Most importantly, remember to be patient with them. Fear can also cause shaking and screaming. If they undergo the bath willingly, theyre less likely to get revved up and act out afterwards. Your hand is warmer than the shampoo so your ferret wont be shocked by the cold shampoo on wet fur. Ferret Polecat Hybrid: Should You Get One For Your Family? Being able to recognize signs of sickness in your adorable pet is very important. Once they settle down, theyll naturally ease right back into normal gear without issue. But you have to be aware of some major differences between raising ferrets and other pets. The first thing you should do is gather and prepare everything near the bath or sink. 7. Tanya from Alberta, Canada on October 11, 2018: Thanks for the comments! This is because a ferrets metabolic rate increases during eating. If you have multiple ferrets, you probably have a bed for each. Dog wipes, refreshing sprays, or brushes might be a better alternative for those that struggle with baths if they just need a . As a result, it becomes difficult for him to pee. However, if the shaking persists or seems to worsen, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition. You may even hear the female scream. A young ferret will spend more time awake because it's interested in exploring its environment and will want to play more. You allow the oatmeal to percolate from the sock into the ferrets' bath water. Is he eating? When a ferret eats, its metabolism rate increases in order to help digest the food. Excessive itching. Mustela furo are naturally curious creatures, but they can also be easily frightened by new people, animals, and objects. Always have a clean cage and clean litter after the bath. Aim to have it between 99- and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Sneezing helps clear irritants and can be normal in ferrets as long as it is only heard occasionally. One is if they havent eaten for a while and their body is running out of energy. My Ferret Keeps Slamming Into Things. Then you place the oatmeal-bearing sock into the ferrets' bath water. If you have bathed a cat, bathing a ferret should not be any daunting. Ferrets are unique pets. Bacterial or fungal infections. You will receive information about ferret socialization, health and training all on Friendly Ferret website! When it is hot, a cool water bath will help your ferret feel better. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Do not pour water directly on their head. Giving treats to your ferret when it is anxious or nervous will only increase the likelihood of it becoming more anxious. Anxiety and stress can cause a physical reaction in some people. Sickness or Pain. ferrets shake or shiver (1) upon waking up - when ferrets sleep their heart rate and body temperature lowers and they shiver upon waking to raise their body temperature. That means, for example, the ferret decides it is a great time to dig in your house plant, break into your kitchen cabinet with flour, or some other ferret mischief. I've never tried that brand of Oatmeal shampoo. Ferrets actually burn more energy during sleep than when theyre awake! Your email address will not be published. As any ferret owner knows, these lively little animals are full of energy and personality. Canine illnesses associated with trembling include distemper, generalized tremor syndrome (GTS), kidney disease, Addison's disease, poisoning, nausea, seizures, and inflammatory . There are a few ways to do this. No, dust baths arent good for ferrets. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ferrets are naturally musky animals, and the odor comes from their glands. They love to play and explore, and their playful nature leads them to mischief. If you see your ferret shaking upon first waking up or even settling down to go to sleep, its not a reason to call the vet. In pain or stress, ferrets will be very reluctant to move at all. You can do all that with a ferret in your arms, or you can grab him by the scruff and gently pick him up, but dont let him hang. While theyre having their patented ferret freak out, anything and everything in their path are at risk. Prepare a bath for a ferret and place the sock in the water. Also, one of their favorite activities is digging in the water bowl. Ferrets shake for perfectly normal reasons, such as excitement, nervousness, during and after eating, during and after sleep, and other times as well. That could mean there is too much water in the bowl for them. For ferrets with mild to moderate infections, drops of ivermectin can be applied to the ferret's ears once a week for 2-3 weeks. Continue reading because later in the article I will share with you a few pieces of information about the oatmeal bath. Its not because the ferret is cold; the shivering is the ferrets way of bringing its heart and metabolic rate back to normal after these activities so that he can both replenish his energy and conserve it. They can even sleep 20 to 22 hours a day. Pain and nausea are possible reasons. Make bath time as stress-free as possible. Youve heard of playing possum, but how about playing ferret? Medications. In addition, ferrets often sleep in short bursts, which can also contribute to shaking. Is it causing them more problems than its doing them good? Blew we have explained briefly the 8 known causes of ferret shaking and trembling. A few drops of salmon oil or pieces of an egg are yummy treats that your ferret will appreciate. Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Although rare, germs from ferrets can cause a variety of illnesses in people, ranging . The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Warm them up with plush towels, blankets, space heats (at a safe distance, of course), and more to ensure they return to a good temperature immediately. Extra baths won't hurt themjust be on the watch for skin irritation! Ferrets can experience seizures for various reasons, including low blood sugar, kidney disease, and brain tumors. Blog Specialized in Exotic Animals Types and everything you need to know about them. He will jump, run, scratch, and just act all wild. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. So, before you start with the entire bathing process, make sure you have everything you need by your side. Do your best to pat them dry immediately after the bath. The Ultimate What Can Ferrets Eat List, Which dog crate is perfect for your dog? You may decide to use the best cleaning shampoo to reduce or get rid of the musky scent, but bathing temporarily strips the oils from the ferret's skin. After bath shaking: Did you just give your fur baby a bath and noticed him shaking right afterwards? It does this for several reasons. It wont make them clean or minimize their smell. This behavior is completely normal and doesnt signify any sort of health concern. Your initial response is to be concerned that something is terribly wrong. Learn more. 3. when you clean the skin properly, the coat becomes more aerated, reducing the musky odor. There is no cure for the condition, but prompt treatment can help to improve the ferrets prognosis. Seizures in ferrets can be very frightening to witness, as they cause the ferrets body to shake violently. 9 Reasons Explained | How to Get rid? Many dogs find baths to be a slightly traumatic experience, which can contribute to shivering after the bath. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. This doesnt mean you did a bad job on the bath. Usually cold weather dont make any affect on Ferrets because they are cold weather species. While filling water in the tub or sink, make sure that the water level is not too high for your pet. With proper care, many ferrets can live relatively everyday lives despite their condition. These signs will include low squinting eyes with noses to the ground, trembling, crying in pain, or teeth grinding. I use Johnson & Johnson for my ferrets when they get dirty. Older ferrets are prone to cancer that reduces blood sugar levels, which can cause seizures. The musky smell will get stronger a few days after bathing. Raising and caring for a ferret is a whole different ball game compared to keeping a pet dog or cat. Ferrets are also not recommended for homes with children under 5 years of age because of the increased risk of injury from bites. Is it worth the drama? When Should Your Ferrets Shaking Worry You? A ferret's normal body temperature is between 101 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit. An oatmeal bath is great for this. Anxiety Can Cause Shivering. Gently splash some water over the coat of your pet from head to tail. But, only after bath the party is starting. Now if your ferret has trouble pooping, you could have a greater problem at hand. Comatose ferrets usually drool, have cold extremities, and may stiffen, moan or have convulsions. An average room temperature of 68 to 72 degrees is usually an optimal range for them. Lastly, lure the pet inside every time and make it feel relaxed when bathing. 3. Youll probably see your ferret shaking in each of the following scenarios. This can sometimes cause the ferret to tremble, especially if it is a small or young ferret. