From:
Christopher
Date: 2001-08-01 05:21:00 UTC
Subject: Re: new owner itchy question
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "Kiersten" <kierstenk@h...> wrote:
> Ive had a rescue female ferret for 2 months and within her first
day or two
> here i found she was itching a lot.
<snip>
> she was lonely so I got another rescue the same age (3 yrs) and
this time
> after 4 days he's started itching much more than he was! This
seems crazy!
> Is there some commen allergen to ferrets that I have in my house?
if it's'
> allergies how could they both have it?
what about humidity? This is more of a problem in the winter when
heaters suck all the moisture out of the air. But if you are in a
really dry climate and running the AC. Some bargain laundry
detergents use fiberglass as a filler. Never had a ferret react to
it, but I sure did, to the point of seeing a dermatologist who
identified the problem. Might switch to a name brand or a liquid
laundry detergent if you are using a cheapy. Clay litter can dry them
out if they play in it and the dust will make them itchy.
I love the spray conditioners cause they smell so good. Haven't had
any problems with them. Also consider giving ferretone or olive oil
as a regular treat as that will stimulate their own oil production
and be sure they are on a good quality "for ferrets only" type food
like Totally Ferret or Zupreem. If they came in on cat food be sure
to look at the archives on complications that could arise from
switching them. Also a rice box or sand box can make the itching
worse by leaching oils from their skin, so take either away until
this clears up.
Just wild guessing here, but hopefully something helped. I'm sure
there will be lots of other great ideas! Kudos to you for adopting
rescues!!!
Hugs
Christopher