How to get rid of the smell of a ferret: the causes of stink and how to eliminate it at home

Table Of Contents

Do ferrets stink at home?
Causes of bad smell
How to get rid of the smell of a ferret in the apartment

It happens that on the threshold of the guest's apartment he meets a specific smell. It turns out that the owners cohabit with some animal. The ferret is increasingly chosen for its lively, cheerful disposition, pleasant fluffy fur. But if you mistreat an animal, you can face the negative side of its nature. Why can a ferret smell bad and how to get rid of it?

Do ferrets stink at home?

Animal lovers' concern about smell stems from the well-known fact that wild ferrets defend themselves from enemies by emitting a sharp, stinking stench.Cute little animals have been kept at home since ancient times. Now the choice has become much larger. Ferrets vary in size and color. I think if the nasty spirit from a ferret was indestructible, no one would keep him in the apartment, trying to get dubious pleasure.

Causes of bad smell

Stink can come from all living things, often from the inanimate. Example: a stash of foods that a ferret tends to hide under a sofa or other secluded place to feast on in complete peace.

The animal itself can emit an unpleasant odor due to:

lack of essential ingredients in feed;
natural sebum secretions;
production of an enzyme to attract the opposite sex;
illness;
secret of paraanal glands.

An unbalanced diet causes a change in the composition of sebaceous secretions, enhanced by the smell of excrement. A similar result is observed in diseases, especially of the gastrointestinal tract. Both urine and feces can take on an additional unpleasant odor.

The sebaceous glands secrete a substance that seems fragrant to some people, neutral to others. For some, such a bouquet causes negative emotions. But even these people can change their attitude by getting to know the lively, playful nature of the ferret. After all, the waste products of a beloved baby do not seem fetid.

During the rut, the amber from male ferrets really rolls over. The smell from the opposite sex is quite tolerable. At this time, ferrets become restless, males become aggressive. They are actively marking their territory. Females sometimes also do this operation. A way out of the situation has long been found.

How to get rid of the smell of a ferret in the apartment

Recommendations from veterinarians and experienced pet owners will help those who have problems.

Castration and sterilization

Ferrets become sexually mature at 7-12 months. In females, the first estrus can begin as early as 5 months. The castration procedure is simple and fast. After her, the animal begins a quiet life. And the wound requires only disinfection after the operation. Experienced livestock breeders often castrate themselves. So this kind of veterinary intervention shouldn't cause concern to owners.

Sterilization of females is more difficult; it would seem that there is no need for it. But the incessant estrus exhausts the body. Immunity is weakened, the female ceases to please the care of the owners. Without the onset of pregnancy, estrus is unlikely to stop. Owners have the opportunity to choose mating and get offspring of ferrets.

But the breeding periods of this species of animal are repeated 2 times a year. If you do not breed ferrets for sale, then it is better to immediately choose sterilization.

The operation is also carried out during estrus. There are 2 ways to get rid of sexual problems:

complete removal of reproductive organs;
ovarian resection.

Veterinarians advise to choose the first method, since the second one causes complications in the future. A few days after the operation, if the female is properly cared for, her condition will return to normal. After recovery, the ferret is again cheerful and friendly.

Paraanal glands

These glands are located at the anus. In the wild, they are needed: they are often used to scare off enemies with a terrible pungent smell. However, the so-called "smoke screen" soon dissipates, leaving no memories.

In order not to face its action, experts advise not to frighten the animal. In a loving environment at home, the ferret feels protected and does not use his secret weapon. It is possible for the whole life of the animal not to try this aroma. A puncture is possible only when too active games are played with the ferret.

Based on the above, there is no need to remove the paraanal glands. Even if someone from my acquaintances advises.

The veterinarian will say that the operation is not the easiest, it can lead to complications and negative consequences. For the animal, this is fraught with constant aftercare. The worst result for the comfort of the owners will be a change in the functioning of the sebaceous glands, trying to take over the protection of the body. Then the ferret will really “smell.”

Hygiene procedures

An integral part of pet care is cleaning his toilet. The ferret is easily accustomed to the tray.The ideal state will be if every time the owners of the house, they immediately remove the excrement. If after that someone smells something unpleasant, the air freshener will create the desired background in the apartment. The bed is washed every month. At the sight of pollution in the cage, they do wet cleaning.

You can't get involved in bathing a ferret. Wash the beast 1 time in 2-3 months with a special shampoo. If you dry up the skin with constant water procedures, the work of the sebaceous glands will increase, and you will get an effect that is the opposite of what you want. In addition, if the animal was not able to instill a love for bathing, every time for him this will be the strongest stress. Ferrets naturally dislike water.