Just like every other human, ferrets also need to remain clean. Fortunately, cleaning their body is pretty easy. But when it’s time to clean your ferret’s ears, your pet might make it difficult.
Ferrets are extremely sensitive about their ears.
It is hard to clean their ears, and it makes them agitated; they don’t like any human hand or brush inside their ear. However, the problem is, their ears need the best attention, and they require constant cleaning because unlike other animals (cats or dogs), ferrets don’t scratch or rub their ear much when they find it itchy, dirty, or even when there’s a severe infection.
This makes it almost impossible for the owner to ever find out if the ear is dirty or infectious, unless he or she takes the time to check actively.
For general ferret care, you can check out this guide, but read on to learn more about why you need to clean your ferret’s ears regularly to keep your pet healthy.
Why Should You Clean Your Ferret’s Ears?
Ear mites are one of the main reasons to clean your ferret’s ears.
These are parasites that live in your pet’s ear and cause itchiness and infections, such as yeast infections. In the medical language, they are known as Otodectis Cynotis. While extremely tiny, ear mites are big enough to be seen by the naked eye. They look like tiny moving dots or worms.
Due to the presence of too many ear mites, your ferret’s ear will start producing more and darker ear wax. This is the first sign that your ferret needs his ears checked. If you take too long to clean your ferret’s ears, it creates problems for your pet, often in the very near future.
Another sign that often goes unnoticed is when your ferret starts smelling bad constantly. The smells come from their ear. If you sniff around their ears, there’s a high chance you will smell a musty smell. This indicates their ear require cleaning.
Apart from these signs, sometimes, the puss or other discharge inside the ears of a ferret can create problems. This is an extreme case that required proper and immediate medical attention. You need to take him to the vet before going any further with the cleaning process.
In case you wonder why we are focusing so much on ferret’s ear issues, this should concern you just as much. Ear mites can be transferred to humans, and if you’re like us, you don’t want to be dealing with that anytime in your life. You should start paying more attention and keep your pet’s ear clean, especially if you have small children in the house.
How To Clean Your Ferret’s Ears
Now that we have given you enough reasons to keep your pet’s ears clean, let’s get down to business.
First, you will need to get a good ear cleaning solution that is specifically made for ferrets. It is also good to have a suggestion from your veterinarian as he can suggest some good options.
Here we have made a small list of cleaning solutions with a small description that receives the best reviews from ferret owners.
- Marshal Ferret Ear Cleaner: This ferret ear cleaner is specially made for ferrets; it works well with ferrets’ sensitive small ears. It’s an odorless liquid and contains eucalyptol which keeps the ear tissues healthy. The liquid drops are incredible for dissolving substances like wax. They give a soothing sensation and don’t make your ferret itch, making it easy to apply. One of its cons is that the drops are a tad bigger so you are going to have to be extra careful when pouring it in their ear. This ferret ear cleaning product received 4.5 out of 5 stars by the people who use it frequently.
- Otic Clean Ear Cleaning Solution: This solution is generally made for cats and dogs but it is very effective for ferret ears as well. It is trusted by many professional veterinarians. This odorless liquid is non-toxic and doesn’t damage or prickle the ear tissues. It breaks down the hard wax and makes it easy to remove using earbuds. It also dissolves the stubborn wax you find stuck in the deeper parts of the ear.
- Zymox Ear Cleanser: Zymox is the type of cleaner that actively kills bacteria and gets rid of things like fungi and wax. It prevents ear infections and works effectively to protect the ears from harmful diseases. It is non-toxic and hence keeps your ferret safe from any irritation on the skin or inside the ears. Because of its greasiness, it can attract dirt so apply it cautiously.
How To Apply Ear Cleaning Solution
Well, now the final step is to learn how to gently apply the ear cleaning solution in your ferret’s ears. Each cleaning solution comes with instructions, so it is straightforward and better to follow them to stay safe.
If your vet has suggested a solution, you can directly ask him about the entire process, as he is more knowledgeable about the problem of your ferret and can recommend a good and better way. His opinion can solve your problem immediately as you will directly land on the steps that will be the best for the particular problem of your ferret.
But in case you are buying these solutions without consulting your vet, there are a few things you can do to prevent the risk factor.
Gently pour the drops while massaging the back of their ears and use a cotton ball or earbuds to clean the visible surface.
Don’t push the cotton ball or earbuds too deep as it will harm the sensitive ear tissues.
Make sure the drops are just the right amount warm before applying them. If the drops are too hot or too cold, your ferret can feel prickled. It can be difficult to apply them.
The ferret’s body temperature falls between 100-105 degrees Fahrenheit and judging from that you need to pour the drops when they are at an average temperature.
If you are still hesitant about the cleansing of your ferret’s ears, then reach out to the nearest veterinarian to ask for tips or learn from their experience.
Some veterinarians charge extra money, but they can do this job for you and save you the headache if you are nervous about doing it yourself.
If your ferret is deaf, don’t neglect to check on its ears simply because it can’t use them! Read this guide next to learn more about deaf ferrets.