What to do when ferrets bite hard

Normally, ferrets bite when threatened. They also bite (nip) playfully or as a manner of showing love. But, when they are threatened or become aggressive, theybite hard. That’s not an option, but it’s a sad risk ferret owners have to consider. It can happen to anybody at any time with a nearby ferret. But there’s no need to panic. Most bites are not as harmful but still, precautionary measures must be taken properly.    

A Quick Look on Ferret’s Teeth Structure  

Ferrets’ teeth are in many ways identical to human teeth. But the dangerous part in the ferret’s dentures would have to be the tip of their canines. That is the sharp part that some owners decide to cut off at the start of its growth to avoid ferret bites from plaguing the whole ferret experience.  

The good thing is that ferrets’ canine tips can naturally break off from excessive biting of objects. Giving them hard toys they can chew, for example, can help eliminate the threat of its sharp canines. For a good chew toy, try   Marshall Pull-N-Go Ferret Toy, Frog Style  

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 1 : Assess the extent of the damage. If bitten, the very first thing to do would be to assess the depth of the bite. If it is just a minor scratch, clean the wounds but do not make any rude presumptions. In the case where you are confronted with a major bite, you need to have it checked immediately.  

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 2 : Clean the wound immediately with your first aid kit. Cover it afterwards. Having a first aid kit would be very beneficial for both you and your pet ferret. Wash with soap and water, clean it with peroxide, cover it with gauze and if all else fails proceed to the next step. Note the colour of the wound and make sure that the blood flows for a considerable amount of time before cleaning it up.  

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 3 : Go to the nearest doctor. Seeking the help of a medical professional will help you have the objective assessment of the wound. It will also ensure that you did not acquire any infections from the ferret bite. Read more about Ferret Care  

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 4 : Have the ferret checked by the veterinarian. It is not just you who needs to be checked but you also need the help of your veterinarian to have your ferret checked. You also have to have the dentures of your ferret checked to see if there are any remnants of skin or anything unusual that came from the bite. This is to ensure that both your health and the ferret’s health remain uncompromised.      

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 5 : In the case where one ferret bites another, have them both checked and keep them in separate cages until the tension dissipates. In the case of ferret to ferret bites, you will have to have both of them checked with a veterinarian. If at all possible, analyse the causes of the hostile behaviour. Eventually, you may have to combine them in a single place again, but make sure that this is done with utmost care and in a gradual manner.   

Ferret Bite Quick Tip 6 : Furnish your first aid kit immediately for both humans and ferrets.  

Your ferrets must also have their own first aid kit, furnished with pretty much the same thing that the human first aid kit has except that all the objects are downsized to suit your furry creatures.  

Exert caution in treating wounds of your ferrets, otherwise they will see it as an attack and bite you as you treat it.