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Is it easy to neuter ferrets? Vet Joe Inglis answers your pet queries

This week Metro vet Joe Inglis advises on neutering ferrets, a barking Jack Russell and dog shampoos.

Vet Joe Inglis answers your questions each week

I have two ferrets and would like to get them neutered to prevent them from breeding. Is this something that is easy to do and are there any risks associated with neutering ferrets? Pauline, Esher

Ferrets are surprisingly popular pets and can make great companions – but they do have several characteristics that can make them slightly more challenging than cats, dogs and rabbits. One is their odour, which some people can find quite overpowering, and another is the tendency for some to be aggressive and nip their owners. Both of these issues, along with the obvious benefit of reproductive management, are reasons why people consider having ferrets neutered, as removing their sexual organs can reduce their smell and make them more playful and  less aggressive.

However, recent research has shown a worrying link between neutering and various serious health issues, including cancer of the adrenal glands, so it is now considered unwise to neuter ferrets. Thankfully, there is an effective alternative, which is an implant that is injected under the scruff of the neck. 

In effect, this chemically neuters the ferret and renders it infertile. It also has the benefit of reducing odour and aggression. Each implant will last three to four years and, once in place, doesn’t cause any discomfort to the ferret.

My Jack Russell barks like mad in the morning. He’s fine if only my husband or I come downstairs alone but when both of us come down he starts barking. What could be causing this and how can I fix it?  Sarah, Stevenage

Dogs bark for many reasons, including fear, stress and as a form of communication. But barking can also be an inappropriate behaviour which is essentially a bad habit rather than being an appropriate response to a situation. It sounds to me as if this is what is happening here. Something  is triggering this response and it has become ingrained. It is probably being reinforced by the reaction he gets from you whenever it happens.

The best way to tackle this is to  retrain him so he chooses to adopt an alternative, less antisocial behaviour as a response to the morning trigger.Achieving this will be something you will ideally need to work on with a behaviourist, as it will require a programme of training that is designed to offer him the choice to  do something different and then be rewarded for it.

For example, you could teach him to sit when you and your husband come downstairs and reward him with a treat if he does so and is quiet. He will quickly learn that he is better off sitting quietly rather than barking and, with a little patience and effort, I’m sure you will be able to help him overcome this problem.

My vet has recommended an expensive shampoo for my dog in order to improve the quality of his coat and help reduce his itching. Is there any reason why I can’t use my own shampoo on him, as it is much cheaper? Ed, London

Dog shampoos are specially formulated to suit the nature of a dog’s skin and coat, specifically the pH level which is typically higher for dogs (so less acidic) than it is for people. Using a human shampoo is unlikely to cause any major problems but it could irritate the skin and won’t be as effective as a dog-specific product that is tailored to the particular needs of their skin and coat.

Visit Joe and his new practice at  www.vetsklinic.co.uk

Email your pet questions to features@ukmetro.co.uk


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