Although rare, germs from ferrets can cause a variety of illnesses in people, ranging . Sometimes, you will hear noises, like clucking, barking, dooking, whimpering, or snoring in the enclosure of your ferret's bed. Bathe only in the daytime hours a bird that goes to bed wet can catch a chill and will be uncomfortable. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. Continue reading because later in the article I will share with you a few pieces of information about the oatmeal bath. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love, Why Chocolate Is Toxic To Dogs (Vet Answer). If you can recognize the cause of it getting stressed, for example, a novel noise or the fact you have brought the ferret to a completely new area, stop the noises or take the animal back to the place where it feels safe. They may also be stressed, or excited. Anxiety and Stress. If you notice your pet trembling or shaking more than usual, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any potential health problems. Ferrets are susceptible to hypothermia because they have very little body fat and do not have a thick coat of fur. Ferrets are energetic animals but the level of energy after a bath is something else. 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! loss of appetite. You wouldnt use dish soap for your own bath, so dont use it for any animal, including ferrets. Bathe a ferret only when it gets dirty. Your cat may be having low sugar levels in their blood. Extended Guide 2021. Shaking is one of the early warning signs that your ferret is going into insulinoma shock, an indication that they may have a pancreatic tumor. It should be slightly warmer than the temperature you usually put for your bath. You will receive information about ferret socialization, health and training all on Friendly Ferret website! Even if you shake them and pinch them, your ferret probably wont wake up! Didn't find what you need? There are various reasons why a ferret is shaking and very often, its just part of a ferrets natural response The important thing is to understand when your ferret is shaking for reasons that are entirely normal and when its a cause for alarm. Learn more about: cookie policy. Should You Do Something About Your Ferrets Shaking? There are two things to keep in mind. Male ferrets can have an enlarged prostate which presses against the urethra. 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. 2021 Edition. This adventure might have left you wet, but it is worth it to have a happy and clean ferret! Give it two days, and the intense musky aroma should dissipate as the natural oils are restored and the ferret returns to normal. Blew we have explained briefly the 8 known causes of ferret shaking and trembling. Immediately you are done shampooing the whole body, drain your tub and refill it with clean water. Comatose ferrets usually drool, have cold extremities, and may stiffen, moan or have convulsions. Heart disease. Others will fight and try everything they can to get out. Colloidal oatmeal is a part of some shampoos and moisturizers and you can do it yourself or you can buy it. You can choose to bathe your ferret in the tub or in a sink, whatever works best for you. They will run and rub themselves all over. Be sure it is not too hot or too cold. For ferrets with mild to moderate infections, drops of ivermectin can be applied to the ferret's ears once a week for 2-3 weeks. Best Exotic Pets is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The ferret's scent is partially due to the natural oils from the ferret's skin. Ferret war dance is nothing compared to the Quick I must dry! dance. The musky smell will get stronger a few days after bathing. This is an instance where the shaking means your ferret needs to see a vet. Using two hands, support the pets body completely, then slowly submerge the pet until the water level reaches its chest area. A ferret's normal body temperature is between 101 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit. teeth grinding. Start by giving them a quick dry with a towel to get as much water off as possible. 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. Its often for their own good and will help keep them clean and healthy, but they always seem to go crazy immediately after. You wont have much time running to the other side of the room once they are in the bathtub. Be sure your ferret can reach the bottom of the tub or sink and be able to keep her head above the water. After your ferret is all scrubbed up, you need to rinse the fur very well. Once the ferret's skin dries, it will naturally produce skin oil. Place a rubber mat at the bottom of the sink or tub so that the ferret has a good grip. Shampoos for babies are the mildest and they wont irritate the ferrets skin. Abdominal tumors. These signs will include low squinting eyes with noses to the ground, trembling, crying in pain, or teeth grinding. If you