From:
<grape_apes@charter.net>
Date: 2007-05-07 13:04:29 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] RE: Wood pellet litter/red chest
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
"How long have you been using the wood pellets? I have never used wood
pellets/shavings in my ferret's litter, but years ago before I had
ferrets, read that one should use dust-free cat litter (<an oxy-moron,
really) or newspaper products because wood can make them itchy or
cause skin irritation. What kind of wood is it? "
Wood stove pellets have been treated so that they do not cause respiratory problems in people (or animals) because they are being used to be burned, so they are actually much safer for use with pets than, for example, cedar shavings and other types of wood shavigns which can, indeed, cause respiratory problems.
I have been using stove pellets for years as litter because they are considerably cheaper than Yesterday's News and other pelleted litters, and I frankly like the smell better (I hate the smell of wet Yesterday's News, personally). I can also toss the used litter in my flower garden in the warmer months-it helps keep the rabbits out in addition to being recyclable (I would not do this if if your pet has any type of parasite-I routinely check fecals on my guys).
That being said, anyone can have an allergy to anything, so you can certainly try a different litter for awhile to see if that helps if bloodwork, skin scrapes and the like yield no diagnosis, if you can determine no food allergies or other allergies, etc. (avoid clumping kitty litters and clay, as these may become stuck in a scooting ferret's rectum and expand, potentially blocking it up).
The suggestions about using dye-free detergents are good, too, and you can avoid fabric softeners, etc.
Best of luck,
April (vet tech and ferret owner)
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