Jan. 25/2023

11 Ferret Facts: What to Know About Ferrets as Pets

Petmd.com

If you want an active, playful, mischievous pet that will bring endless fun, then a ferret may be the right

pet for you.

But before you bring one of these rambunctious little creatures into your home, here are 11 things to know about ferrets & proper ferret care.

1. Ferrets are illegal in some areas of the United States.

Before you adopt or purchase a ferret, you should check out your local laws. Pet ferrets are prohibited in California, Hawaii, & New York City.

While veterinarians in these locations will still treat sick ferrets, the adoption or purchase of new ferrets is not allowed. If you live in one of these areas, it’s best to consider getting another type of pet.

2. Ferrets have a strong, musky odor, even when they’re de-scented.

Ferrets have scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a potent, musky-smelling oil.

For many pet ferrets, these glands are surgically removed during the process of “de-scenting” when the animals are very young—before they are sold. Ferrets that retain these glands smell so musky that most people would never want them as pets.

However, even after they are de-scented, ferrets will still retain a milder musky odor that some people find unpleasant.

So, if you are sensitive to odor, & you’re considering a ferret as a pet, you might want to spend some time around one to be sure you can tolerate the smell before you bring a ferret home.

3. Ferrets love company.

Ferrets are social creatures that typically live in groups or colonies in the wild. Because they love company, pet ferrets generally look for human family members or other ferrets to hang out with.

It’s much more fun to play when you have friends to play with. Consequently, many ferret owners end up owning more than one ferret.

On rare occasions, 2 ferrets might not get along. So, if you get more than one ferret, you’ll need to supervise their interactions for several days to ensure they get along before you can safely leave them alone together.

To minimize competition between ferrets, each one should have equal access to food, toys, hiding spots, & sleeping areas so that they’re less likely to fight over resources.

4. Ferrets need to run!

Ferrets love to curl up & sleep, particularly if they can find a warm place to nap, but when they’re not napping, they also love to run, jump, climb, & hide. Ferrets also love toys.

Young ferrets, in particular, enjoying skittering across the floor & chasing toys. Exercise for ferrets is key, or they will overeat from boredom & become obese.

So, if you’re going to own a ferret, plan on lots of out-of-cage time for them to run around.

5. Ferrets chew EVERYTHING.

Ferrets are called ferrets because they literally “ferret out” everything. They chew on, dig up, & pull out nearly every object they encounter—especially when they’re young & very curious.

Objects made of foam, rubber, or cloth, including furniture & shoes, are special favorites. Ferrets notoriously steal everything they can get their mouths on & store their treasures in closets, under beds, or anywhere they can hide them.

This mischievous behavior can lead to significant health problems, since foreign objects they inadvertently swallow can get stuck in their gastrointestinal (GI) tracts & cause life-threatening obstructions that require surgical treatment.

So, if you decide to get a pet ferret, you’ll need to commit to ferret-proofing your home. That means picking up everything from the floor, creating a ferret-proofed area that’s free of tempting things to chew on, & supervising your new pet whenever he or she is out of the cage.

6. Ferrets eat meat.

Wild ferrets are carnivores that hunt for & consume rodents & rabbits. Their GI tracts have evolved to digest animal protein & not vegetable matter.

While a pet ferret should also be eating meat, their intestinal tract is not adapted to consuming raw meat in the same way as their wild counterparts. In fact, pet ferrets can develop severe intestinal infection with toxic bacteria such as Salmonella.

Pet ferrets should be fed commercially formulated, high-protein/moderate-fat/low-carbohydrate diets that contain all the nutrients that ferrets require. These diets have also been prepared to eliminate potentially harmful bacteria.

Several kibble diets are available for pet ferrets, & they generally love them.

Before diets were developed specifically for ferrets, many people fed their pet ferrets cat food. In general, it’s preferable to use commercially available ferret food over cat food because ferret-specific diets meet the nutritional needs of ferrets more closely.

7. Ferrets need annual veterinary checkups.

Ferrets can live to be 6-9 years old or more, so it’s important to provide consistent, preventative veterinary care. They should see their veterinarian annually & then semi-annually as they age.

By examining ferrets every year, veterinarians may diagnose & treat conditions earlier & may help ferrets live longer, happier lives.

After 3 years of age, ferrets also should have annual blood tests to help ensure that their blood sugar levels & kidney & liver functions are normal.

After 5 years of age, ferrets should be checked every 6 months, since by this age, they have often developed more than one of the conditions they commonly encounter as they age. 

