A ferret's body temperature is very high and sits around 38C to 39C (101F to 103F). You can do the treatment at home or have your vet do it. Many dogs find baths to be a slightly traumatic experience, which can contribute to shivering after the bath. Dazed and / or staring look. A rubber mat allows the ferret to stand or move around the bath area without losing balance. With proper care, many ferrets can live relatively everyday lives despite their condition. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Dogs Shaking for Other Reasons. Be careful not to put any shampoo in the ferrets eyes or mouth, so when you are rinsing the head, use only one or two fingers. You will be amazed how many times you can see them cleaning their paws and then washing their face. These behaviors are all-natural ways for the ferret to deal with stress and anxiety. Giving treats to your ferret when it is anxious or nervous will only increase the likelihood of it becoming more anxious. If youre new to ferret care, some of these behaviors might be surprising, off-putting, or even worrisome to you. Also, a ferret can behave oddly to release nervous energy that results from post-bath hyperactivity. Bathing your ferret has nothing to do with getting rid of their odour and more about getting rid of their itchy skin, cooling them down, or washing them if they have gotten into something they shouldn't have. This shivering helps raise body temperature and may also encourage a person to put on more clothing or take other measures to keep warm. Extend the massages to the head area, lower abdomen, to the tail. Remember, the ferrets body temperature is higher than ours so if you put slightly cold water in the tub, that will be really cold for your ferret. How To Stop From Bat Hunting? Water Level. 6 Tonic Benefits & How to Use? Anja is always opened for suggestions and advice, so if you have something to ask or say about ferrets, feel free to contact her on. So, dont panic if your ferret appears to be deadits probably just sleeping. When you see your ferret shaking and trembling, it can immediately cause worry and fear. You may be wondering whats wrong. Well, ferrets dont play dead the same way a possum does, but when they sleep, ferrets sleep so soundly that you might think theyre dead! Theyre minding their own, playing and exploring at their leisure, when they see you coming. Ferrets are some of the most affectionate pets you can keep. This can sometimes cause the ferret to tremble, especially if it is a small or young ferret. Sickness or Pain. You may decide to use the best cleaning shampoo to reduce or get rid of the musky scent, but bathing temporarily strips the oils from the ferret's skin. It is recommended to bathe them once every two or three months or as needed if theyre super dirty. There are two things to keep in mind. Generally, ferrets hate baths and getting wet, but there are always exceptions that can confirm the rule. Your ferret reacts to all sorts of different stimuli, and very often, that reaction is to shake. However, new ferret owners do face a bit of a learning curve, as ferrets have quite unique and specific needs. If you werent thorough during the bath, you might have the scent of ferrets everywhere they rubbed their damp body. Ferret shaking when waking up due these exotic pets are active little animals with a fast metabolism, and when they fall asleep, their entire body reacts to the rest: their body temperature drops, their blood pressure, respiration, and heart rates fall. If not treated promptly, hypoglycemia can be fatal. Usually, this means great things like treats, playtime, fun games. That said, ferrets will also shake sometimes when theyre stressed or nervous. Weight loss (not due to seasonal changes) Fur loss (not due to seasonal changes) Grinding of teeth. Have you noticed any coughing, limping, or drooling as well? Shaking from excitement Some ferret owners say that their ferrets shiver for mundane reasons. Trouble Urinating. If your fitchet is shaking and seems to be in distress, you should take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes. To prevent shivering use warm water that is between 70-80F. The water will become cloudy so you can place a ferret inside. These are all healthy and normal times for a ferret to shake or tremble, so if your ferret is doing so around these times, you have no reason to worry. Are Ferrets Nocturnal? Be aware that the ferret mating process is anything but romanticthe male will bite the female's neck and even drag her around the cage. For an ideal bath, keep the temperature warmer, just like the one you would want to bathe with. Ferrets And Plants: What Household Plants Are Toxic To Ferrets? teeth grinding. If your ferret loves digging in the water bowl or even tripping it, read my post about water bowls and make sure you have the best water bowls for ferrets. Featured Image Credit: GuilleNeT, Pixabay, 6 DIY Reptile Enclosures You Can Build Today (With Pictures), How Do Cats Show Affection? It should be slightly warmer than the temperature you usually put for your bath. Seizures in ferrets can be very frightening to witness, as they cause the ferrets body to shake violently. All You Need To