Important Information Regarding Those That Think Ferrets Are The Root
Cause of Their Allergies:
 
Frequently, allergists and obstetricians will arbitrarily advise patients
to "get rid of the animals" in their household.  This is often an
overreaction!
 
First, is the allergy truly being caused by the ferret or by it's
bedding/litter/food?
 
Ferrets are fur-bearing pets meaning they do not produce significant
amounts of dander that "hair" bearing animals such as cats, most dog
breeds and people produce.
 
If dander is the culprit, then a ferret can be a fine alternative to the
more common pet as most people find it is "hypo-allergenic".
 
If it is the bedding that is causing the "problem": are you using dust
producing bedding such as pine or cedar shavings?
 
First, ferrets should never be kept with wood shavings as bedding.
Certain woods can be toxic while the dust produced by these types of
bedding can be damaging to your pet's respiratory system over time.
Switch to all cotton bedding material such as all-cotton t-shirts or
receiving blankets (man-made fibers can "hold" odor even after washing,
100% cotton does not).
 
Alternatively, use newspaper in cage trays.
 
Wash the bedding and your ferrets more frequently (like twice+ weekly)!
 
Ferrets are notorious for stirring up dust under your furniture and
carrying it to their bedding.  That could very well be what you are
reacting to - with your ferret just being the innocent "carrier."
 
As any allergist will tell you: vacuum frequently.  If you have
carpeting, get rid of it!  Nothing is more difficult to keep clean and
hygienic than carpeting.
 
There is also the possibility of having desensitizing vaccinations.
Speak with your allergist or consult with another if yours is unfamiliar
with ferrets.
 
Having an allergy is NOT THE REASON you to get rid of a loving pet.  It's
also a poor example of responsible behavior!
 
If you're CONVINCED that the allergies are due to your ferret, have you
considered DUMPING THE ROOMMATE, instead of the ferret?!  They have to
live with allergies for the rest of their lives... Give YOUR FERRET the
best little life it DESERVES!  YOU brought the innocent animal into your
LIFE... don't shirk responsibility.
 
If worse comes to worse and you decide to you want to dump your ferret...
contact the GCFA, Greater Chicagoland Ferret Association, www.gcfa.com -
Call ahead to schedule a time to drop your ferret off: 708 442-8650
-------
 
Frustrated with Irresponsible (so-called) "Ferret Lovers",
-caroline in Chicago.
[Posted in FML issue 3997]