Itchiness in ferrets is common. But when it happens, ferrets start to bite and scratch a lot. They don’t just bite their owners due to agitation but bite their own skin as well. If they scratch or bite once in a while, it means they are only grooming themselves. However, if it has become a constant habit, it shows they are trying to relieve their itch.
There are many suspected causes of itchiness in ferrets including fleas, abnormal cell development (tumor), hair infection, allergies, irritation from shampoo, bad nutrition, mange, adrenal grand tumors, lice, bacterial infections, scabies, and immune disorder.
But keep in mind, a ferret is a naturally hyper creature and can seem itchy. If there isn’t any disease, you don’t have to worry about it too much. Give them some time; they will be calm and normal again.
So what’s the best solution? First, let’s talk about coconut oil.
If you’re interested in other solutions, you can skip to our other supplements section by clicking here.
Can I Apply Coconut Oil Directly on a Ferret’s Skin?
You can, but you should be careful putting coconut oil on your ferret’s skin to cure itchiness.
While coconut oil can help skin problems and also develop a beautiful shiny coat on them, some ferret owners have reported that it can lead to more itchiness if used incorrectly. As a result, we recommend only trying it in a very small amount, and monitoring your ferret at first. The presence of lauric acid and caprylic acid in coconut oil help to prevent skin irritation, but some ferrets seem to react poorly to coconut oil nonetheless.
It is also good to use coconut oil on ferrets as pre-shampoo because they stave off damage and dryness, and the oil can help prevent potential skin allergies.
Can I Feed My Ferret Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is very good for an itchy ferret. It is actually one of the best itchy ferret remedies. When you include it in their diet, it gives them healthier and shinier fur and solves skin-related problems. But make sure you are giving it in a small amount because we have little consistent and reputable data regarding coconut oil benefits for ferrets.
When you feed your ferret coconut oil the first time, pay attention to their reaction and observe any possible changes in their behavior for a few days.
If they are acting fine and their skin issues are resolved, stop feeding them the coconut oil. You don’t have to give them it all the time. For ferrets, use coconut oil only as a cure, rather than a daily supplement.
In case you see any change in their behavior, stop giving them coconut oil at once. You can’t force your ferret to take it if he doesn’t like it, and we do not recommend trying to.
How Do I Apply Coconut Oil To My Ferret To Cure Itchiness?
There are many ways of using coconut oil on your ferret topically. There isn’t a hard and fast rule about it. You can either rub it directly on your ferret’s skin or use it as a shampoo and rinse it off after 3–5 minutes. It is also good to add a few coconut oil drops in the pet’s bathtub if your ferret doesn’t like an oil massage.
What is important to note here is that your ferret can’t really tell you if something is working or not. It is your job to exercise caution and apply oil safely and responsibly.
Most ferrets feel panic when you apply coconut oil on their skin to cure some skin disease or itchiness. Furthermore, some ferrets are sensitive to touch as well. So if your ferret is not responding well, it may be because it doesn’t like the feel of your fingers rather than the oil.
More General Tips for Itchy Ferrets
- Ask your vet how often you should apply coconut oil if your ferret is itchy. Expert advice from a professional vet should always be preferable as he can investigate the root causes and also recommend some spot treatment to avoid a big mess.
- If your ferret doesn’t like the smell of coconut oil at first, wear coconut oil throughout the day on your hands so that he can be exposed to the aroma. It can be a great initial step to check how ferrets react to the smell when you hold or play with them. If they don’t show any signs of nervousness or whining, this indicates that they are ready for the oil massage.
- Don’t apply oil on the Hobs and Jills (baby ferrets). It is not recommended by the experts, because they are developing at a fast rate. Applying oil topically on them can mess up their body changes and affect their natural sensations.
- Don’t put oil directly on their skin; this can make their wound or skin itchier. First, rub oil on your hands until they are no longer shiny then massage your ferret well. This is a great way for easier application and it doesn’t make your ferret anxious either.
The amount of coconut oil for preventing itching in the ferret depends on the size of the ferrets.
If your ferret is suffering some wound or cut and it is causing itching or scratching, use coconut oil on that specific area only. Its antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties soothe the wounds and cuts quickly.
If you’re considering other general ferret supplements, you may consider Salmon Oil as well.
Which Type of Coconut Oil is best for My Itchy Ferret?
We recommend ‘Fractionated Coconut Oil’ from the Handcraft Blends Store. It is great for itchy ferrets and it improves their skin’s health. The thing we love the most about this oil is it is fragrance-free, therefore, it won’t cause any panic in most ferrets.
Furthermore, the manufacturers kept it chemical-free.
You don’t have to worry about the side effects. Its powerful medicinal properties moisturize the skin of the ferrets and make it itch-free.
This oil isn’t only for itchy ferrets either. If you have ferrets without any issues at all, you may want to keep a bottle anyway. It has many other benefits that can keep your ferret healthy and beautiful. For instance, it fights infection and fungus on the ferret’s skin, adds volume and shine to their hair, and doesn’t clog the pores.
Another great thing about the Fractioned Coconut Oil is it is free from other ingredients. The manufacturers state that this oil bottle is 100% pure fractionated coconut oil, with no other ingredients or preservatives in it.
That’s why it is great for those ultra sensitive pets as well.
Let us know how it goes with your pet ferret and if the coconut oil helps! Use the tips above to ensure a smooth resolution and no unexpected issues with your pet’s behavior.
Other Supplements/Solutions for an Itchy Ferret
While coconut oil may work for some, it seems problematic to others. In such a case, we recommend trying one of these other solutions:
According to the research, pollock oil or salmon oil may be better for your pet ferret than coconut oil. Be careful not to feed your pet more than 1/8th teaspoon in a single day, and no more than 1 teaspoon in a week.
You can find Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil here, and Wild Alaskan Pollock Oil here.
In addition, there is a Pickle Juice that some ferret owners have found successful. It is only available on etsy, but we have a link for that here as well.