of hazard to a ferret whether it be a choking or poisonous hazard. Here is just a short list of things which can and will harm a ferret...

KITCHEN:

Bleach

Disinfectant

Washing powder

Fabric softener

Cleaning fluid.

BATHROOM & TOILET:

Toilet cleaner

Hair dye

Pills (paracetamol, aspirin, sleeping pills etc)

Medicines

Toothpaste

Nail varnish remover

Deodorant

Soap

Suntan lotion

Shaving lotion

GARAGE/SHED:

Antifreeze

Tar

Paint

Gasoline

Pesticid e

Slug/snail pellets.

All of the above products must be locked away or kept firmly out of a ferrets reach. Child locks should be fitted to cupboards. Not all of these products will kill them but most certainly a lot of them will.

If a ferret consumes any of the above products or indeed anything else that it shouldn't have then veterinary assistance needs to be sought immediately. If you live in the US then the Animal Poison Control Center should be called on (888) 426-4435, they can give advise and send out veterinary assistance. If you are unsure what your ferret has consumed but it has vomited, you should take a sample to give to your vet.

How to tell if your ferret has consumed something that it shouldn't have...
Vomiting

Sickness

Diarrhoea

Lethargic

Fitting or collapse.

Foods to avoid include cola, tea, coffee, chocolate, alcohol, small animal bones (choking hazard), salt, spices, nuts, salty food and sugary foods. Although ferrets are carnivores they can also become ill when given raw meat. Caffeine should be avoided as it can seriously damage a ferrets cardiovascular system and lead to an early death.

Toilet lids should be put down at all times incase of drowning. Doors of appliances such as washing machines should also closed at all times.

Bins should be kept under lock and key as ferrets like to have a good rummage!

If the ferret is being housed in a flat or apartment, the windows should be secure and the balcony blocked off. If the ferret has an opportunity to jump it'll take it! The same applies to shelves and other high places where ferrets can injure themselves if they jump or fall from.

A child can also pose a threat to a ferret. A ferret owner should always teach a child how to handle and look after a ferret. Children should also be taught the importance of not leaving hazards around the house for a ferret to pick up. For example a crayon could be harmful if consumed and small toys could be a chocking hazard.

If materials such as string and tinsel are left lying around they will almost certianly be consumed (most dogs seem to enjoy this too) which will cause serious blockages in the intestines.

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