8. Ferrets often develop certain diseases as they age.

Ferrets sold in pet stores in the United States are typically from one of 2 very large breeding facilities, & consequently, they are extremely inbred.

Inbreeding, unfortunately, increases the chances for developing certain diseases, including adrenal gland tumors & pancreatic tumors called insulinomas.

These illnesses can occur in ferrets as young as a year of age. Older ferrets commonly develop heart disease & other types of cancer.

If you’re planning on getting a ferret, you should expect that at some point, your ferret will develop one or more of these conditions & will require veterinary treatment.

9. Ferrets need shots.

Ferrets can contract & pass on rabies. Therefore, in many of the states in which they are legal as pets, ferrets are required by law to be vaccinated for rabies at 4-5 months of age & then annually after that.

Ferrets are also very susceptible to the deadly canine distemper virus that commonly affects dogs, but it’s preventable through vaccination. There is a ferret-specific distemper virus vaccine that should be administered initially in a series of 3 shots (3 weeks apart), starting at 2 months of age, & then annually after that.

Very rarely, ferrets can develop diarrhea, vomiting, or collapse after receiving either the rabies or distemper vaccine. For this reason, ferrets that receive vaccines should wait at the veterinary hospital for 15 minutes after receiving their shots to ensure they’re not having a reaction.

Ferrets that suffer from vaccine reactions should not be revaccinated in the future if their reaction is severe.

Even if pet ferrets are kept indoors, they should receive annual booster vaccines against both rabies & distemper viruses for life. This is because their owners can track distemper virus inside their homes on their shoes, & pet ferrets might also have contact with wildlife, like bats, which can carry the deadly rabies virus.

10. Ferrets need flea & heartworm disease preventative.

Just like cats & dogs, ferrets are susceptible to flea infestation & deadly heartworm infection. This is true even for ferrets kept indoors, as fleas can come in from outside, especially if there are dogs & cats in the home. Mosquitos can also make their way indoors & transmit heartworm disease to indoor ferrets.

Ferret-savvy veterinarians can prescribe flea & heartworm preventatives that are safe for use in ferrets, as not all flea & heartworm products are appropriate for ferrets.

11. Ferrets get hairballs.

Ferrets shed a lot of hair, particularly when the weather gets warm, & like cats, they may ingest this hair as they lick & groom themselves. This means that—like cats—ferrets can produce hairballs too.

If they ingest a large amount of hair, it can stick together in their intestines & cause a potentially life-threatening obstruction.

Ferrets with adrenal gland tumors commonly lose lots of hair as a result of hormones secreted by their tumors, & this often predisposes them to hairball development.

To help prevent hairballs from forming, ferrets should be brushed at least once a week with a narrow-toothed hair comb meant for brushing either a ferret or a cat.

If a ferret is shedding excessively, hairball laxatives made for either ferrets or cats can help hair pass through the GI tract more easily. These can be given by mouth once or twice a week.

Talk with your veterinarian to find out more if you are worried about hairballs in your ferret.

How to Find a Pet Ferret

If you decide that a ferret is right for you, you can rescue a ferret from one of several shelters across the United States, purchase one from reputable pet stores, or adopt one from a private breeder.

If you are rescuing a ferret from a shelter, be sure to quarantine them from other pets, as animals from rescue facilities can carry illness (e.g., GI parasites, mild upper respiratory tract infections, etc.) that they could potentially transmit to other ferrets or to cats or dogs.

Try to find out as much about the ferret’s history (i.e., why they were given up to the shelter) as you can, so that you can make the transition to your home as easy as possible.

If you adopt a ferret from a breeder, be sure to ask the breeder these questions:

Has the ferret been vaccinated?

What diet has the ferret been eating?

Does the ferret get along with other animals?

What is the ferret’s health history? Do they have veterinary records?

What is your policy regarding a guarantee if the ferret is sick?

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Jan. 18/2023

 

8 Fun Facts About Dog Breeds Who Thrive in Cold Weather

By Mila Ringo 

Dec. 9/2022

cuteness.com

While some dogs might go on a walking strike when temperatures drop, others thrive in cold climates. From sled dogs to guard dogs, these cold weather dog breeds aren't phased by Arctic temperatures.

1. Saint Bernards were bred for cold weather mountain rescues

In 1050, a monastery & hospice was established for travelers along the dangerous mountain pass between Italy & Switzerland. Monks living there brought in several dogs as watchdogs & companions. These dogs had a keen ability to detect impending avalanches. So they began to accompany monks on the treacherous mountain footpaths.