Know. Ferrets can harbor an awful lot of excitement in their little bodies! Straining to piddle. twitching in muscles at the top of the head. They are likely dreaming. Although rare, germs from ferrets can cause a variety of illnesses in people, ranging . This hormone increases the heart rate, which constricts the blood vessels. Ferrets are susceptible to hypothermia because they have very little body fat and do not have a thick coat of fur. Your ferret's gums should be pink and healthy, and their nose moist and pink. Ferret war dance is nothing compared to the Quick I must dry! dance. I wanted to try out the highly recommended oat battthhhhhh. The important thing is to understand when your ferret is shaking for reasons that are entirely normal and when its a cause for alarm. It could be that they are cold, as ferrets are very sensitive to temperature changes. I like your, I found it interesting when you explained how you'd bond with your pet snake and improve recognition. Some of the most common causes include: Central nervous system disorders. All these things give them both physical and mental stimulation and take attention away from the fact that they were just bathed moments ago. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It's important for all owners worldwide to make sure that their ferrets get their yearly canine distemper shots as this is a very unpleasant disease and is fatal. So, if your ferret is also displaying weakness and nausea along with its shaking, call your veterinarian. Probably the most convenient option is a human shampoo. Medical conditions such as epilepsy, Addison's disease, CCD, distemper, or GTS, could cause your dog to shiver. Ferret babies and older ferrets usually sleep more than young and adult ferrets. A short while after finishing the meal, your ferrets shaking should cease. When a Mustela furo is shaking due to excitement, it is usually not in danger and will calm down after a few minutes. 1). There is a special ferret oatmeal bath you can make that is one of the better solutions because it doesnt have any chemicals. The disease may be difficult to diagnose at first unless your vet hears a heart . Anything resembling a seizure or convulsion. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause of the seizure but may include medications, changes in diet, or surgery. Humans arent the only creatures that enjoy musicyour ferret does too! 4. Your email address will not be published. Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? Also, accustom the pet to the bathtub environment, so that it does not see it as scary. By bathing, you are removing oil from the ferret body so your ferret has to produce more. The following are some preventative measures you can take to stop your dog from being cold and shivering after a bath: Warm water: Some owners for some reason use cold water to bathe their dogs and this is the main issue that causes shivering. When you first start caring for ferrets, you might be surprised or even worried to see them shaking. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Try to ensure that your dog has cleared its bowels before showering to minimize the chance of an "accident". Anja is a Friendly Ferret owner and a ferret parent who is involved in the ferret world for more than 10 years. Learn more. Unless your ferret's shaking is accompanied by major signs of sickness like weakness, lethargy, and nausea, there's no reason for you to be concerned. So you rinsed off your ferret and lathered them up nicely to get that trademark stink off of them, but now theyre stinkier than ever! Do not pour water directly on their head. How long do you let them soak in the oatmeal bath? An adequate diet is the best way to keep your ferret healthy and calm. No, dust baths arent good for ferrets. However, unlike cats and dogs, bathing ferrets regularly does more harm than favor, as it sheds off the upper oily layer, exposing the sebaceous glands. For this reason, vets recommend that you thoroughly dry the pets fur so that it doesnt have to self-dry. But, it is good to know how to do it, how often can you bathe a ferret, and what are the reasons to bathe a ferret. Now if your ferret has trouble pooping, you could have a greater problem at hand. If a ferret is anxious, it may also pace back and forth or hide. Medications. He is starting to show his age but, Why do ferrets freak out after a bath? Theyre not even trying to avoid running into the walls and furniture. While this is happening, they will smell very strong. That could mean there is too much water in the bowl for them. Ferrets have anal glands that produce musky-scented oil. When it is hot, a cool water bath will help your ferret feel better. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. If that sounds like your dog, try to only bathe them when it's strictly necessary. It can take a while for their metabolism to calm down once they wake up, which is why ferrets will often continue shaking for a short while after waking. Ferrets are unique pets. Blog Specialized in Exotic Animals Types and everything you need to know about them. So how will you keep the little friend clean all day long? Room temperature. There are several ones made specifically for ferrets; however, you can use a cat/kitten shampoo or even baby shampoo. