Winter Care Tips  for Companion Ferrets
byAlicia Drakiotes
 
Winter has arrived and it is time to turn on your thermostat.
First, a question: How is your house heated?
Will the heating units be a danger to your ferret(s)?
How about the dry air/heat?
 
American housing employs a variety of heating methods.  Forced hot water
is usually found in baseboard units or radiators in homes.  Ferrets can
be very good at prying the covers off baseboard units, exposing
themselves to the hot pipes.  Radiators for steam / hot water provide the
same danger - burns from contact with hot metal.  Radiators and baseboard
heaters need to be isolated from your ferrets to prevent burns.  In the
event that you find a burn on a ferret, follow this advice: immerse the
burned area in cool water, and get to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Dehydration and shock can occur in severe burn situations, and pain
medication will be needed in all cases.
 
Different dangers exist with forced hot air heaters.  Ferrets have been
known to crawl into vent systems, requiring owners to search the house
with squeaky toys while disassembling the ductwork.  Make sure all vents
are securely fastened.
 
Heating of all types leads to dry air in the house.  Humidifiers and an
increase in water available to all pets will offset the dehydrating
effects of dry heat.  Vaseline or aloe can be used on dry noses and paws.
Keeping ferrets free from drafts in the winter months will deter chances
of colds.  Check the walls and windows to make sure they are tight from
drafts -- moving ferret housing to an inside wall is always a good plan.
Common colds left untreated can cause dehydration and death of your pet
ferret.
 
Remember, it is also important to make sure your ferrets don't get
overheated.  Ferrets are most comfortable at temperatures of 55-68
degrees, and actually like playing outside in the snow in many cases.
A few blankets or snuggle sacks in a cool room and your ferrets will
be all set to face the winter cold.
 
 
Reprinted with permission - A service publication of Ferret Wise outreach
Education
www.ferretwise,org
[Posted in FML issue 4742]