QUESTION:
I have been contemplating getting a ferret for quite some time. I have a friend who knows an albino ferret and I love her to pieces. I recently found a pet store who is selling a pair of ferrets. I have been doing research to make sure I am able to handle the requirements of the ferret. I have found a vet in my town that can handle ferrets. I have looked up the most common diseases that ferrets run into. I truly believe I could care for one the way they deserve. The only question I have....I have two dogs. What is the best way to introduce my dogs to the ferrets to see if they could get along? One dog is 6 (almost) while the other just turned 4. I do know that these ferrets have come from a previous owner, I am just not sure if they had other animals in the process. They are "homesick" from what the pet shop owner has told me. They love to be held and play, so I would love to bring them home. I just don't want to put them under more stress because of my dogs. How could you tell if the animals just won't get along?

ANSWER:

You must cage them, as some dogs will kill ferrets. When you first get them home put them in a quiet room and only handle them in there. After a few days, once the ferrets have settled down, you can introduce the dogs into the room, one at a time. Do NOT let the ferrets out of their cage. See what the reaction is! Ferrets are not afraid of anything, so do not be fooled if they are very happy to see your dogs. The dogs may be the problem!

If you have good control over the dogs and they are not of the hunting breed you may find they are not too interested, however if they show too much excitement it may mean that you will not be able to let them interact with the ferrets. It may take some time for the dogs to get used to them through the cage and only when you are sure, then you may take out a ferret and let them sniff etc.., It would be best to do this, one dog at a time.

My recommendation is you buy some RESCUE REMEDY, it is all natural and should be added to both the dogs and ferrets water and you may want to use it yourself. It will help greatly with the transition, everyone will be calm and the ferrets will adjust to a new home much more quickly.

QUESTION:
My Dad and I are thinking about getting a ferret and cannot find the answer to some questions. Can you please answer them?

ANSWER:
Most ferrets sold today have had their anal glands removed, this is called descenting. Even when the ferret has these glands they only use them when they are scared or excited, the odor emitted is unpleasant, but goes away in a couple of minutes. Ferrets ALWAYS have a 'musky' odor, the way to minimize it is to keep their bedding washed frequently, adding a little softener to the rinse cycle helps with odor.

Ferrets do not smell when going to the bathroom. You will need to scoop the litter pan twice a day to prevent the smell of ammonia from the urine, this is necessary for any caged animal. Take a look at the 2 LEVEL CONDO on my site, that is an adequate cage size for 1-2 ferrets.