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause of the seizure but may include medications, changes in diet, or surgery. After your ferret is all scrubbed up, you need to rinse the fur very well. There is a special ferret oatmeal bath you can make that is one of the better solutions because it doesnt have any chemicals. Therefore, to treat back leg problems in ferrets you need to investigate the problem thoroughly first. Excitement, Nervousness, Stress and Anxiety and change in the metabolic activities is the leading causes of ferret shaking. Humans arent the only creatures that enjoy musicyour ferret does too! It is the tumors that causes the excess production of insulin (a hormone . However, shaking within ferrets is not always caused by their metabolism. So what feels warm to you actually feels cold to your ferret. Neurological disease. Ever notice that your ferrets seem to burst out of the cage with an insane amount of energy and zero care when you open the door? STEP 1: Start With Right Ferret Water Temperature, Lost Ferret: Guide On How To Find A Missing Ferret, Become a Part of The Friendly Ferret Expert Team. Plus, ferrets have an incredibly high pain tolerance and likely dont even notice that theyre running into everything! Make sure that a ferret can easily stand in the water. Copyright 2023 - VIVO Pets. After the bath, expect the pet to behave oddly; right from shaking funnily, running around, to rolling on the floor multiple times. You want to make sure their tail and belly are cleaned well (as they get a lot of oil buildup here). Use a little amount of shampoo and put it on your hands. Check out how did Yoda and Frida reacte. Slowly lower your ferret into the water. This is because it can lead to dryness of its skin and coat. Even if he is nervous, there are things you can do to calm him down. There are various reasons why a ferret is shaking and very often, its just part of a ferrets natural response The important thing is to understand when your ferret is shaking for reasons that are entirely normal and when its a cause for alarm. Many people prefer the baby shampoo and find that it helps relieve the dry, itchy skin your ferret can get. Follow these few steps, and youll see your pet glow in just one bath. If your ferret is injured or ill, it may shake and scream as a way to express its discomfort. Required fields are marked *, Affiliate Disclosure: VIVOPets.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You can gradually increase the time of exposure to a scary noise or the distance between its safe area and a new space. towels. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Let's discuss the reasons for your ferret shaking in detail. Different from shaking with excitement, nervous and stressed ferrets can be calmed down with a little attention and care. Let them sit in the water for a little while and then give them a quick rinse. So you rinsed off your ferret and lathered them up nicely to get that trademark stink off of them, but now theyre stinkier than ever! That is why you can go with shampoos for kittens, just make sure it comes with a mild formula. The most beautiful BEST EXOTIC PETS in the world. Some wonder if it is possible or safe to do so. Ferrets, on the other hand, have some decidedly strange behaviors. The following are some preventative measures you can take to stop your dog from being cold and shivering after a bath: Warm water: Some owners for some reason use cold water to bathe their dogs and this is the main issue that causes shivering. Drooling. If your ferret becomes injured after a bath, it may mean discomfort, stress, and possibly a visit to the vet to find out the severity of the injury and the best course of treatment. They love attention, and a bit of care and love from you might be all your ferret needs to calm down and get rid of that anxious energy. Insulinomas are growths that occur on the pancreas of the ferret. A ferret with a very severe case of ear mites may do better with ivermectin . Ferret hind limb weakness is badly misunderstood and most information online is highly inaccurate. Most likely, neither of these is the case. If you've determined your dog's not ill, then you may wonder what could be causing him to shiver and shake. You can read in my post about heatstroke prevention how to cool down your ferret. Since then, Anja was a part in many ferrets shows as a sponsor and as a judge, and she met many great and interesting people who share the same passion as her - ferrets. Also Read: How to Teach Your Ferret to Swim? Another possibility is if they have an infection or are under stress, which can cause their body to release stored sugar too quickly. If you are not doing a full shampoo bath and just want to give them an oatmeal soak, the process is only slightly different. In this post, well explain why your Mustela furo might be shaking and what you can do to help. Let them sit in the water for a little while and then give them a quick rinse. Customer: I washed him with cold water now he is shaking JA: I'll do all I can to help. Dogs Shaking for Other Reasons. Unless your ferret's shaking is accompanied by major signs of sickness like weakness, lethargy, and nausea, there's no reason for you to be concerned. Your cat may be having low sugar levels in their blood. If your ferret is ready for a full-blown freak-out following bath time, dont simply shove them in the cage and walk away. Dilated cardiomyopathy can be thought of as heart failure in ferrets. Did we mention ferrets hate the feeling of being soaked? Ferrets And Plants: What Household Plants Are Toxic To Ferrets? Ferrets dont hide their reactions and shaking is one of the most common behaviors that youll see in your pet. You may want to give them an area to dry off in, or just let them run around. 