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Bad
breath, drooling, tartar buildup.... that's just
what you can expect to deal with as a ferret owner,
right? Wrong! These may be warning signals that
your pet is in need of dental care.
Older Ferret Teeth
Unfortunately,
a great many ferrets, especially older individuals,
suffer from gum disease, or inflammation of the
gums. Particles of food, saliva and bacteria can
quickly build up on your little guy's teeth to form
plaque, which can then harden into a grayish-greenish
tartar. If left untreated, the buildup can lead
to tooth decay. Experts agree that one of the best
ways to avoid gum disease is by regular brushing
and dental checkups--all performed by you, the responsible
caretaker, of course!
It's
smart to make a quick inspection of your ferret's
teeth every week or so. Look for signs of infection,
such as bad breath, difficulty eating and excessive
tartar. If you're a new ferret caretaker, you'll
soon found out that members of this species are
major gnawers and chewers, and often run into things--all
in the name of play! This can be tough on their
teeth, so keep an eye out for any chips or breaks.
What about the gums? Healthy ones are moist and
pink. If you notice anything out of the ordinary,
contact your pet's doctor. Experts also recommend
that you schedule a yearly dental exam with your
veterinarian and, if necessary, a cleaning.
Ferret Teeth & Proper Dental Care
Twice-monthly
brushings can help keep your ferret's teeth in tip-top
condition. You can use a cat toothbrush with a toothpaste
specially formulated for either ferrets or felines,
or a piece of soft gauze or nylon stocking wrapped
around your finger. Start out with just a little
paste on your finger or the gauze. You may need
an assistant to hold your pet steady until he gets
used to this procedure. Gently rub along the outer
teeth and gums for 5 to 10 seconds. Over time, you
can gradually increase the length of your sessions
and, if you desire, switch to a toothbrush. Always
be sure to pay close attention to the gum line,
and never use human toothpaste, which can make your
pet sick should he swallow it.
Animals
who exclusively eat wet food are prone to dental
problems, so it's recommended that you feed your
ferret a kibble-based diet to prevent tartar buildup.
However, hard food can be really tough on older
ferrets whose teeth are excessively worn--it's best
to discuss this with your veterinarian, who may
suggest a softer diet.
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