Ferrets for Life
Cleaning your ferrets ears...see video on nail clipping on other tab..also shows ear cleaning!!
Ferrets’ ears are prone to earwax. This is normal and does not necessarily mean that your ferret has ear mites or an ear infection. Cleaning your ferret’s ears once or twice a month helps reduce the risk of bacterial build up, which can lead to ear infections, and helps you monitor for ear mites to prevent them from spreading, should one of your pets pick them up somewhere and bring them into the house.
MATERIALS TO USE
COTTON SWABS:
Cotton swabs are the instrument of choice for cleaning ferrets’ ears. The ferret’s ear canal is shaped like an “L” and as long as you work gently, there is no risk to the ferret’s ears.
CLEANING SOLUTIONS:
Ear cleaning solutions made for kittens and cats are usually safe for ferrets. Peroxide is another alternative in moderation. Do not use mineral oil, except as a softening agent for dried earwax. Be sure to clean it out thoroughly and follow with a drying agent or ear cleaner. If left in the ear, mineral oil can encourage the growth of bacteria and possibly cause ear infections. Do not use plain water, either, since water cannot dissolve the earwax, which is an oil-based material.
PROCEDURE:
Pick up your ferret by grabbing his scruff (The loose patch of skin on his neck above his shoulder blades) and hold him up so his feet cannot touch any surfaces. Most ferrets will go limp when this is done properly. Hold the ferret over a table or counter so that if he does wiggle free, or you lose your grip, he won’t just fall to the floor! Pour a little ear cleaning solution into a small container, such as a jar lid. Dip the cotton swabs into the solution as needed.
Clean the outer ear first to avoid pushing excess dirt into the ear canal. Use a wet cotton swab first, then a dry one to soak up excess moisture. Repeat as needed using fresh swabs until no more dirt or wax is visible. Use the same procedure for the ear canal using a scooping/ twirling motion to prevent pushing wax deeper into the ears. Do not use the same swabs on both ears – always use fresh ones. This helps prevent the spread of mites or bacteria from ear to ear.
MATERIALS TO USE
COTTON SWABS:
Cotton swabs are the instrument of choice for cleaning ferrets’ ears. The ferret’s ear canal is shaped like an “L” and as long as you work gently, there is no risk to the ferret’s ears.
CLEANING SOLUTIONS:
Ear cleaning solutions made for kittens and cats are usually safe for ferrets. Peroxide is another alternative in moderation. Do not use mineral oil, except as a softening agent for dried earwax. Be sure to clean it out thoroughly and follow with a drying agent or ear cleaner. If left in the ear, mineral oil can encourage the growth of bacteria and possibly cause ear infections. Do not use plain water, either, since water cannot dissolve the earwax, which is an oil-based material.
PROCEDURE:
Pick up your ferret by grabbing his scruff (The loose patch of skin on his neck above his shoulder blades) and hold him up so his feet cannot touch any surfaces. Most ferrets will go limp when this is done properly. Hold the ferret over a table or counter so that if he does wiggle free, or you lose your grip, he won’t just fall to the floor! Pour a little ear cleaning solution into a small container, such as a jar lid. Dip the cotton swabs into the solution as needed.
Clean the outer ear first to avoid pushing excess dirt into the ear canal. Use a wet cotton swab first, then a dry one to soak up excess moisture. Repeat as needed using fresh swabs until no more dirt or wax is visible. Use the same procedure for the ear canal using a scooping/ twirling motion to prevent pushing wax deeper into the ears. Do not use the same swabs on both ears – always use fresh ones. This helps prevent the spread of mites or bacteria from ear to ear.
