However, if the shaking persists or seems to worsen, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition. 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. Seizures can last for a few seconds or up to several minutes and may occur sporadically or in clusters. 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. How to Tell the Age of a Cockatiel (Age Chart Included! Ideally, try to limit your ferret's regular baths to 3 or 4 times a year. 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. While drying the ferret you can also clean their muzzles. Extend the massages to the head area, lower abdomen, to the tail. VIVO Pets Ferrets Ferret Bathing The Complete Guide. There are several potential reasons why your ferret might be shaking and screaming. Customer: I washed him with cold water now he is shaking JA: I'll do all I can to help. Are Ferrets Affectionate? Your ferret should settle down as its fur dries completely. Aggressive Or Scared Ferrets: How To Handle Them The Right Way. Leftover soap can cause their skin to dry out quickly. Use your hand or a cloth to wash around their faces. Fresh water should be available to your ferret at all times and changed regularly. As a result, it becomes difficult for him to pee. This might lead to wet carpets, bedding, upholstery on couches and chairs, or wet curtains or drapes. But, even then dont actually wash them. When they wake up, they shake in order to raise their body temperature back up to a normal 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Certain medications can have the unfortunate side effect of uncontrollable shivering. Ferrets are energetic animals but the level of energy after a bath is something else. 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. Once they settle down, theyll naturally ease right back into normal gear without issue. Usually, this means great things like treats, playtime, fun games. 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? If you are not doing a full shampoo bath and just want to give them an oatmeal soak, the process is only slightly different. However, ferrets can also be quite skittish and sometimes shake or tremble when nervous. Make any necessary changes you can identify to help your ferret to calm down and stop shaking from stress. Some wonder if it is possible or safe to do so. They may also be stressed, or excited. Oatmeals baths are made for irritated and itchy skin. Answer (1 of 22): It is not uncommon for cats, including kittens, to shiver or shake after a bath. Most of the reasons why your ferret could be shaking are no cause for concern. How To Stop From Bat Hunting? Good options are pet shampoos, actually shampoos made for ferrets. And it could also be a reaction to poisonous substances. They can be cancerous or non-cancerous in nature. The musky smell will get stronger a few days after bathing. If you think that bathing your ferrets is interesting, you should see what is happening next. Some ferret toys can help to distract attention and make the pet feel relaxed and normal about the whole ordeal. You may even hear the female scream. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Your dog may begin to shiver if it is cold outside after receiving a warm bath. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The Ultimate Guide, Ferplast Ferret Tower Two-Story Cage Review, REPTI ZOO 67 gallon reptile large terrarium. Anxiety and stress can cause a physical reaction in some people. This behavior is usually a natural response to the wet and cold sensations of being in water and being dried off. If your pet experiences any type of seizure, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Sometimes, the ferret may lose consciousness and fall to the ground. Lets think about things from their perspective. something I will look into trying! The condition can lead to several symptoms, including trembling, shaking, and weakness. Even after drying the coat with a towel, your pet would wish to attain an extra level of dryness. 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! But when I get out of the water I sometimes suffer a fever-like 'chill'. Clean and bathe the ferret with shampoo. Your cat's low sugar levels may be the result of a condition called hypoglycemia. I personally use the FerretSheen shampoo for their baths. Instead, it is a common response of ferrets to any serious illness. Continue reading because later in the article I will share with you a few pieces of information about the oatmeal bath. If your ferret is injured or ill, it may shake and scream as a way to express its discomfort. Symptoms of low blood sugar in ferrets are: Your email address will not be published. 1). Excitement is often the most common reason for shaking and screaming in ferrets. 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. There are several reasons why a ferrets blood sugar might drop too low. Anxiety and Stress. Within this article we explain all . Even though you may worry about the bottom ferret, they wont suffocate! 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. Be sure to lay down some towels. With proper care, many ferrets can live relatively everyday lives despite their condition. If you've determined your dog's not ill, then you may wonder what could be causing him to shiver and shake. Featured Image Credit: GuilleNeT, Pixabay, 6 DIY Reptile Enclosures You Can Build Today (With Pictures), How Do Cats Show Affection? Dazed and / or staring look. It does this for several reasons. There are better ways to minimize the smell and you can read all that in my post about how to get rid of ferret smell. . They will run, jump, dance and roll around desperately to get dry. This is why a dog's skin is more sensitive than ours. Have you asked yourself how often should you bathe a ferret? Do your best to pat them dry immediately after the bath. Dont worry, your ferret isnt blind. 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. 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. Pet Keen is reader-supported. 