By 1750, these hardy dogs were known as Saint Bernards & had begun to accompany travelers through the Swiss Alps. With their strong sense of smell, they could find people who had become lost in the snow & were sent out in small teams to rescue lost or injured travelers. They would locate the person & dig them out of the snow. One dog would head back to the monastery to bring help, while the other dogs would lie on or around the injured person to keep them warm.

2. Newfoundlands sailed the world as rescue dogs

In the 1600s, English fishermen visiting the island of Newfoundland (off the east coast of what is now Canada) were impressed by the large dogs they found there. Newfies' physical traits make them perfect for water rescue: webbed feet help them paddle, a strong tail acts as a rudder, & their double coat repels water & keeps them warm.

From the 1700s through the 1800s, Newfoundland dogs served as important crew members on sailing ships. In fact, a Newfoundland named Seaman traveled with Lewis & Clark on their Corps of Discovery expedition. These gentle giants are credited with saving hundreds of lives over the years by rescuing people from drowning & even towing small boats safely back to shore.

3. Sled dogs have been around for over 30,000 years

Several dog breeds who excel at pulling sleds have long lineages. Ancient breeds such as the Siberian husky, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed, & Chinook are thought to have originated in Mongolia between 35,000 & 30,000 years ago.

Siberian huskies were developed & bred by the Chukchi people of the Chukchi peninsula of eastern Siberia. This breed is a loyal companion & devoted working dog. Their thick double coats keep them safe in freezing temperatures — they can withstand weather down to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit. ‌While Huskies can tolerate winter weather due to their thick fur, they do get cold & should not be left outside in winter.

4. Sled dogs helped save a town from a deadly virus

In the winter of 1925, a deadly diphtheria outbreak threatened the remote town of Nome, Alaska. The nearest supply of antitoxin was in Nenana, 674 miles away. Due to an impending blizzard, officials determined the fastest way to deliver the antitoxin was via sled dogs.

A relay of 20 sled dog teams was organized, & the "Great Race of Mercy" was completed in 5 & a half days. 2 Siberian Huskies, Balto & Togo, played vital roles in delivering the life-saving serum to the remote town. Balto was the lead dog in the final 53-mile leg of the journey, while Togo & his musher Leonhard Seppala traveled a grueling 264 miles together.

5. The Norwegian elkhound was a beloved Viking companion

Another ancient breed, the Norwegian elkhound is descended from the northern Spitz family of dogs that are considered one of the oldest breeds of domesticated dogs.

Archaeologists have discovered elkhound remains in Viking graves. Buried with their owners & placed alongside shields & swords, this breed played an important role in Viking culture.

6. Norwegian elkhounds don't actually hunt elk

Their name is a bit of a misnomer — "elg" means "moose" & "hund" means "dog" in Norwegian. Technically, they're more of a moose dog as they were bred to track large game like moose & bears.

7. Shiba Inus are tiny snow dogs

Native to Japan, the Shiba Inu was originally bred as a hunting dog. With their soft, dense undercoats & thick outer coats, they easily rival larger breeds when it comes to cold temperatures. Weighing in at around 20 pounds, this friendly, high-energy breed is also popular as a family pet.

8. Tibetan terriers have snowshoe paws

At just over a foot tall, you might not pick the Tibetan terrier to join your mountaineering team — but you'd be wise to do so. This ancient breed has served as a watchdog & companion in their native Tibet for thousands of years. Weighing an average of just 22 pounds, Tibetan terriers are equipped with a dense coat & large, flat paws that function like snowshoes — helping them to cross the snow for centuries.

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Jan. 11/2023

 

9 Common Cat Myths Debunked

By Ashley Brown 

cuteness.com

Cats are fascinating, intelligent, & agile creatures. It's perhaps our fascination with them that leads to some of the myths we might have heard about cats. They're also known to have unique & strong personalities. Every cat is an individual, for sure! In our efforts to understand them, it helps to pay attention to their body language, learn about their physiology, & respect their complex natures. That way, we can discern the myths from facts — & enjoy fulfilling relationships with our cats.

1. Orange tabby cats are not as smart.

Color is not an indicator of particular cat breeds. Therefore, we can't assume much about a cat's behavior or intelligence based on their appearance alone. The color or coat type of a cat has little to do with their personality. However, it is true that roughly 80% of orange cats are male. That may be the reason they're often associated with being bold, affectionate, outgoing, & friendly.

It's possible some people mistakenly think a particularly gregarious cat isn't discerning or smart. Whatever the assumptions may be, there is no link whatsoever between a cat's color & their intelligence.

