Excessive Itching

[jprice0626]

Hello,

My furry is constantly itching especially when she wakes up and she rubs her head against the carpet. I'm not sure what to do. Should i call my vet? She's not even a year old yet.

[abbeytheferret6]

Is it just her head, or is she scratching other places on her body? Maybe it is a little routine that feels good upon waking. They do produce oil --mine seem to like rubbing themselves on fabric at times.
Also some ferrets may be shedding winter fur at his time. My boy seems to be doing that.

You can get a furminator---it is a little expensive---and mine do not like being stroked with it, so be prepared for some wiggling.

express.google.com/u/0/product/17524847744203875930_8235195113033659096_388047?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=tu_cu&utm_content=eid-lsjeuxoeqt&gtim=CJ6U9cXcwL3w


Also put it up after using because it has a rubber clad handle. Ferrets will chew it and get a blockage.
(We don't leave hubby's tools around that have rubber grips on them )




.

[Heather]

Itching is a common ferret thing...excessive itching has a number of possibilities.....shedding, fleas, mites, MCT's, adrenal (if over 18 months of age)
ciao

[jprice0626]

Great thank you all very much!!!
Shes difficulty lol my last ferret was cake.

[jprice0626]

Do u think it could be an allergy from the food. I've been trying to switch her from the Marshall's but she doesnt really seem to like the food I've been giving her to switch

[abbeytheferret6]

I know people like Wysong and seems to have a good reputation, but my Abbey itched really bad on it. I switched her to that because Evo had went out of business (found old post---it was a recall). So yes, it is possible the food is making her itch. It is the reason I changed my girl to raw.

If you are interested in raw.
You can do a combination of things using frankenprey, whole prey, grinds, and freeze dried raw OR stick to just one or 2 of these methods. Here is info on raw .
holisticferretforum.com/natural-diet/raw-diet-the-meat-of-the-site/

Concerning kibble, you want peas to be way down on the ingredient list because it is giving ferret bladder stones. Make sure grains is not the first ingredients listed. Kibble companies will tout high protein but the protein can be in the peas or soy.
Click here for a pic of a bladder stone.
Read more: holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/20966/kidney-bladder-stones-related-diet#ixzz5gGueyEgv

Here is a post from Sherry to someone that shows how to switch from one kibble to another.
If you absolutely have to stick with a kibble for now, check out either Orijen or Wysong digestive support. You would start by mixing the new kibble into a sealed container 75% old food, 25% new food for two weeks, shaking daily. At the end of two weeks fill their kibble dish with the mix. Again top up container with new food, shake well. Do this every time you add kibble to their dish until all on new food.
Read more: holisticferret60.proboards.com/search/results?captcha_id=captcha_search&what_at_least_one=orijen&who_only_made_by=1&display_as=0&search=Search#ixzz5gIlRhsK4

[jprice0626]

Thank you
I am trying to switch her to wysong I already tried stella and chewys but she stopped eating it
I really dont want to do the raw diet I know it's best for them but I really dont want to start it

[jprice0626]

How long did stop itching after you took her off of wysong

[peacexlovexpets]

Feb 22, 2019 18:31:01 GMT -5 jprice0626 said:

Thank you
I am trying to switch her to wysong I already tried stella and chewys but she stopped eating it
I really dont want to do the raw diet I know it's best for them but I really dont want to start it

Is there a specific reason why you don't want to do raw (not pushing it, just curious)?  Raw is a really nice way to find out what is making your ferret itch because it will limit the ingredients in her diet to something you have complete control over.  Another way to test if it is her diet is to contact your vet and see if you can get a hydrolyzed diet for your ferret.  These are a bit pricey, but basically it is a diet with very few ingredients and the ingredients present have already been "digested" into small enough molecules that they should not cause a reaction.  They are great for using as an "elimination diet" to figure out what in your ferret's food is actually causing the problem.

Elimination diets are starting with a diet that doesn't cause problems (typically only 2-3 ingredients) and adding ingredients until you figure out which ingredient is causing the problem, so you know what products to avoid.

If your aversion to raw is moreso the fact that it is...well...raw, I do make a balance homemade "kibble" that I only have to bake up once a week (and I have three boys) that is made out of a small list of ingredients that could be an alternative to helping you find out what your lady is allergic to (as a homemade elimination diet).  If you have any interest in knowing more about it, let me know/send me a message.



I am assuming that you have checked her ears and that she doesn't have an excess build up of wax/debris or ear mites?

[jprice0626]

Great thank you I will look into this diet. I will message you with any questions I appreciate your help
She was just at the vet about a month ago and he said she looks fine

[jprice0626]

I just feel so bad for her she cant even play without scratching