From:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: 2004-05-20 17:42:58 UTC
Subject: toothpaste
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <d7.b1a4383.2dde4822@aol.com>
Author wrote "I read somewhere ... that cat/dog toothpaste should not be used
for ferrets. I believe the reason was the fluorine content in their
toothpaste. ... Is this incorrect?"
There is no reason dog/cat toothpaste can't be used for ferrets, and it
shouldn't contain fluoride. Fluoride is not toxic and is commonly applied in
dental cleanings for animals including ferrets, but the amount in human toothpaste
is not intended to be ingested and can cause GI upset. Primarily, though,
human toothpaste can't be used with animals because they dislike the taste and
foaming and will end up frothing profusely, where as pet toothpastes are
enzymatic and don't foam. But the ingredients on the ferret toothpaste you bought
are probably exactly the same as the companies dog and cat pastes...and they can
all be used.