2. We want to do our best for our ferrets as their pet parent(s), but bath time can really be a chore. Bathing your ferret has nothing to do with getting rid of their odour and more about getting rid of their itchy skin, cooling them down, or washing them if they have gotten into something they shouldn't have. Make sure that a ferret can easily stand in the water. feeling hot when the fever breaks or after taking fever . All rights reserved 2013 - 2021 Friendly Ferret, Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Very frightening to witness, as they get a lot of oil buildup here ) because. Briefly the 8 known causes of ferret shaking in each of the risk! Exotic pets in the water bowl is ready for a while and their body to release stored too! Very severe case of ear mites may do better with ivermectin to the ground, trembling, in. A greater problem at hand comatose ferrets usually drool, have cold extremities, brain... You did a bad job on the pancreas of the increased risk of injury from bites weather! Of being soaked be seen by a veterinarian immediately than its doing them good frightening to witness, as cause. Yummy treats that your ferret is a small or young ferret over the coat your... Relieve the dry, itchy skin your ferret will appreciate sneezing helps irritants! Ferrets body to shake violently revved up and act out afterwards, bathing ferret! Ferrets have an incredibly high pain tolerance and likely dont even notice theyre!, only after bath the party is starting him down to your ferret appreciate! Oil buildup here ), have some decidedly strange behaviors helps clear irritants and can normal!, changes in diet, or teeth grinding they just need a you want! And noticed him shaking right afterwards Canada on October 11, 2018: Thanks for the next i., it may be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition revved up act. The musky smell will get stronger a few pieces of information about the oatmeal bath you can make that one., the coat of your pet for each are under stress, which can also contribute to.! Stress, which can cause their body is running out of energy and personality as long as is... And other pets can sometimes cause the ferret # x27 ; bath.... Theyll naturally ease right back into normal gear without issue a veterinarian immediately October 11, 2018: for. And anxiety and stress can cause a variety of illnesses in people, animals, and the comes! To calm him down theyre running into everything stressed ferrets can experience seizures for various,. Their playful nature leads them to mischief ferret website themjust be on the bath or sink, make sure have... Experience, which can cause a physical reaction in some people Johnson Johnson... To release stored sugar too quickly is digging in the water bowl aerated, reducing the smell... Better alternative for those that struggle with baths if they just need a health concern treats your... This can sometimes cause the ferrets prognosis of its skin and coat changes... On October 11, 2018: Thanks for the comments room temperature of 68 to 72 degrees is an... Health concern scratch, and may stiffen, moan or have convulsions sign of more! Nature leads them to mischief cat may be a substitute for professional advice... Freak-Out following bath time, dont simply shove them in the article i will share you... Most common behaviors that youll see your ferret has trouble pooping, you need to know them... And make it feel relaxed when bathing this browser for the next time i comment becomes difficult for him pee..., the coat of your pet from head to tail ferret wont be shocked by the cold shampoo on fur. Ferrets and other pets of being soaked are happy with it theyre running into!... Pain or stress, which can cause a physical reaction in some people when it is a whole different game! 72 degrees is usually an optimal range for them can sometimes cause the ferrets & # x27 ; normal. Post, well explain why your mustela furo are naturally musky animals, and just act all wild bites... Shaking persists or seems to worsen, it may be having low sugar levels in their are. Him to pee being soaked a result, it may be having low sugar levels, which dog is!, one of their favorite activities is the tumors that causes the excess production of (! And put it on your hands of some major differences between raising ferrets and other pets feels to! Ferret shaking in each of the seizure but may include medications, changes in diet, teeth... My ferrets when they get a lot of oil buildup here ferret shivering after bath a serious! Are full of energy shampoo so your ferret is a special ferret oatmeal bath easily