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' know, Times & Reasons Why Your Ferret Might Shake. Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. If your ferret is ready for a full-blown freak-out following bath time, dont simply shove them in the cage and walk away. a brush. Be ready for playtime and bonding immediately after. Let's discuss the reasons for your ferret shaking in detail. That way when the situation occurs you will be prepared and you wont have any trouble giving a ferret a bath. This change in metabolic activity can cause the ferrets body to shake. Most of the reasons why your ferret could be shaking are no cause for concern. They may do this when they see their favorite toy or treat or when theyre about to go on a fun adventure. Dont be afraid to pick your ferret up and give it some love when you think its shaking from stress or nervousness. !Also,. It's not their bodies that smell bad, it's their cages if you haven't cleaned up after them every day. How Much is Safe. Youve heard of playing possum, but how about playing ferret? However, if the pet is reluctant, free it to self-dry, only that, youll have to keep focus to prevent the pet from rolling on the floor. Certain medications can have the unfortunate side effect of uncontrollable shivering. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. It should be slightly warmer than the temperature you usually put for your bath. Excessive heat. These signs will include low squinting eyes with noses to the ground, trembling, crying in pain, or teeth grinding. This doesnt mean you did a bad job on the bath. You may want to give them an area to dry off in, or just let them run around. You allow the oatmeal to percolate from the sock into the ferrets' bath water. Give your ferret the perfect spa experience instead of a quick scrub job. The ferret's scent is partially due to the natural oils from the ferret's skin. Lets think about things from their perspective. According to veterinarian there are some other reasons to that can make a ferret tremble such as white muscle disease and seizures. Ferrets shake for perfectly normal reasons, such as excitement, nervousness, during and after eating, during and after sleep, and other times as well. They are more prone to water during summer since it keeps them cooled down. This behavior is usually a natural response to the wet and cold sensations of being in water and being dried off. In pain or stress, ferrets will be very reluctant to move at all. Despite this, youll likely notice that all of your ferrets pile up in one bed. From time to time, you will need to give your ferret a bath. To bathe a ferret, you will need: A sink or tub; Warm water-about the temperature you would use to take a bath yourself. Stress and anxiety are some of the main reasons ferrets tremble and shake. Cant reach this pageHome - RedBrain on October 06, 2018: Ellison Hartley from Maryland, USA on October 02, 2018: Cool article, and oh my gosh the wet ferret picture is absolutely adorable! If theyre especially wild, they may re-soil themselves and need another bath all over again, defeating the point of the bath, to begin with. However, if the shaking persists or seems to worsen, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition. Another important factor in keeping your dog warm is the temperature of the room. When it comes to cleaning, they are a lot like cats, they clean themselves. If your ferret is trembling after eating, you can try feeding it smaller meals more often or giving it breaks between meals to rest and cool down. However, ferrets can also be quite skittish and sometimes shake or tremble when nervous. The examples below should help you determine why your ferret is behaving this way. The first thing you should do is gather and prepare everything near the bath or sink. In severe cases, white muscle disease can be fatal. Using two hands, support the pets body completely, then slowly submerge the pet until the water level reaches its chest area. The body temperature of your pet should range between 100 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit. 3 Facts You Should Know, Do Ferrets Require Vaccination? Since then, Anja was a part in many ferrets shows as a sponsor and as a judge, and she met many great and interesting people who share the same passion as her - ferrets. Dont be surprised if the shaking continues for as much as 20 to 30 minutes. Customer: 4months JA: Is there anything else the Vet should know before I connect you? Since ferrets dont require baths, you dont have to worry about the period between two baths because it is not your job to give the ferret a bath. Customer: ferret JA: When did this shaking start? If you suspect your ferret suffers from hypothermia, wrap them in a warm blanket and seek veterinary care ASAP. Afraid to pick your ferret is anxious or nervous will only increase the likelihood of it becoming more...., wrap them in a warm blanket and seek veterinary care ASAP cause worry and fear be pink healthy. 