Deba and Ferris wrote:
>We're not too sure here whether Sam is stating that Linatone is also
>NOT available there in NZ, BUT we would imagine that there IS likely
>some similar product, if not in fact Linatone itself, which could be
>gotten from a pet store there. <snip>
 
Afraid there is no Ferretone, Linatone, or equivalent in New Zealand pet
stores that I am aware of.  I just learned today (well yesterday now!!)
that apparently ALL 'animal supplements' or anything labelled as a
supplement are *illegal* to bring into New Zealand (MAF must say a big OOPS
here for letting me in with Ferretone last year - naughty naughty!!) Some
lovely people who distribute similar products professionally emailed me
after my comment the other day on bringing ferretone in, and informed me
of this (crazy IMO) law.
 
>... (WE DO CAUTION please do be careful regarding the dosage however, even
>with Ferretone itself, recommended dosages on the bottle are EXCESSIVE in
>our opinion, and we also lessen the amount we give of it too, especially
>as it concerns Vitamin A in the mix which is extremely easy to overdose
>on!  If it's a cat-dog type then it may even contain higher amounts of
>Vitamin A then does Ferretone!)
 
True, and with any supplements, oils, treats, or the like, everything
must be done in correct dosages... Everything in moderation is a good
motto ;o) (wonder if ferrets would learn that motto?? Probably not!!)
 
>As far as utilizing the "wheatgerm-oil" as a replacement to a Ferretone
>type supplement, and this is JUST OUR OPINION, we caution against giving
>the ferret too much additional oil of ANY type, and we really do doubt
>that the "wheatgerm-oil" could be viewed as an "on-par" replacement for
>the other types of supplements, 'cause the ingredients are hardly equal.
>In the case of Ferretone, Linatone, there are "several" ingredients
>whereas in the "wheatgerm-oil" there is not.  Just an opinion as stated,
>but we'd continue to look for an "actual supplement" rather than just
>providing an oil, which we doubt could be responsible for providing ALL
>of the benefit derived from the supplements.
 
Hmmm, main benefit of the wheatgerm oil is: nail clipping (great
benefit!!), training (very helpful!), and treat (more more gimme more!!)
True, no supplementary help in there, but as long as it isn't given in
copious amounts, wheatgerm oil also shouldn't prove harmful.  People in
New Zealand have used this as a 'treat' and 'training guide' for years
with no adverse effects.
 
Again, you are right to caution about giving too much of any treat,
including oils.  Treats (and Ferretone too!!) are good only in small
amounts.  That's why they're 'treats' and not 'staples' (e.g. staple
diet) ;o) This is something everything should keep in mind.  A 'squirt' of
ferretone IS a lot for one little fur-baby to get through, and if they're
quick to lick it off their bellies when they're having their nails clipped,
maybe trying to go faster (sometimes difficult I know!!), trying different
methods (I find I can generally do the nails of mine without ferretone...
well, I don't have it, so can't use it!!) These methods could include catch
'em while they're dead (asleep that is!!) or scruff 'n clip.
 
Whatever choices are made - to use or not to use oils, which ones *to* use
etc is a personal decision, and hopefully we can find the best 'substitutes'
for things like ferretone, based on what reason we want the product.
Personally, I see Ferretone as a treat, and my guys get their treats rarely
and those treats are changed often.  e.g.  different meats, raw or cooked,
sometimes bits of fruit, oils when I have it, or whatever 'treats' I can
get a hold of.
 
Thanks to Deba and Ferris for pointing out some things I hadn't thought to
bring up here :o)
 
Happy ferretoning (or whatever) to all <G>
 
Sam
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful
committed people can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
 
If everyone got together ferrets would be treated fairly.
[Posted in FML issue 2437]