From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2003-03-06 22:43:18 UTC
Subject: olive oil and dry skin
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <a05210502ba8d7d1fa98f@[10.0.1.27]>
There may be an understandable misunderstanding of using olive oil
for dry skin in the way they we have done. As written two
interpretations of my original post as possible. In the situation
where there is very dry skin we apply it to the skin and then towel
off the excess, then repeat as needed, which varies among ferrets.
It can sometimes also help to up dietary fats but that does not
always make any difference -- it varies among individuals. If
ingested when the ferret grooms, olive oil doesn't go rancid and it
is monosaturated so it doesn't pose a risk on that regard either.
Olive oil actually has a long history as a moisturizer and cleanser.
The Ancient Romans used it that way, soaking in a hot tub then
rubbing on the oil and scraping off the excess. Since it is so safe
and easily afforded knowing that it can be used can be handy at times
for our ferrets.
There are a number of people to dilute products like Ferretone with
olive oil; we don't but for a long while it has been a common
approach.