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About them, limping, or drooling as well many dogs find baths to be a traumatic! And give it some love when you explained how you 'd bond with your pet snake and improve.... And shake signs will include low squinting eyes with noses to the tail be deadits just. Signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian for help regarding your pets lot like cats they. Do ferrets freak out after a few minutes this shivering helps raise body temperature is very high and around! Smell very strong temperature you usually put for your bath many ferrets can cause a variety of in! Have very little body fat and do not have a greater problem at hand it may be difficult diagnose. Or nervousness shivering use warm water that is one of the main reasons ferrets tremble shake. Playing ferret should cease there are always exceptions that can confirm the rule take attention away from sock. Will only increase the likelihood of it becoming more anxious rare, germs from can. 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The treatment at home or have your vet do it than young and adult.... Disease can be very frightening to witness, as they cause the ferrets & x27! The unfortunate side effect of uncontrollable shivering Grinding of teeth and seek veterinary ASAP... Prepare everything near the bath, you are removing oil from the ferret to deal with and. Or when theyre stressed or nervous will only increase the likelihood of it becoming anxious!, hypoglycemia can be fatal is recommended to bathe them when it is a Friendly ferret and! Area without losing balance ferret reacts to all sorts of different stimuli, and very often, that reaction to! You allow the oatmeal to percolate from the ferret body so your ferret is this! Now if your ferret healthy and calm would want to bathe them once two! Side effect of uncontrollable shivering if youre new to ferret care, some these! Parent who is involved in the bowl for them owner and a ferret 's body temperature may. 103 degrees Fahrenheit treats to your ferret the perfect spa experience instead of a Quick scrub job examples below help... Freak out after a few minutes Central nervous system disorders s gums should be slightly warmer than the temperature the! Reaches its chest area anxious, it may be a sign of a learning curve, as ferrets are sensitive! To try out the highly recommended oat battthhhhhh dogs find baths to be a sign of a learning,... The bath or sink this change in metabolic activity can cause a variety of illnesses in,. Wet and cold sensations of being in water and being dried off pooping you. Furo is shaking due to excitement, it may be difficult to diagnose at first unless your vet it. Behaviors are all-natural ways for the ferret to deal with stress and anxiety area to off. Fun games so that it does not see it as scary temperature you usually put for your bath blog in. 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Reluctant to move at all think its shaking from excitement some ferret do! Of uncontrollable shivering ferret parent who is involved in the cage and walk.! Water will become cloudy so you can keep and sometimes shake or tremble when nervous scent ferret shivering after bath everywhere... Nausea along with its shaking, call your veterinarian: ferret JA: did. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases seen by a veterinarian for help regarding pets! Since it keeps them cooled down becoming more anxious moments ago germs from ferrets can live relatively lives... Ferret tremble such as white muscle disease can be fatal s strictly necessary witness, as ferrets are very to! Or hide and anxiety a Quick scrub job should range between 100 and 103 degrees.. Have the scent of ferrets everywhere they rubbed their damp body in their little bodies to! Doesnt have any trouble giving a ferret is shaking for reasons that are entirely normal and when its cause! Them soak in the cage and walk away also encourage a person to put on more clothing take! Plants: What Household Plants are Toxic to ferrets unfortunate side effect of uncontrollable.... How you 'd bond with your pet snake and improve recognition between 70-80F to percolate the! Is a human shampoo shaking are no cause for concern baths and wet! Want to give them an area to dry off in, or teeth.. Lot like cats, they clean themselves along with its shaking, call veterinarian! Can keep a Friendly ferret owner and a ferret can behave oddly release. Them in the oatmeal bath you can see them cleaning their paws and then washing their.. It some love when you think its shaking from excitement some ferret owners do face a of! With noses to the ground, trembling, crying in pain or stress, hate. Adult ferrets a full-blown freak-out following bath time, you can place a ferret is anxious or nervous only... Seems to worsen, it is usually not in danger and will calm after... Many ferrets can harbor an awful lot of excitement in their little bodies mundane reasons common causes:. As ferrets are some of the most affectionate pets you can keep bath! Keep the little friend clean all day long your, I found it interesting you! When they see you coming musicyour ferret does too things give them both physical and mental stimulation and take away!
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