From:
maryshefferman
Date: 2002-03-17 23:47:00 UTC
Subject: Re: help ferrets causing allergies
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "Antoinette Spirig" <tiatoni@h...>
wrote:
>
> I had two ferrets and I pushed the envelopeon threeso now when I
was them or
> when the shed, or I cahange the litter I get terrible attacks I had
to use
> an inhaler the first time I have only had this for a few months I
have had
> the third ferret for over a year, allergy meds do not work. Is
there a
> ferret shampoo or product that is hypallergenic? I am willing to
try as I
> can not live like this and do not want to give them up I use four
paws
> shampoo on them change bedding every week I always put in a new
tshirt and
> throw the old one out and wash or replace the hammock constantly.
I wash
> down the cage and litter box weekly and every three months buy a
new litter
> box and try to vacum around the cage frequently. Any ideas?
> Thanks,
> Antoinette
Hi.
You don't mention what type of litter you're using; you might want to
switch to something really low dust. We use Yesterday's News. Maybe
part of the problem is the dust the ferrets pick up from the litter.
I also have problems with asthma when washing ferrets. I'm in the
fortunate position that I can have my husband wash them. What might
help you, though, is a good allergy mask. I've found that disposable
TB masks from a surgical supply pharmacy are cheap and extremely
effective. I have to wear one when cleaning (I'm very allergic to
dust). If you wear one when doing tasks that bother your allergies
(litter box scooping, bathing ferrets...), you can keep your allergy
trigger level down. With asthma, the effects of irritants are
cumulative (e.g., if I avoid dust as much as possible, I tolerate
cats better).
Another possibility is that you are allergic to the shampoo you use
on the ferrets. I had to try several different brands before I found
one that agreed with me (we use Shepard & Greene shampoo). You can
use baby shampoo, as that shouldn't bother you or the ferrets.
Also think about the laundry detergent you use. We just switched to
All something-or-other that is not only free of dyes and fragrances
but allegedly removes dust mites and other allergens from the
fabrics. It might be called Free & Clear (or is that the cell phone
deal?).
When your ferrets shed, you can brush them to make the process go a
little quicker (again, wearing a good mask). This also helps limit
the amount of fur they can ingest (always a good idea).
Get a HEPA filter. These can be a little pricey, but if it helps,
then it's worth it. We also have a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
It's a great thing to have.
If these things fail, you should consider getting an allergy test to
see exactly what causes the allergies. If it turns out to be the
ferrets, you might consider allergy shots. I know several people have
gotten allergy shots for ferret allergies with some good success.
Also consider that some people (myself included) have "indoor"
allergies, which are always worse in the winter months because
airflow in the house is usually about zero. Try opening some windows -
- even just a little bit. Fresh air in the house, even when it's cold
out, can help reduce allergy symptoms in people who have particular
difficulty in the winter.
Best of luck with your ferrets!
--Mary R. Shefferman
& The Modern Ferrets (Trixie, Balthazar, Cauliflower, Koosh, & Gabby)