chewing

Question
my ferret is chewing on himself and we don't see any fleas on him why is he chewing so much?

Answer
Hello Chelsee,

It sounds like your ferret is a bit itchy!  This can be due to allergies, parasitic infection (mites/fleas) or a cut that is bothering him as the most likely causes.  

Allergies do occur in ferrets, just as cats, dogs and people!  Often the cause is difficult to isolate, since it can be anything from seasonal allergies from pollen, food, litter, or even the fabric softener you use.  The symptoms are usually seen as dermatological irritation and hair loss rather than wheezing and coughing as it is with humans.  Sometimes allergies can cause a pet to scratch and chew nearly ALL of his fur off, although you should DEFINATELY have him checked by your vet before he reaches this point!

Unfortunately allergies can start at any age.  My cat was 10 before she developed a food allergy, for example.  The symptoms you are mentioning could be seasonal, but it might also just be a coincidence.  You might want to try eliminating some common causes to see if that helps.

First, discontinue any use of fabric softener in any of your pets blankets and bedding.  Fabric softeners are a common source of allergy.  Wash all bedding in hot water with only soap and double rinse the cycle.  

Another cause of allergy could be diet.  Make sure you are using a high quality ferret food that is protein based and not carbohydrate.  Often, low quality food causes allergy, and is also very unhealthy and can lead to other health problems.  If you would like me to recommend some good brands, please do not hesitate to ask.

What type of litter do you use?  Clay cat litter contains dust that are renowned for causing upper respiratory problems!  Also, most wood chips are toxic, and carefresh can cause obstructions.  I recommend switching to Yesterdays News if you do not already use it.  it is made from recycled newspaper and works wonderfully.  You can readily purchase it from any large pet store.  

Yesterdays News website:
http://www.yesterdaysnews.com/?D=686994&T=4343138

Ask yourself if you have begun to use any different products lately.  There are SO many things that these guys cold be allergic to!  Make sure you use only pet-safe cleaners around your ferret.  Lysol or harsh chemicals are very toxic. It is a possibility he is having a reaction from even minimal exposure to cleaners.  Vacuum and mop any accessible areas with pet safe cleaner or a 32/1 dilution of bleach/warm water.     

Seasonal allergies or those of unknown origin might be more difficult to determine.  If they are seasonal, they will return every year around the same time.  The likely cause would be plant pollen or some other debris in the air.  

Flea allergy or parasitic infection is another possible cause.  Even a single flea can leave a ferret itchy and uncomfortable, so you might not notice it on him!  Ferrets can also acquire a range of mites and other nasty little buggies carried in from outside by you or your other pets. A skin scrape could determine if this is the cause and treated accordingly. Even if you determine fleas or mites to be the reason, NEVER use powders, collars or ANY over-the counter flea medication even if it is approved for use in ferrets.  Please have your vet give you the medication, as MANY MANY adverse reactions are seen in cats, dogs and ferrets from products purchased over the counter (it is after all, a type of poison).      

Ferrets as well as dogs and cats will often bite or chew on an area of a cut or bruise.  Look carefully at the skin.  Does it seem red and inflamed?  Is there an obvious abrasion or cut?  You should have your vet take a peek if this is the case.  It may need to be shaved and cleaned well.  Also, a round of antibiotics is ALWAYS prudent to help prevent an infection.  

As long as he is eating, drinking and maintaining a normal activity level it would be fine to keep an eye on him if you don't notice any obvious cuts or bruises.  If he becomes worse, or continues to chew the area, you should see your veterinarian in the next few days.

Good luck!  I hope this information has proved useful.  please let me know if you have any other questions.    

-Cindy P.