PetLvr.com - [The Blog]

Ferrets are typically vaccinated against rabies and canine distemper

The first is rare, even rarer in ferrets. But the fear of catching rabies from a bite is so intense that many will choose to get the shot for their ferret anyway. It helps protect the animal, the owner and ward off lawsuits from visitors who might accidentally get their fingers in a ferret’s playful mouth.

Canine distemper is much less rare, and it is airborne. So even if your ferret never comes in contact with another animal, the vaccination is important. Canine distemper can be transmitted from one ferret to another (or a dog to a ferret) by a sneeze. It survives in the air fully long enough to infect the animal. There are other transmission routes, as well.

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Aw … Kittens .. Ferrets .. together …

Kitten Vs Ferret - Click here for this week’s top video clips

Like baby dogs (pups) and baby cats (kittens) …. baby ferrets (kits) like to chew. They use their teeth to nip and explore. But since they’re so small and sharp, that can be a painful experience. Fortunately, with patience, most ferrets can be trained not to injure a person or another ferret.

Scruffing in response to a bite is the most common technique for ‘disciplining’ a rowdy ferret. It consists of picking up a ferret by the loose skin of the neck, then holding his mouth closed between thumb and forefinger, while issuing the verbal order ‘No!’ Then, drag the ferret across the floor a short way to establish dominance.

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Choosing a ferret, of course, involves a certain emotional commitment. But there are a few objective factors that you can look at to help you decide.

Age & Training - Considerations

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The history of one of our favorite domestic pets is still awhirl in controversy. Some points are generally agreed on, but much is still shrouded in mystery.

References to ferrets, or at least very similar animals, goes back many centuries. Though not identified exactly, something very like ferrets is mentioned in a play by Aristophanes and essays by Aristotle over 2,500 years ago. More certain are the many pieces of evidence to ferrets, both in writing and paintings, in the late Middle Ages.

There are references in the 13th century to ferreters who were part of the ’staff’ of the Royal Court in England. Between 1200AD and 1400AD ferrets were a favorite pet of royalty. But, ‘pet’ has a slightly different meaning when applied to an animal many centuries past.

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When thinking about ferrets and the law, few have to think about what trouble their ferret got into. Though there has been a lawsuit or two involving bites and yard or toy damage. But when considering the choice to invite one of these fascinating creatures into your home, there are still a few things worth knowing.

Ferrets as pets are perfectly legal in the U.S. and many other countries. But today they’re forbidden in Hawaii and California. Both those states have special circumstances that motivate them to treat the situation a little differently. As a series of islands, Hawaii has to think more carefully about the spread or balance of species on a confined area. California is… well, California is just different.

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Adrenal Disease

One of the most common conditions to occur in ferrets is adrenal disease. Growths or enlargement of the adrenal gland typically requires surgery. External signs are a loss of hair, usually starting at the tail and working forward. Sometimes the back of the neck loses hair. In some cases, the vulva of females becomes enlarged. Left untreated, it’s fatal. Prospects for recovery when caught early are very good, though.

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For one of the friendliest of domestic pets, ferrets have gotten a bad reputation among some. That reputation is almost entirely undeserved. There are a surprisingly large number of persistent myths and errors about ferrets, especially considering how relatively few people actually have any first-hand knowledge of them. But, then, perhaps that’s why.

Origins of Ferrets

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Training puppies requires patience, proper technique and tons of time. Ferrets are harder. They’re not unintelligent, but they’re less eager to please and not as socialized as dogs. Though domestic, they’re simply a different kind of animal. But they can be trained. They may not do tricks (though some do), but they can be litter trained, taught not to bite and perform other activities.

Ferrets were trained centuries ago to hunt rabbits and mice to rid rodents from areas where food was stored. Grain in particular was a problem. But, ferrets are meat eaters, and they can get down vary narrow burrows, so they were perfect for the job.

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By Jeff Swett

Nothing makes apartment living fun like a playful pet. Fido and Felix bring a number of new elements to an apartment other than the additional smell. On any given day pets add companionship, humor, personality, and tons of fun to even the most monotonous dwellings. Although dogs and cats lead the pack of domesticated pals there are a number of untraditional, unique, and exotically extravagant creatures available. So, if you are seeking a cute, small, or just out of the ordinary companion check out the little buggers that round out my list of Top Six Unique Apartment Pets.

6) Pot-Bellied Pigs- While slightly destructive at times, Pot-Bellied Pigs can be as easy, if not easier to train than dogs. They’re playful, curious, caring, surprisingly odorless, and they don’t bark. Natural “rooters” and highly intelligent, these pets can get quite stubborn in their desperate search to feed their addiction to food, learning to open cabinets, drawers, bins, and find their way into making a real mess of the kitchen. Keeping food locked up is only a fraction of commitment to caring for these lovable little oinkers. Pot-Bellied Pigs may require much care, financial, and time commitment, but make an extremely fun pet and incredible family member.

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