Ferrets as Pets ” Is This The Right Pet For You?

Ferrets as Pets ” Is This The Right Pet For You?
Many people are now considering ferrets as pets. This animal is the third most popular pet in the United States according to the pet industry, in spite of the fact that it’s illegal to own one in California, one of our most populous states. You may be thinking of getting a ferret yourself. Just don’t make the mistake of assuming that this curious, independent critter is anything like any other pet you’ve ever known. The ferret is a small, long-bodied, low-slung creature closely related to weasels, skunks, wolverines and badgers. Their sleek bodies and thick soft fur reveal their close relationship to the mink, while their intelligence, ingenuity and playfulness mark them as a relative of the otter. All these animals are carnivores, and the ferret is no exception. Since a ferret can live for 7 to 9 years or even longer, you must really understand what you’re getting into before adopting one of these little animals as a household pet. For the ferret’s well-being, and yours, the adoption of a ferret should be a decision that is made after long and careful thought. For instance, you should not assume that the ferret is a good substitute for your young child’s hamster, since ferrets require lots of attention, playtime and affection. They are very social animals, and can’t stay locked in their cage forever without company or companionship. If you can’t spend several hours a day playing and socializing with your ferret, you should consider a goldfish instead. Ferrets are also much less forgiving than the tiny hamster or placid guinea pig, and will defend themselves if a small child hurts them. Any child under the age of 6 (and many older children) will not have the sensitivity or coordination they need to pick up a ferret without hurting it. These animals are not recommended for households with small children for that reason. Ferrets do have sharp teeth, and they’ll use them to protect themselves. Ferrets must have a cage where they can sleep peacefully (as much as 18 to 20 hours a day), but they can’t stay in their cage all the time. When they do come out, they will act much like a kitten on steroids, with an extra dose of curiosity and independence. They love to play, and if they have been properly socialized they will love to play with you. But this also means that they will find many things to play with that you may prefer they leave alone ” and some items they decide to chew or wrestle with can be dangerous to the animal. That means that much attention must be paid to the chore of ferret-proofing your house (before you bring your new pet home) in order to protect your pet and your possessions. If you were thinking that your new ferret would simply stay in his cage all the time, you must rearrange your thinking or forget the idea of having one of these animals as a pet. And if you thought they would grow out of their playfulness, as many cats do, you are mistaken. However, they sleep for much of the day so they’re active for only a few hours, and they are usually willing to schedule their play at a time that’s convenient for their owners. Unfortunately, many people are getting ferrets for pets without carefully considering the decision. As the ferret becomes more popular as a pet, many ferrets are being abandoned at the local shelter or rescue organization or simply put out into a field to starve to death when their owners grow tired of them. This is almost always certain death for the previously loved pet ferret. Wild members of the weasel family are very efficient killers who learn to hunt from their mothers ” but domesticated ferrets have no opportunity to learn the skills needed to help them survive in the wild. When abandoned out of doors, most ferrets will survive only a few days before turning into a meal for a cat, coyote, or fox - or simply starving to death. Unfortunately, many animal shelters will not accept a ferret that his owner no longer wants. Since giving up any pet is emotionally traumatic for the owner, and potentially fatal for the animal, you should make the decision to adopt a ferret as a pet only after careful study and consideration.

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How Important Is Pet Dental Care?
Dental care is an important part of caring for your pet. Just like humans ? dogs have teeth that can cause problems if they are not cared for with a proper dental routine. You may have already noticed, but dogs can suffer from bad breath just like humans can.

Your vet is an important part of this dental care. Ask your vet to show you how to brush your pets? teeth properly. Your vet knows how to brush their teeth properly so your beloved pet doesn?t get gum disease or any of the other conditions associated with poor oral hygiene.

You are going to need to spend some time finding the right toothbrush for your dog. You can use a child?s toothbrush ? but it is recommended that you rather buy a special toothbrush for your pet. It will make brushing easier and will be worth the money.

To buy a toothbrush you can visit your vet or local pet supply store. You might be surprised to see how many variations of pet toothbrushes and toothpaste?s there are. Rather ask for help if you are not sure about what kind to get. There are some rules for choosing the best brush for your dog. You need to make sure that the bristles are soft so they don?t damage the dog?s gums. You also need to make sure you choose the right sized brush (just make sure its? not too big or too small for your dogs mouth). Lastly check that the handle is big enough for you to comfortably get a grip on the toothbrush.

You cannot use human toothpaste on your dog. Rather use a special high quality toothpaste with ingredients specially formulated for dogs. You need to spend some time choosing your toothpaste too. Cheaper brands might use ingredients that are harmful to your pet, and there are some common ingredients can make your pet sick. Read the labels carefully and check that the toothpaste does not contain salt, detergents or enzymes as these are dangerous for your pet. There is a huge choice at most pet supply store?s so ask for help and read the labels carefully.

Brushing your dogs? teeth for the first time can be difficult; especially if they are not used to it. This can be avoided by starting when they are puppies ? but if it?s too late for that don?t worry. The key is to be gentle, speak in a soft voice and do not force the dog. He must learn that it is not a big deal. Start from the back of the mouth and work your way forward in small circular motions.

If your dog really does not want to allow you to brush his teeth without a fight you can use a towel first. Try rubbing his teeth so he gets used to the sensation as well as your fingers in his mouth. Speak encouragingly and softly; you can even sing a little tune to calm him down. After a few patient weeks the dog should allow you to brush his teeth without any hassles.

You should be brushing your dogs? teeth daily; but if you can?t manage that ? once every second day should be fine. It?s important that you start too see your dogs mouth as your own. By doing this you will ensure that your dogs? teeth will last well into old age; and of course his dog breath will improve.

Gary Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu?s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies he occasionally has for sale at <a href="http://allmypuppiesonline.com">All My Puppies Online</a> Gary is also the author of two consumer guides, <a href="http://carpetsecrets.com">Carpet Secrets</a> and <a href="http://movingsecretsguide.com">Moving Secrets Guide</a>

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