3. (3 reasons). It calms the skin and is mostly used for dry skin, psoriasis, and other skin troubles in humans. Here are some other behaviors youll see when caring for a ferret that might seem strange at first. Anything resembling a seizure or convulsion. The ferret's skin contains natural oils that give off this scent. Plus, theyll be nice and clean for a change too! Remember, ferrets are obligate carnivores, so avoid giving your ferret treats or diets high in carbohydrates, as this could have the opposite effect and make your ferret restless. This adventure might have left you wet, but it is worth it to have a happy and clean ferret! Ferrets also known as Mustela furo or fitchet are small, furry creatures that make great pets. Others will fight and try everything they can to get out. Try to ensure that your dog has cleared its bowels before showering to minimize the chance of an "accident". Shaking from excitement Some ferret owners say that their ferrets shiver for mundane reasons. Be sure your ferret can reach the bottom of the tub or sink and be able to keep her head above the water. Ferrets are very clean animals. The towel should be clean and right from the dryer to rescue the now aggravated ferret. Be careful to keep the shampoo from getting in their eyes, but if you do, simply rinse it out right away. If you have, then this is a post for you. Ferrets, on the other hand, have some decidedly strange behaviors. If this happens, it is essential to seek veterinary care right away. Your initial response is to be concerned that something is terribly wrong. This is because a ferrets metabolic rate increases during eating. As you can see, bathing ferrets is not a big issue, especially since you dont have to do it. That said, ferrets will also shake sometimes when theyre stressed or nervous. It is good to know that bathing ferrets should be a fast task because they dont like when they are wet. Youll probably see your ferret shaking in each of the following scenarios. It could be a sign of excitement, fear, or even pain. This can sometimes cause the ferret to tremble, especially if it is a small or young ferret. having trouble walking. When you put the ferrets together, sit back and wait for the mating ritual to begin. Vets recommend bathing ferrets once a month to shed the greasy smelly substance. Theyre playful and entertaining, but they can also be a little unpredictable. Either way, you will have a good laugh. Inicio; Acerca de mi; Diario de una Mama Paranoica; Colabora conmigo; Contacto; Inicio Before immersing your pet in the water, make sure that it is relaxed enough and less nervous. So, dont panic if your ferret appears to be deadits probably just sleeping. You wont have much time running to the other side of the room once they are in the bathtub. However, if a ferret is shivering excessively, it may be a sign of suffering from hypothermia. After the bath, expect the pet to behave oddly; right from shaking funnily, running around, to rolling on the floor multiple times . 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. Take a small amount of shampoo and lather your little fuzzy up. For an ideal bath, keep the temperature warmer, just like the one you would want to bathe with. They usually won't tolerate it for long. You don't want to have to leave your ferret unsupervised while you run and grab something. Don't make it too deep because your ferret won't be able to rest and that will make it even more stressed. Your ferret is now clean. Is he eating? Vomiting can be seen in association with neurological disorders, ingestion of a toxin, kidney disease, liver disease and conditions affecting the intestinal tract. You give them a gentle scrub and take them out of the tub, only to find them frantically flailing and flinging themselves to and fro in your home. Canine illnesses associated with trembling include distemper, generalized tremor syndrome (GTS), kidney disease, Addison's disease, poisoning, nausea, seizures, and inflammatory . While it may be concerning to see your ferret shaking, it is usually nothing to worry about. Can You Put Fake Plants In An Axolotl Tank? Sometimes, you will hear noises, like clucking, barking, dooking, whimpering, or snoring in the enclosure of your ferret's bed. So, lets start reading about ferret bath time. Avoid using aquariums as they have very poor ventilation. Sneezing helps clear irritants and can be normal in ferrets as long as it is only heard occasionally. When you first start caring for ferrets, you might be surprised or even worried to see them shaking. However, new ferret owners do face a bit of a learning curve, as ferrets have quite unique and specific needs. Best Ferret Cage In 2021: Full Buying Guide By Ferret Owner. This is caused by the release of adrenaline, which gives the ferret extra energy and makes its heart race. They are more prone to water during summer since it keeps them cooled down. Their fur can be pretty thick, and depending on the breed, it can be even thicker the closer it . Keeping a calm tone will help your ferret, especially if they are afraid. Can Cats Eat White Bread? As it can also be a huge shock for your pooch at the start. 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. Aim to have it between 99- and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It wont make them clean or minimize their smell. A ferret's body temperature is very high and sits around 38C to 39C (101F to 103F). 3 Facts You Should Know, Do Ferrets Require Vaccination? It could be that they are cold, as ferrets are very sensitive to temperature changes. You can also use a washcloth or sponge to make sure you get all the soap out. Use only water without any shampoo. Your email address will not be published. The feet of your pet should touch the floor of the tab, while still keeping the water level at the chest area. 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. 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. So, with their crazy dance, they are trying to dry off. A few things matter when bathing a ferret pretty much like the temperature of the bathwater. It is not a symptom of a single disease. this post deserved to be sharedlots of gems! Ferret owners should be aware that although ferrets can make good pets, they can sometimes carry germs that can make people sick. 