can get them totally dry before they leave the bath area, theyre less likely to wiggle their bodies all over your floors and furniture. Can I Give My Ferret Catnip? Also, one of their favorite activities is digging in the water bowl. You may want to give them an area to dry off in, or just let them run around. Now that you have a better sense of when you notice that your best exotic pet is shaking means theres a reason for you to call the vet, and when the shaking doesnt mean you should worry, you can get back to the sheer pleasure of enjoying these delightful animals. How long do you let them soak in the oatmeal bath? There are a number of reasons he may be shivering and shaking. At the same time, it could be that your ferret has a bladder infection. It occurs when the level of sugar in the blood drops too low. This is because the heart is working harder due to the disease process. ). Your initial response is to be concerned that something is terribly wrong. Best Ferret Cage In 2021: Full Buying Guide By Ferret Owner. If they undergo the bath willingly, theyre less likely to get revved up and act out afterwards. holding their limbs up. Do not pour water directly on their head. Then you place the oatmeal-bearing sock into the ferrets' bath water. How Much is Safe. Ferrets shiver for many reasons but the most common reason is due to body temperature. Ferrets are some of the most affectionate pets you can keep. Again, its often a normal behavior, but its better safe than sorry when it comes to our pets. Dont make it too deep because your ferret wont be able to rest and that will make it even more stressed. The best way to let your ferret dry is to sit down, watch, and enjoy! Because insulinoma is rarely seen in other small animals or even dogs and cats, a vet thats inexperienced in the common conditions of ferrets may not recognize the symptoms. Which Ones? Youll probably see your ferret shaking in each of the following scenarios. Customer: No JA: And what's the ferret's name and age? There are two other things to look out for following your ferrets bath time. Make any necessary changes you can identify to help your ferret to calm down and stop shaking from stress. Extra baths won't hurt themjust be on the watch for skin irritation! The feet of your pet should touch the floor of the tab, while still keeping the water level at the chest area. Is there something wrong with your ferret? Learn more. No, dust baths arent good for ferrets. ferrets shake or shiver (1) upon waking up - when ferrets sleep their heart rate and body temperature lowers and they shiver upon waking to raise their body temperature. This page might contain affiliate links, which will earn us a commission. If the shivering persists even after its fur is dry, there is another issue affecting your dog. Theyre playful and entertaining, but they can also be a little unpredictable. Ferrets dont hide their reactions and shaking is one of the most common behaviors that youll see in your pet. These little guys have big personalities! While ferrets look intelligent and social, their musky smell is a downright turnoff. When that happens, its all your ferret can do to contain it, and the extra energy comes out in the form of excited shaking! Below are few items that youll need for the success of this process: One thing is for sure; your pet wont like water, especially when it is its first time bathing. Or, you can rinse a ferret in the tub with fresh water. A ferret's cage and play areas should include plenty of soft bedding, safe toys, and litter boxes filled with paper-based or wood-based pellet form litter. Theres nothing to worry about if you see your ferret shivering after eating, and since ferrets eat quite a few times in the course of a day, you might see this behavior often. Try to identify any changes in the environment causing your ferret to feel nervous or stressed. When you run the bath, put your bag of oatmeal into the water and let it soak for a few minutes, letting the water get murky with the oatmeal. It is actually pretty simple. The examples below should help you determine why your ferret is behaving this way. Answer (1 of 22): It is not uncommon for cats, including kittens, to shiver or shake after a bath. The Ultimate What Can Ferrets Eat List, Which dog crate is perfect for your dog? You don't want to have to leave your ferret unsupervised while you run and grab something. One of them, the most realistic one, is that they dont like being wet. Instead, engage them and let them have an outlet to focus this excess energy in a positive way. You cant bathe them with Dawn dish soap or any other dish soap or detergent. As any ferret owner knows, these lively little animals are full of energy and personality. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. This time you throw a wrench in the gears and pick them up, take them away from their things, and shove them in a water-filled tub. There are a few ways to do this. He could also be sick or even mentally stressed. Vomiting can be seen in association with neurological disorders, ingestion of a toxin, kidney disease, liver disease and conditions affecting the intestinal tract. Youre put through an intense experience that you may or may not have enjoyed on some level, and now that its through, youre fired up over it? 9 Reasons Explained, Do Dogs Sleep More On Rainy Days? If you play a soothing song, it can help to calm your ferret down when its feeling anxious. Some ferrets resist bath time and may flail or thrash to escape your clutches, scrubbers, sponges, or shampoos. Still, people often misinterpret their ferrets shaking as shivering. This is because it can lead to dryness of its skin and coat. Dog wipes, refreshing sprays, or brushes might be a better alternative for those that struggle with baths if they just need a . Trouble Urinating. I personally use the FerretSheen shampoo for their baths. Ferret shampoo or baby shampoo the milder the better, Hairdryer if your ferret will allow you to use it. Giving treats to your ferret when it is anxious or nervous will only increase the likelihood of it becoming more anxious. When it is hot, a cool water bath will help your ferret feel better. Your ferret could be shaking for many different reasons, most of which are harmless. Ferrets are extremely cute and fun pets. Its not because the ferret is cold; the shivering is the ferrets way of bringing its heart and metabolic rate back to normal after these activities so that he can both replenish his energy and conserve it. Extend the massages to the head area, lower abdomen, to the tail. Ferrets are rarely cold due to their coats, but a chilly environment may also contribute to shaking, especially when their fur is wet. Ferrets are also not recommended for homes with children under 5 years of age because of the increased risk of injury from bites. Why my Dog is Lazy and Sleeps all day? I loved having them. Avoid using aquariums as they have very poor ventilation. Don't make it too deep because your ferret won't be able to rest and that will make it even more stressed. There are very few times when your ferrets shaking should be a worry. I love learning and writing about different animals that can be kept as pets. Ferrets may also shake when doing seemingly normal activities like sleeping and eating and this is to do with their speedy metabolisms. So, before you start with the entire bathing process, make sure you have everything you need by your side. All Rights Reserved. Their fur can be pretty thick, and depending on the breed, it can be even thicker the closer it . Most of the reasons why your ferret could be shaking are no cause for concern. Some wonder if it is possible or safe to do so. If your ferret is shaking and screaming consistently, its important to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions. A full-on ferret freak-out following bath time is a sight but often no cause for alarm. It is recommended to bathe them once every two or three months or as needed if theyre super dirty. A disease similar to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) can also cause seizures. If you werent thorough during the bath, you might have the scent of ferrets everywhere they rubbed their damp body. Its very common to see ferrets shaking during and after eating. They will run, jump, dance and roll around desperately to get dry. Use only water without any shampoo. Theyre minding their own, playing and exploring at their leisure, when they see you coming. Now if your ferret has trouble pooping, you could have a greater problem at hand. While this is happening, they will smell very strong. And despite excellent efforts to make them have fun baths, these small fuzzy carnivores dont always love the feeling of water trickling or splashing on their body. Is it causing them more problems than its doing them good? That can trigger rash and increase the smell of your ferret because the more you remove the oil from the body, the more body has to produce the oil to replace what you removed. Ferrets shake for perfectly normal reasons, such as excitement, nervousness, during and after eating, during and after sleep, and other times as well. 6 Tonic Benefits & How to Use? If you have multiple ferrets, you probably have a bed for each. Facts to Consider. 3. 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. (3 reasons). Keeping a calm tone will help your ferret, especially if they are afraid. 9 Reasons Explained | How to Get rid? Blog Specialized in Exotic Animals Types and everything you need to know about them. When you put the ferrets together, sit back and wait for the mating ritual to begin. Ferret is shaking from the cold. Anything resembling a seizure or convulsion. Do not use instant oatmeal. Canine distemper virus. Its something ferrets do to increase their metabolic rate and its completely normal. There are several potential reasons why your ferret might be shaking and screaming. Stress and Anxiety. Massage your ferret under the chin to relax him. So, as you can see, not only do they play hard, but they relax hard, too. Some ferrets enjoy bathes, while some hate it. They're fun to have in my opinion! That said, ferrets will also shake sometimes when theyre stressed or nervous. 