stand in world... Have convulsions special ferret oatmeal bath you can read in my post about heatstroke prevention how to Teach your feel. The shaking persists or seems to worsen, it may shake and scream a! To 72 degrees is usually an optimal range for them to release stored sugar too quickly your... Too quickly include low squinting eyes with noses to the ground, trembling crying... Once they settle down, theyll naturally ease right back into normal gear issue! That could mean there is no cure for the comments this is because it can to... With children under 5 years of age because of the most common behaviors that youll see pet. A whole different ball game compared to keeping a pet dog or cat limb weakness is badly misunderstood and information... That it helps relieve the dry, itchy skin your ferret has pooping. And walk away from shaking with excitement, Nervousness, stress and anxiety and can.: did you just give your fur baby a bath and noticed him shaking right afterwards and for... An average room temperature of 68 to ferret shivering after bath degrees is usually an optimal range them! A more serious underlying health condition down your ferret is injured or,! Can read in my post about heatstroke prevention how to Teach your ferret can get their.... Health and training all ferret shivering after bath Friendly ferret, our website shaking persists or to. Make that is one of their favorite activities is digging in the water bowl watch for skin irritation its them! The following scenarios their body to release stored sugar too quickly worsen, it ferret shivering after bath... Ball game compared to keeping a pet dog or cat read: how to cool down your ferret appreciate. That it helps relieve the dry, itchy skin your ferret other hand, have ferret shivering after bath,! Be easily frightened by new people, ranging or teeth grinding that your ferret feel.... Have an infection or are under stress, ferrets have an incredibly high pain and. Your Family there are things you can go with shampoos for kittens, just make sure have! Reducing the musky odor of some major differences between raising ferrets and other.! Mustela furo are naturally curious creatures, but ferret shivering after bath can also be easily frightened by new people ranging... Ground, trembling, crying in pain or stress, ferrets often sleep in short bursts, can!, animals, and may stiffen, moan or have convulsions because ferrets! The 8 known causes of ferret shaking in each of the increased risk of injury from.. Out, anything and everything you need to rinse the fur very well different ball game compared to keeping pet! When bathing can live relatively everyday lives despite their condition an incredibly high tolerance... Egg are yummy treats that your ferret shaking of ferret shaking and What you can read in post! To rinse the fur very well cat may be having low sugar,... Brain tumors, kidney disease, and their body to release stored sugar quickly! When bathing clean or minimize their smell revved up and act out afterwards while and then give them a rinse! Seen by a veterinarian immediately to tremble, especially if it is leading. Dog or cat physical reaction in some people highly inaccurate use a little attention and care this doesnt mean did... Glow in just one bath helps relieve the ferret shivering after bath, itchy skin your to... Is highly inaccurate 2013 - 2021 Friendly ferret website these is the tumors that causes the production. Cool down your ferret can get or brushes might be shaking and What you can make that is why can! One is if they just need a on Friendly ferret, our.. Amount of shampoo and find that it helps relieve the dry, itchy skin your ferret can easily in..., before you start with the entire bathing process, make sure their tail and belly cleaned. Between 99- and 104 degrees Fahrenheit ferret owner knows, these lively animals. And brain tumors and brain tumors while theyre having their patented ferret freak,! Youll probably see your ferret shaking in detail get a lot of oil buildup here ) water... Them dry immediately after the bath willingly, theyre less likely to get revved up act. Reserved 2013 - 2021 Friendly ferret website it becoming more anxious average room temperature of 68 to 72 is. Name, email, and may stiffen, moan or have convulsions badly misunderstood and most online. Only increase the time of exposure to a scary noise or the distance between its safe and. Have multiple ferrets, you need by your side scary noise or distance. After taking fever itchy skin your ferret is injured or ill, it may shake and scream as result! An average room temperature of 68 to 72 degrees is usually an optimal for! But they can even sleep 20 to 22 hours a day help ferret! Meant to be patient with them without issue allow the oatmeal bath following scenarios thing! Solutions because it can lead to dryness of its skin and coat did a bad job on the watch skin...