How to Brush a Ferret's Teeth
All pets require regular health screenings and a diverse diet. There are many preventive measures which pet owners can take to ensure a happy pet. Brushing a ferret’s teeth is very similar to brushing the teeth of a cat, and is a short process which will keep your pet's mouth clean.
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Things You'll Need
- Water
- Blanket
- Small cat toothbrush
- Small animal toothpaste
- Ferret treat
Instructions
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1
Shut yourself and your pet ferret in a small room such as a bathroom with the water, blanket, toothbrush, toothpaste, and the reward item. Begin to calmly pet the animal and hold it in the blanket. While playing put your hands near the ferret's mouth, and see how your pet reacts to being touched. After a few moments of playing around the ferrets mouth reward the positive behavior with a treat.
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2
Wet the toothbrush and put the toothbrush near your ferret’s mouth. Allow your pet to sniff and lick the toothbrush out of curiosity. Put the wet toothbrush into your pet's mouth and move the brush back and forth in a gentle brushing motion. Remove the toothbrush and reward your pet for their tolerance of your brushing.
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3
Apply a dab of toothpaste to the toothbrush and once again put the toothbrush into your ferret’s mouth. If the ferret likes to squirm, then try wrapping a blanket around it for comfort, but do not act in a forceful manner. Brush the top and bottom teeth for less than 30 seconds total.
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4
Rinse the toothbrush thoroughly with clean water, then place the wet clean brush back into the ferret’s mouth to brush away the toothpaste. Brush for 10 seconds to get your ferret's mouth rinsed and clean. Provide clean drinking water for your pet, and reward their tolerant behavior with a treat.
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5
Brush your pet’s teeth at least once weekly to reduce the buildup of plaque. Reward your pet after each cleaning, and gradually work up to brushing longer each time.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not force your pet into an uncomfortable situation. If they do not like your brushing, then take them to the veterinarian for the appropriate cleaning.
Ferrets may bite if they feel threatened.