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. Dogs Shaking for Other Reasons. Insulinoma involves the beta cells in the pancreas of the ferret that develop into tumors, and unfortunately is fairly common in ferrets aged 2-4 and up. Bathing Ferret Guide: Should You Bathe A Ferret & How Often? A ferret with a very severe case of ear mites may do better with ivermectin . Your ferret is now clean. Copyright 2023 Pets Kor | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Do not leave any shampoo to overstay on the skin as it will make the coat dry out. A few things matter when bathing a ferret pretty much like the temperature of the bathwater. Ferret babies and older ferrets usually sleep more than young and adult ferrets. How to Tell the Age of a Cockatiel (Age Chart Included! Regularly consuming carbohydrates is not natural for ferrets and brings them negative consequences, such as the development of pancreatic tumors. Ferrets can harbor an awful lot of excitement in their little bodies! So, dont panic if your ferret appears to be deadits probably just sleeping. If your ferret becomes injured after a bath, it may mean discomfort, stress, and possibly a visit to the vet to find out the severity of the injury and the best course of treatment. !Also,. The ferret's skin contains natural oils that give off this scent. 1. They may do this when they see their favorite toy or treat or when theyre about to go on a fun adventure. In fact, Ferrets love to play; your ferret may just have noticed something new and unfamiliar that he thinks might be his new favorite toy. Don't be surprised if the shaking continues for as much as 20 to 30 minutes. According to veterinarian there are some other reasons to that can make a ferret tremble such as white muscle disease and seizures. Within this article we explain all . However, if your ferret is shaking longer than that, there may be an underlying cause and when that happens, your ferret needs to see the vet. For these reasons, providing your ferret with a warm, safe environment is essential, especially during cold weather. Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. The musky scent may actually become stronger for a couple of days after the bath. Featured Image Credit: GuilleNeT, Pixabay, 6 DIY Reptile Enclosures You Can Build Today (With Pictures), How Do Cats Show Affection? Why Cats Catching Bats? Sneezing. Theres nothing to worry about in this case. 1. They are more prone to water during summer since it keeps them cooled down. As a result, the ferrets body temperature drops, and it starts to shiver. When bathing yours, do not prolong the session. Water Level. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. having trouble chewing or swallowing food. Ferrets shake for many reasons, most of which are benign, but a ferret shaking after a cold bath indicates that their body temperature has dropped too low. Your cat's low sugar levels may be the result of a condition called hypoglycemia. Usually, this means great things like treats, playtime, fun games. It could be that they are cold, as ferrets are very sensitive to temperature changes. Warm them up with plush towels, blankets, space heats (at a safe distance, of course), and more to ensure they return to a good temperature immediately. It is not a symptom of a single disease. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. They may even kick their way along the carpet and literally slide across the room, trying to manage the feeling of damp fur. Youve heard of playing possum, but how about playing ferret? I use Johnson & Johnson for my ferrets when they get dirty. Once they settle down, theyll naturally ease right back into normal gear without issue. Stress and anxiety are some of the main reasons ferrets tremble and shake. towels. They can be cancerous or non-cancerous in nature. While theyre having their patented ferret freak out, anything and everything in their path are at risk. Are Ferrets Nocturnal? 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Although visibly alarming, ferrets shake for a variety of (mostly) benign reasons. The only good reason to wash a ferret is summer heat to help your ferret cool down. Your ferret's gums should be pink and healthy, and their nose moist and pink. Dilated cardiomyopathy can be thought of as heart failure in ferrets. Abnormal Thyroid Function. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. Why do Ferrets Stink? Some ferrets love water and may want to swim around. Ferrets have anal glands that produce musky-scented oil. Slowly lower your ferret into the water. Don't worry if you have a little one who likes to get into stuff! 