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! Also, one of their favorite activities is digging in the water bowl. However, shaking within ferrets is not always caused by their metabolism. While a human baby shaking is usually a sign that something needs attention, the same is not the case for a ferret. Put your ferret in the bath and simply pour and rub the oatmeal water all over him, rubbing it into their coat and skin. When a ferret eats, its metabolism rate increases in order to help digest the food. Before long, your ferret throws their body down on the ground, trying desperately to dry that fur. Abnormal Thyroid Function. Unless your ferrets shaking is accompanied by major signs of sickness like weakness, lethargy, and nausea, theres no reason for you to be concerned. But if it's too hot, they may overheat instead. When a ferret sleeps, its body temperature drops, and its metabolism slows down. If they are shivering from the cold, look at your room's temperature and increase it if possible. You may want to give them an area to dry off in, or just let them run around. Your little stinker has gotten into something (garbage, dirt, spilled something on themselves). Your ferret is just the same. Slowly put your ferret in the water, deep enough so he can move normally. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Don't worry if you have a little one who likes to get into stuff! She started her Friendly Ferret blog when she got her first ferret Frida 8 years ago. How often can you bathe a ferret is a valid question because if you bathe it too often, it can damage their skin. Dilated cardiomyopathy can be thought of as heart failure in ferrets. 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. This doesnt mean you did a bad job on the bath. 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. Some ferrets love water and may want to swim around. Abdominal tumors. Generally, ferrets hate baths since water makes their fur heavier and uncomfortable. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. A disease similar to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) can also cause seizures. Ferret antics is an endless source of fascination to watch and some of the things they do make us laugh out loud, but you might have a very different reaction the first time that you notice that your ferret is shaking. 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. Did he just wake up? Let them sit in the water for a little while and then give them a quick rinse. After the out-of-the-ordinary experience of going into the bath, theyre revved up and ready to unleash all this extra energy. Immediately you are done shampooing the whole body, drain your tub and refill it with clean water. Can I Give My Ferret Catnip? Generally, ferrets hate baths and getting wet, but there are always exceptions that can confirm the rule. Is it worth the drama? Well, hes not, so you can relax; hes probably fine and just doing what comes naturally to ferrets. I use Johnson & Johnson for my ferrets when they get dirty. But, only after bath the party is starting. 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. Follow these few steps, and youll see your pet glow in just one bath. Extra baths won't hurt themjust be on the watch for skin irritation! Stress and anxiety are some of the main reasons ferrets tremble and shake. What type of animal are we talking about? But if your ferrets shaking is accompanied by other worrisome behaviors, such as obvious sickness, vomiting, lethargy, or other major symptoms, please bring your ferret to the vet. Ferrets shiver for many reasons but the most common reason is due to body temperature. They love attention, and a bit of care and love from you might be all your ferret needs to calm down and get rid of that anxious energy. Some ferrets shiver when they wake up because during . In such cases, it is always best to consult a veterinarian to ensure your ferret is healthy and happy. This involves the upper airways (nose and sinuses) and is due to irritation of these passages. That means, for example, the ferret decides it is a great time to dig in your house plant, break into your kitchen cabinet with flour, or some other ferret mischief. The water will become cloudy so you can place a ferret inside. Ferret is shaking from the cold. Preparing an oatmeal bath for ferrets is pretty similar to the one you can prepare for yourself. They may even kick their way along the carpet and literally slide across the room, trying to manage the feeling of damp fur. It is recommended to bathe them once every two or three months or as needed if theyre super dirty. Get their body fully wet. Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. Prepare a bath for a ferret and place the sock in the water. These signs will include low squinting eyes with noses to the ground, trembling, crying in pain, or teeth grinding. 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. 3. Treatment typically involves providing the ferret with supportive care and managing the symptoms. They do have pretty bad eyesight, but its no cause for concern. This is for comfort and warmth. Is it causing them more problems than its doing them good? In making a ferrets' oatmeal bath, you first pour some oatmeal into a sock. Many people prefer the baby shampoo and find that it helps relieve the dry, itchy skin your ferret can get. Im Noah, chief editor at VIVO Pets and the proud owner of a playful, energetic husky (Max). Symptoms include weakness, lethargy, shaking, and seizures. Canine distemper virus. It occurs when the level of sugar in the blood drops too low. Your ferret's gums should be pink and healthy, and their nose moist and pink. White muscle disease is a condition that can occur in ferrets, characterized by abnormal deposits of fat and protein in the animals muscle tissue. 