2. All white cats are deaf.

The color of a cat may have nothing to do with personality. However, with white cats, Gene W in their genetic makeup determines their coat color. Gene W, or the white gene, is also linked with congenital deafness. Therefore, it's true that white cats are more prone to deafness than non-white cats. Though they're more likely to be deaf when they have blue eyes as well. About 20% of white cats with non-blue eyes are born deaf. If the cat has one blue eye, the percentage rises to 40%. Around 65 - 85% of white cats with 2 blue eyes are deaf. So while the prevalence of deafness in white cats is worth noting, not all white cats will be deaf — especially if they don't also have blue eyes.

It's also important to understand that you can still train & communicate with your deaf cat through hand signals.

3. Cats hate water.

Because cats evolved primarily in dry climates, it's not natural for them to swim or like water. This will be particularly true in adult cats who have had negative experiences with water, either at the groomer or at home. Most domestic cats lack water-resistant coats. Therefore, they're not going to enjoy swimming, having wet fur, or bath time (which they don't typically need because they're so good at self-grooming).

Some cat breeds like the Turkish Van or Bengal, who are more related to wild cats, actually do enjoy swimming. And plenty of domestic cats have fun with running water or like to drink from faucets. A kitten who's had positive experiences with water from the beginning, (never being forced into it) is more likely to tolerate water.

4. Cats always land on their feet.

Cats' innate ability to usually land on their feet is due to many physiological reasons. Cats have what's known as a "righting reflex." Anatomically, cats have no collarbones. But they do have flexible spines they can use to twist their bodies in mid-air — so they are able to land safely.

However, cats' ability to land on their feet is affected by the height of the fall & the cat's weight. A cat falling from great heights is actually more likely to land on their feet because they have more time to right themselves, especially once they've reached terminal velocity — & relax into the fall.

An overweight cat, no matter the height, is more likely to sustain serious injuries from a fall because their righting reflex & flexibility are inhibited.

5. Cats don’t show affection.

When we understand the body language of cats, it becomes obvious they have an abundance of ways that they show affection. They may not exhibit the same exuberance as dogs, but cats tell us they love & trust us through their behaviors. This includes purring, meowing, & paw kneading. In kittens, paw kneading behavior is part of nursing, & in adult cats, it's associated with comfort & relaxation.

Another less obvious sign of affection is when a cat butts or rubs their head on you. When they do this, they're conveying their scent onto you, which is their way of claiming "ownership" of you. They also use eye contact, & slow blinks, to express love & trust.

You can even tell your cat you love them by slowly blinking back! Some other forms of affection include just being near you: following you around, sleeping close to you, greeting you, walking between your legs, & even grooming you.

6. Female cats should have a litter before being spayed.

Ideally, a kitten should be spayed between 8 weeks of age to 5 months of age. Spaying a cat before her first heat cycle can eliminate behaviors like urine spraying & howling.

There are also health benefits of spaying your cat while they're still young. This includes a lower risk of mammary cancer & diseases of the uterus & ovaries. Some reasons for the myth that cats should have at least one litter are that they will become overweight otherwise, or that their personalities will change. In reality, a spayed cat is less likely to experience hormone-related moodiness & physical discomfort.

Spaying & neutering our cats is extremely important to reduce the number of unwanted cats killed in shelters every year.

7. Cats can’t be trained.

The potential to train your cat is limitless! With positive reinforcement, they can learn everything from using the litter box to fun tricks & obedience skills. Training can also address behavioral problems like scratching furniture. Plus, training your cat is a bonding activity & provides them with much-needed mental stimulation.

The key to successful training is finding out what motivates your cat & using both "low-level" & "high-level" rewards. Punishment, negative reinforcement, or aversives are only going to cause your cat to be fearful & stressed. These should never be part of pet training.

If you make the effort to understand why your cat behaves in certain ways (& you reward them for behaviors you want) they will learn quickly.

8. A cat who shows you their belly always wants to be petted.

We might be used to our dogs rolling over & showing us their belly, & plenty of them enjoy it. Cats, however, typically roll over for different reasons. For instance, if a cat is feeling defensive, they'll roll over (not to show their bellies) but to show their teeth & claws — ready to fight. Alternatively, they may be in major relaxation mode & enjoying a good stretch. Though that does not mean they want a human hand reaching for them!

Another time they likely don't want to be touched when they rolled over, is if they are in heat or they are not spayed. Some cats will show their belly as a sign of trust. But that doesn't always mean they're asking for petting. You likely already know if your cat enjoys it when you rub their belly. But most cats would prefer having their chin or the areas around their ears scratched.

