Ferrets vs Dogs: The Truth about Their Lethal Potential

Ferrets are an increasingly popular choice as pets, meaning they are coming into touch with pet dogs on a frequent basis. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But how exactly will you know whether your new ferret and dog will get along and live together in harmony?

In this post, we will answer the question: can a ferret kill a dog? We will also discuss how ferrets and dogs can be friends (sometimes), how you can get them to live together happily with a good introduction, dog breeds that get along with ferrets, and some last advise on diseases that can spread between the two species.

Can a Ferret Kill a Dog?

The truth is, it’s quite unusual that a ferret can kill a dog. A ferret will inflict a severe bite and scratch, which could get in infected, However, given the average size of a dog, should a ferret assault a dog, the dog’s force and bulk would soon be the victor, likely scaring the ferret away.

Ferrets are small carnivorous mammals of the family Mustelidae, which also contains weasels, otters and badgers. They have long, graceful bodies and normally measure between 18 and 30 cm (7 and 12 in) in length (not counting the tail) with a maximum size of 46 cm (18 in).

Ferrets are smaller in size compared to dogs and lack the physical strength to dominate them. While ferrets are carnivores and have sharp teeth, they are normally not large or strong enough to cause fatal injury to a dog.

However, this does not mean that ferrets are harmless or that dogs are always safe around them. Ferrets can be violent and territorial, especially if they feel threatened or provoked. They may bite or scratch a dog who invades their area or tries to play with them roughly.

A ferret bite can be painful and may draw blood. It can potentially spread diseases such as rabies or bacterial infections. A ferret scratch can potentially cause inflammation and infection if not treated appropriately.

Therefore, it is necessary to observe any interactions between ferrets and dogs and to remove them if they exhibit signs of hostility or discomfort. It is also advisable to maintain your ferret’s nails cut and to vaccinate them against rabies and other infections.

Do Ferrets and Dogs Get Along?

Ferrets and dogs can get along, but it will rely on aspects such as the prey drive of the dog, the dog’s temperament and character, and how you introduce the dog to the ferret.

Often ferrets and dogs can live together easily, but it’s not always the case.

Not all ferrets and dogs will get along, and understandably so, many pet owners will have worries about keeping dogs and ferrets together. However, it depends on how you introduce your ferrets and dogs.

It would be easier to keep ferrets and dogs together if they’ve grown up together. You may want to explore getting a dog and a newborn ferret and let them play and do everything together. This will ensure that your dog and ferret accept each other from an early age.

Ferrets are gregarious animals which means they love plenty of company, thus might live with dogs effectively. With a lot of work and training, you can keep your dogs and ferrets together.

Furthermore, it will depend on the breed of dog which we will describe in the next section…

Dog Breeds That Get Along With Ferrets

Some canine breeds are more likely to get along with ferrets than others. This is mostly due to their prey drive, which is the instinctual need to chase and catch small creatures.

Some dog breeds such as terriers are hunters by nature and may perceive ferrets as vermin. So this type of dog breed may kill your ferret because their tendency is to hunt little critters. It’s recommended not to get a ferret as a pet if you know your dog has an aggressive nature.

Other dog breeds such as retrievers or spaniels are more gentle and friendly with other animals. They may perceive ferrets as playmates rather than prey. However, even these kinds may need some training and monitoring to ensure they don’t damage the ferret accidently.

Some examples of canine breeds that seem to get along well with ferrets are:

Golden retriever
Labrador retriever
Poodle
Bichon frise
Beagle
Cocker spaniel
Cavalier King Charles spaniel
Maltese
Shih tzu

Of course, these are generalizations and every dog is different. You should always observe your dog’s behavior around your ferret before leaving them alone together.

How to Introduce Your Dog to Your Ferret

If you want to keep a ferret and a dog together, you need to introduce them gradually and carefully. Here are some steps you can follow to make the process easier and safer:

Keep your ferret in a cage and your dog on a leash at first. Let them see and smell each other from a distance. Reward your dog for being calm and ignoring the ferret. Do this for a few days until they get used to each other’s presence.
Move the cage closer to the dog and let them sniff each other through the bars. Watch for any signs of aggression or fear from either animal. If they seem relaxed, you can let the dog lick the ferret’s nose or paw gently. Do this for a few more days until they show interest and curiosity in each other.
Let the ferret out of the cage and let them explore the room while the dog is still on a leash. Keep an eye on both animals and intervene if they start to chase or fight. Praise and reward your dog for being gentle and respectful with the ferret. Do this for a few more days until they seem comfortable around each other.
Let the dog off the leash and let them interact freely with the ferret under your supervision. Make sure they have enough space to run away or hide if they feel threatened. Provide toys and treats for both animals to keep them occupied and happy. Do this for a few more days until they become friends or at least tolerate each other.
Leave them alone together for short periods of time and gradually increase the duration. Always check on them regularly and make sure they have access to food, water, and shelter. Never leave them alone together if you are not sure they are safe.

Can Ferrets Give Dogs Diseases?

Ferrets are prone to a number of ailments and infections, some of which can be spread to dogs, even humans. So, yes, ferrets can make dogs sick in certain instances.

For example, ferrets can suffer with ear mites, fleas, and mange. These are all transferable to a companion dog.

Other diseases that can affect both ferrets and dogs include:

Rabies: This is a fatal viral infection that affects the nervous system. It can be transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Symptoms include aggression, confusion, paralysis, and death. There is no cure for rabies, but it can be prevented by vaccinating your pets.
Distemper: This is another viral infection that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It can be spread through contact with bodily fluids or contaminated objects from infected animals. Symptoms include fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and death. There is no cure for distemper, but it can be prevented by vaccinating your pets.
Influenza: This is a common viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It can be transmitted through sneezing or coughing from infected animals or humans. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, lethargy, and loss of appetite. There is no specific treatment for influenza, but it can be managed by providing supportive care such as fluids, rest, and medication.
Salmonella: This is a bacterial infection that affects the gastrointestinal system. It can be contracted by eating contaminated food or water or by contact with feces from infected animals or humans. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. There is no specific treatment for salmonella, but it can be managed by providing supportive care such as fluids, antibiotics, and probiotics.

To prevent these diseases from spreading between your ferret and your dog, you should:

Keep your pets vaccinated against rabies and distemper.
Keep your pets clean and groomed regularly.
Wash your hands before and after handling your pets or their belongings.
Clean and disinfect your pets’ cages, bedding, toys, bowls, etc.
Avoid feeding your pets raw meat or eggs or sharing food with them.
Isolate your pets if they show signs of illness and consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Ferrets are adorable and playful pets that can get along with dogs in some cases. However, they are not suitable for every dog owner or every dog breed.

Before you decide to get a ferret as a pet, you should consider the following factors:

The prey drive of your dog
The temperament of your dog
The size of your dog
The age of your dog
The breed of your dog
The health of your dog
The health of your ferret
The introduction process
The supervision level
The potential diseases

If you are confident that you can provide a safe and happy environment for both your ferret and your dog, then go ahead and enjoy their company.

However, if you have any doubts or concerns about keeping a ferret and a dog together, then it may be better to stick with one or the other.

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