Destructive chewing behaviors aren't solely for the dogs. Pet ferrets can also be big time chewers. The fluffy little mammals often sink their teeth into everything from foam to rubber. Chewing habits in ferrets aren't only pesky; they can also be extremely hazardous for the little guys.
Ferrets and Chewing
Ferrets often have a penchant for chewing on different things, and unfortunately, not all of them are ferret food or treats. Some ferret chewing favorites include erasers, soft rubber, television remote controls, foam items, small parts of toys, inserts for shoes, wires, telephone cords and blankets. The chewing behavior is extremely problematic in the wee inquisitive mammals and can lead to some very dangerous consequences.
Serious Health Risk
A ferret chewing habit is a major health risk and can lead to hazardous intestinal blockage. If something gets stuck inside of your pet's bowels, it can be life-threatening. In these types of severe situations, urgent surgery is vital to extract the source of blockage. To minimize the risk, it is crucial to carefully comb through your residence, making sure that all wires are carefully obscured and that all other small items are well out of your pet's reach. If you ever suspect any issues at all with your ferret and intestinal blockage, get veterinary help immediately.
Temporary Youth Phase
For the majority of ferrets, chewing is a temporary youth phase, according to the Ferret Information Rescue Shelter and Trust Society. Ferrets typically move past the fascination of chewing on things once they are no longer babies or "kits," although there are always exceptions. Ferrets generally are "adults" when they are roughly 4 months in age.
Toys
Toys are key to preventing or at the very least reducing stressful ferret chewing problems. Give your pet a healthy selection of ferret-safe toys that have hard rubber or hard plastic exteriors. If a toy is sufficiently solid, a ferret probably won't be able to take anything off using his chompers. The tiny mammals usually tire of toys rapidly, so provide a revolving selection of diverse and stimulating toys for your pet.
References
- PETA: Caring for Ferrets
- The Humane Society of the United States: Creature Feature
- Ferret Information Rescue Shelter and Trust Society: Caring for Ferrets
- Coastal Humane Society: Ferrets
- Humane Society of Utah: 10 Tips for New Ferret Owners
- Michigan Humane Society: Ferret Care Tips
- Small Animal Channel: Ferret Chewing Champ
- Small Animal Channel: Blanket-Chewing Ferret
Photo Credits
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