9. Purring always means a cat is happy.

Any cat lover is familiar with the soothing sensation & shared contentment when a cat is purring in their lap. Of course, cats purr when they're happy. There are other reasons, though, for this unique vocalization. Kittens begin purring when they are just a few days old. Their purring communicates to the mother where they are & that they're okay.

As they grow up, they purr in a variety of situations, even when alone. One reason for this may be that it promotes healthy bone development due to the frequency of the vibration! Sometimes a cat will purr in a stressful situation or new environment. Cats may even purr when injured — as a means of self-soothing.

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Jan. 4/2023

 

8 Easy New Year's Resolutions to Improve Your Pet's Life

By Allegra Ringo 

cuteness.com

When it comes to New Year's Resolutions, it's a good idea to start small. Only 8% of people actually stick to their resolutions, & one likely cause of that is the "all or nothing" mentality that tends to be behind them.

So instead of deciding that you & your dog are going to run a marathon each month, here are some New Year's Resolutions that will improve your pet's life, & are actually feasible.

1. Give your pet more mental stimulation

We all know that dogs need daily exercise, but it's easy to forget that they need mental stimulation as well. Though physical exercise provides this to some degree, dogs (as well as cats!) benefit from activities specifically designed to challenge them. An easy solution: puzzle toys. These days, there are countless different types, & you can find them in almost every price range. There are also tons of different ways to provide your dog or cat with enrichment, ranging from simple toys to more complex activities like scent work.

2. Play with your cat for at least 15 minutes a day.

When they're kittens, it's almost impossible to forget to play with them, because they are constantly forcing you to with their pleading eyes. But it's easy to forget that grown cats need playtime, too. The good news: they don't need much. Just 15 minutes of playtime a day is very beneficial to your cat.

3. Walk your dog in a new location once a month, or try a scent walk.

Many people's dog walks follow almost the exact same path every day. Try this: once a month, drive yourself & your dog to a new location, & exercise there. This could be a dog beach, a park, or simply a pretty neighborhood that you don't usually walk in. Mixing up your routine will help keep both you & your dog from getting bored. Don't have a car? Recruit a car-owning buddy to come get some exercise with you.

If you have access to a large, open area where it's safe to bring your dog, another great option is going on a scent walk (also called a decompression walk). A scent walk is simply a walk where you prioritize letting your dog sniff over all other aspects of the walk. These are usually done on a long line (as opposed to a standard 6-foot leash). Don't worry about the amount of exercise either of you are getting, just let your dog sniff as much as they want to. Sniffing is important to dogs' brains, & most dogs will greatly benefit from a sniff walk!

4. Measure your pet's food with a real measuring cup.

If you've been using a mug or another kind of casual measuring device to scoop your pet's, try switching to a real measuring cup. Ensuring that your pet has a consistent, measured amount of food each time they eat is an easy way to ensure they get the correct amount of nutrients every time.

5. Update your pet's identification information.

If you haven't moved recently, you're off the hook for this one. But if you have, make sure to update your pet's tags as well as their microchip info. Several different sites allow you to do it, & it's super easy. A lost pet with an up-to-date microchip is many times more likely to be found than a pet whose microchip information is out of date.

6. Create a plan for unexpected pet expenses.

There are a few options here that will vary based on your pet & your lifestyle. The important thing is to have a plan for what you would do if unexpected pet-related expenses (health-related or otherwise) come up. This might mean enrolling in pet insurance, or it might mean creating a savings account for emergency expenses that you contribute to regularly. It might also be as simple as having a talk with the other members of your household to get on the same page about what you would do in the case of an unexpected expense.

7. Clean their toys & throw away any toys that are beyond hope.

Do you have an assortment long-ago-destroyed toys hanging around your house haunting you? Old toys can harbor germs, & if your dog or cat no longer plays with them, the new year is a great time to throw them out & start anew. For their favorite toys that get a lot of use, the new year is a good time to commit to washing them once a month, to avoid them becoming hotspots for bacteria. (This is also a good time to wash their leash, collar, & harness, if you haven't done so recently!)

8. Be patient with your pet & with yourself.

This is easier said than done, but it's helpful to remember that pets aren't trying to ruin your day, they are simply trying to live their pet lives in a human-centric world. Remember that your pet isn't being purposely annoying, & that behaviors (usually) have a function. Providing lots of enrichment & using positive reinforcement training can help curb the behaviors that annoy you, & can help you to understand your pet's needs & deepen your relationship.

Happy New Year!

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