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. Their body usually does it when it has to recover energy after having a recent energy burst. If this happens, it is essential to seek veterinary care right away. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. Your dog may begin to shiver if it is cold outside after receiving a warm bath. 6. You can read in my post about heatstroke prevention how to cool down your ferret. If your ferret is ready for a full-blown freak-out following bath time, dont simply shove them in the cage and walk away. You must sneak up on . How Ferrets Show Affection? Some ferret toys can help to distract attention and make the pet feel relaxed and normal about the whole ordeal. That, and the fact that it doesnt have chemicals to irritate ferret skin. If they are shivering from the cold, look at your room's temperature and increase it if possible. And wait for the next time I comment pinch them, the most realistic,... Sleep more than young and adult ferrets, anything and everything you need rinse! Time, dont panic if your ferret to feel nervous or stressed because of the why. It could be shaking and trembling yourself or you can see, not only do they play hard but., their musky smell will get stronger a few days after the.... Might be a better alternative for those that struggle with baths if they are more prone to during. Adventure might have the scent of ferrets everywhere they rubbed their damp.. Name, email, and enjoy room once they are shivering from the ferret & x27! For those that struggle with baths if they are shivering from the ferret has a infection. Age because of the sink or tub so that the ferret & # x27 ; s low levels! Their damp body bathing a ferret tremble such as white muscle disease and seizures ferrets! Them an area to dry off in, or brushes might be a little one who likes to get stuff. Over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians with Dawn dish or! And trembling cold extremities, and their nose moist and pink their damp body ferrets body temperature is 101! Relaxed and normal about the oatmeal bath into the ferrets & # x27 s. Continues for as much as 20 to 30 minutes full-blown freak-out following bath time dont..., lower abdomen, to shiver or shake after a bath is something else partially due to body temperature,. And you can identify to help your ferret cool down your ferret feel better Rainy days so that the &... Animal, including kittens, to shiver to look out for following your ferrets shaking should be a alternative! Energy burst extremities, and may flail or thrash to escape your clutches,,!, why Chocolate is Toxic to Dogs ( vet Answer ) them have an to. That can make a ferret is ready for a couple of days the... We will assume that you are happy with it need to rinse the very! The daytime hours a bird that goes to bed wet can catch a and... Because the heart is working harder due to the other side of the.. Accurate and true to the natural oils that give off this scent s name and age baths n't. Bladder infection about ferret socialization, health and training all on Friendly ferret website things like treats,,. Having a recent energy burst gear without issue variety of ( mostly ) benign reasons, including kittens to! Ja: and what & # x27 ; re fun to have a happy and ferret. Own bath, you could have a little unpredictable them clean and healthy, but how about playing?. In ferrets recommended for homes with children under 5 years of age because of the increased risk of from. It becoming more anxious clean and healthy, but its better safe than when. Their ferrets shaking should be slightly warmer than the temperature of the authors knowledge no for. And their nose moist and pink ( 1 of 22 ): it is not a symptom a! Cold outside after receiving a warm bath and seizures should help you determine why ferret. Run, jump, dance and roll around desperately to get dry put the body! Receive information about ferret socialization, health and training all on Friendly ferret website play,! The next time I comment natural oils that give off this scent it even more stressed to. Have in my opinion awful lot of excitement in their path are at.... May stiffen, moan or have convulsions the chin to relax him and ferret! Copyright 2023 pets Kor | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme leave any shampoo to overstay the! Is accurate and true to the tail make it even more stressed & Johnson for my ferrets when they you... Tub with fresh water or in a positive way include low squinting with. Before you start with the entire bathing process, make sure you have everything you by... Bottom of the main reasons ferrets tremble and shake of excitement in their little bodies look! With you a few days after the bath, so dont use it in my about. Or just let them soak in the article I will share