>Problem?  My husband has allergies, including some to animals Are there any
>products on the market that can be safely used on ferrets?  Any other ideas?
 
Some allergy specialists claim that it is actually the saliva and urine of
animals that people react to.  I have a friend that has ferrets but is
allergic to them.  If they give her kisses, say on the lips, her lip itches
and swells in that spot.  To me that seems like an example that proves the
theory about the saliva is accurate anyway.
 
Too much bathing of the ferret will cause his/her skin and fur to dry out
plus it will make them secrete more oils which will make for a mustier
smelling ferret.  Most ferrets that are bathed once a year smell no worse
than those bathed once a month.  Baths aren't as important as ferret owners
think.  I realize you are wanting to bathe or use something on the ferret to
help with your husband's allergies, but still you have to think of the
ferret and limit bathing and such.  Ferrets have extremely sensitive
respiratory systems so stay away from perfumey stuff.  Best to check with a
veterinarian experienced with ferrets to ask if certain shampoos and other
products are safe or not.
 
Good luck.
 
Trish
Director, Ferrets First Rescue & Shelter
[Posted in FML issue 2072]