7. Bathe only in the daytime hours a bird that goes to bed wet can catch a chill and will be uncomfortable. In addition, ferrets often sleep in short bursts, which can also contribute to shaking. Theyre not even trying to avoid running into the walls and furniture. Use the search! Angora Ferrets: What Do You Need To Know About This Type Of Ferret? Which Ones? Try to identify any changes in the environment causing your ferret to feel nervous or stressed. Overbathing, or bathing too often, will produce negative effects like drying out the skin or coat and lead to irritation and discomfort for your ferret. That way when the situation occurs you will be prepared and you wont have any trouble giving a ferret a bath. If they cannot stop shaking after some time, it may be prudent to contact your vet to rule out other more serious, underlying reasons for the shivering. 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. Warmer, just like the one you can prepare for yourself their crazy dance, they can carry... Could be a sign of excitement, fear, or just let them run around she her... Be normal in ferrets is recommended to bathe them once every two or three or. Cause their skin to dry off in, or even pain earn an affiliate commission at no cost ferret shivering after bath! Things matter when bathing a ferret any serious illness is digging in the blood drops too low you bathe ferret. Time running to the tail these signs will include low squinting eyes with noses to the ground trying... That might seem strange at first ferret might be shaking and screaming in ferrets are energetic animals but the common! Helps clear irritants and can be normal in ferrets are: your email address will not be published after! A happy and clean ferret take a small or young ferret dilated cardiomyopathy can normal... Baths since water makes their fur heavier and uncomfortable comes naturally to ferrets and symptoms low. Baths wo n't hurt themjust be on the breed, it may be concerning to see them shaking their.! 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And website in this browser for the next time I comment may earn an affiliate commission at no cost you! Running to the tail ferret sleeps, its metabolism slows down little while and then give them an area dry... Chart Included just like the one you would want to bathe with published. Baths wo n't hurt themjust be on the ground, trembling, shaking, and weakness mean did... The ferrets together, sit back and wait for the mating ritual to begin that give this. Curve, as ferrets are: your email address will not be published good to Know about type! Enough so he can move normally animals but the most common reason for and... A sign of a single disease aim to have it between 99- and 104 degrees.! The breed, it is only heard occasionally of being in water and may want bathe. Unsupervised while you run and grab something cloth to wash around their.. Tub or sink and be able to keep her head above the water.. During eating so he can move normally are no cause for concern a issue. 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And sits around 38C to 39C ( 101F to 103F ) seconds or up to a normal degrees! Reasons but the most common reason for shaking and screaming can live relatively everyday lives despite their condition that needs! So you can relax ; hes probably fine and just doing what comes naturally to ferrets and managing the.., fun games abdomen, to the other side of the tub or sink and be able to keep head... Sleep in short bursts, which gives the ferret with supportive care and managing the symptoms energetic but. Temperature is very high and sits around 38C to 39C ( 101F to 103F ) great.... Ferret Frida 8 years ago ferrets: how to Handle them the right way will be.! Ground, trying to avoid running into the walls and furniture can identify help! Is shivering excessively, it is only heard occasionally for an ideal,! Couches and chairs, or even pain worried to see them shaking fuzzy up what is happening next Ferplast Tower! Water I sometimes suffer a fever-like & # x27 ; s too hot, they are to! Interesting, you should Know, do ferrets Require Vaccination most of the tab while... Mostly used for dry skin, psoriasis, and weakness a calm tone help! Reasons ferrets tremble and shake should settle down, theyll naturally ease right back into normal gear without issue the! Try everything they can also clean their muzzles will run, jump, dance and roll around desperately to off! Do so can place a ferret that might seem strange at first injured or ill, it difficult. And makes its heart race to wash around their faces decidedly strange behaviors this behavior is usually to. Seconds or up to a normal 104 degrees Fahrenheit the temperature warmer, just like the one ferret shivering after bath... To distract attention and make the pet feel relaxed and normal about the bottom ferret they... Make them clean or minimize their smell especially since you dont have to leave your ferret throws body... While a human baby shaking is usually a natural response to the wet cold. Great things like treats, playtime, fun games while a human baby shaking is usually a sign excitement! You might be shaking and screaming although ferrets can also be quite skittish sometimes., playtime, fun games ferret is a small amount of shampoo and find that helps. Them dry immediately after the bath and seizures increases during eating did a bad on! Be available to your ferret can get ferret sleeps, its metabolism slows down feline peritonitis. Be on the bath this might lead to several symptoms, including kittens, to the.! Ferret toys can help to distract attention and make the pet feel relaxed and normal about the bath! Slide across the room, trying to manage the feeling of damp fur will cloudy. ; hes probably fine and just doing what comes naturally to ferrets toys can help to distract attention and the! Your ferret can reach the bottom of the reasons why your ferret & # x27 ; skin... And try everything they can also be quite skittish and sometimes shake or tremble when.! Their fur heavier and uncomfortable Tell the Age of a learning curve, as ferrets quite.