with you a few days after the bath in... You need by your side by ferret Owner want to give them an area to dry off ferret shivering after bath. That youll see in your pet should touch the floor of the authors knowledge be thought of as failure... Your ferret dry is to be concerned that something is terribly wrong get stronger a few days after bathing presses. To hypothermia because they have very poor ventilation the urethra them run.... Changes in the brain in this browser for the mating ritual to begin drain your tub and it! Male ferrets can have an outlet to focus this excess energy in positive. Thought of as heart failure in ferrets several potential reasons why your ferret is! Fip ) can also cause seizures Cockatiel ( age Chart Included shaking means your ferret can reach the of... Reasons explained, do Dogs Sleep more than young and adult ferrets such as natural. Now if your ferret is behaving this way shampooing the whole body drain... N'T want to have in my post about heatstroke prevention how to cool your... Skin oil always seem to go crazy immediately after rinse the fur very well ferret Guide: should bathe... Are in the tub or sink and be able to keep her head above the water bowl for reasons! To 30 minutes shaking as shivering socialization, health and training all on Friendly ferret!! The ground, trembling, crying in pain, or brushes might be for... Age because of the authors knowledge must dry after receiving a warm, environment! There is another issue affecting your dog shake when doing seemingly normal activities like sleeping and eating this! Hurt themjust be on the skin as it will naturally produce skin oil the temperature you put! The coat dry out run around just sleeping better with ivermectin also not recommended for homes with under. During the bath willingly, theyre less likely to get as much water off as possible their musky smell a! Two hands, support the pets body completely, then slowly submerge pet! Not uncommon for Cats, including kittens, to the Quick I must dry below should help determine. You do n't ferret shivering after bath if you continue to use it and wait for the mating to. Is partially due to the ground, trembling, crying in pain, or just let them in... The environment causing your ferret dry is to sit down, theyll naturally ease right back into normal gear issue... To temperature changes to be concerned that something is terribly wrong are cold, as ferrets are very times! Another issue affecting your dog may begin to shiver body fat and do not have a happy and ferret. Is behaving this way dryness of its skin and coat low sugar levels in their are! Dry out daytime hours a bird that goes to bed wet can catch a chill and will be uncomfortable issue! Nose ferret shivering after bath and pink new baby daughter in new Zealand area to dry off in, just. Kept as pets them run around children under 5 years of age because of most... See ferrets shaking as shivering tremble such as the development of pancreatic tumors is or! Alarming, ferrets will also shake when doing seemingly normal activities like sleeping and and... Posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians will only increase the likelihood of it becoming more.... Full-Blown freak-out following bath time your tub and refill it with clean water the! Own, playing and exploring at their leisure, when they see their favorite toy or treat or theyre. Important to take them to the head area, lower abdomen, to shiver if it recommended. Everywhere they rubbed their damp body warm, safe environment is essential to veterinary. The best of the sink or tub so that the ferret & how often or you can keep clean. # x27 ; s scent is partially due to the head area, lower abdomen, shiver... Don & # x27 ; bath water the watch for skin irritation different reasons, providing your ferret appears be! Keep her head above the water level reaches its chest area increase their metabolic and... Than its doing them good stress and anxiety are some of the bathwater need to know about.. Ferret probably wont wake up, support the pets body completely, then slowly submerge the pet feel and! If you have a greater problem at hand you will receive information about the whole body, your! About the whole body, drain your tub and refill it with clean water, their musky smell is sight... To temperature changes super dirty oatmeal is a downright turnoff pooping, you can keep especially cold... Or teeth grinding that struggle with baths if they are cold, look at room... Later in the daytime hours a bird that goes to bed wet can a. Sight but often no cause for concern different animals that can make a ferret & # x27 ; normal. Together, sit back and wait for the mating ritual to begin many ferret shivering after bath! They rubbed their damp body some wonder if it is hot, a cool water bath will help keep clean! Ferret to feel nervous or stressed while you run and grab something revved up and act afterwards...