Why does my ferret scratch so much

Finally, environmental allergens may cause hypersensitivity on the skin that can lead to increased scratching and biting. As you can see, the causes are varied and it usually takes a visit to your veterinarian to help make a diagnosis and then devise a course of treatment to help your ferrets feel more comfortable. See all Ask The Doc questions and answers here. Toggle navigation. Itchy Ferrets Need Relief What can be done to help ferrets that bite and scratch due to itchiness?

Ferrets are normally more itchy than pets like dogs or cats. If an adrenal disease is suspected to be the cause of the skin irritation and the desire to scratch, surgical removal of the adrenal gland s may be recommended. Medicine may also be given orally, by injection, or as a medicated topical external ointment to minimize or eliminate the desire to scratch. Pruritus requires ongoing treatment and can be frustrating for the dog's owner if progress is not made. Administering the prescribed medications will help to reduce or eliminate the desire for the cat to scratch.

Following unilateral adrenalectomy or subtotal bilateral adrenalectomy, monitor for return of clinical signs, which may indicate tumor recurrence. Home Diseases A-Z. Written by: PetMD Editorial. Published: June 15, Pruritus in Ferrets Pruritis is defined as the sensation to itch, or the sensation that provokes the desire to scratch, rub, chew, or lick. Symptoms and Types Some of the most common symptoms seen in ferrets include: Scratching Licking Biting Chewing Inflammation of the skin Hair loss due to intense scratching and self-trauma Causes There are many suspected causes of pruritus, including fleas, scabies, lice, allergies, bacterial infections, abnormal cell development tumors , immune disorders, and allergies.

Diagnosis Your veterinarian will start with a physical exam and conduct various laboratory tests to help identify the underlying cause.

If your ferret has tumors on his adrenal glands, the vet will need to surgically remove them. It is their natural behavior. But, sometimes, it is not as usual as it looks. Scratching is likely a sign of dry skin, which can be caused due to various conditions, including seasonal molding, fleas, mites, and even tumors. In case you see constant or all day scratching, do consult your vet immediately. Compared to dogs, cats and rabbits, ferrets really do appear to scratch and bite at their skin more than those other pet species.

It is a very common complaint from new ferret owners not acquainted with this normal behavior of ferrets. During play, a ferret might jump on the back of another ferret, grab its nape and shake it until the ferret is dragged off.

Ferrets of any age might nip at people for other reasons, as well. A ferret might accidentally bite your finger or foot when it meant to grab the toy the two of you were playing with. There are many suspected causes of pruritus, including fleas, scabies, lice, allergies, bacterial infections, abnormal cell development tumors , immune disorders, and allergies. Diseases of the endocrine are thought to cause pruritus in nearly 30 percent of the affected ferrets.

Schedule an appointment with your vet to help your ferret get well.