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Will my aggressive beagle react to a ferret's smell through a door?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Male | 130 lbs

So I am getting a ferret but I have an agressive beagle. If I let eddy outside and quickly bring the ferret upstairs to my daughters room and shut the door that leads upstairs, will my dog attack the door or will the scent not be that bad?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM

Veterinarian

Published on July 11th, 2018

Thank you for your question. Ferrets have a very strong smell to most people, and beagles have an incredible sense of smell. With that, it is likely that your beagle is going to know that the ferret is in the house, and may be focused on getting to the ferret despite it being behind closed doors. Depending on the dog, some will bark or scratch at doors to try to get to animals behind them, and others will not pursue them. If it is feasible, it may be a good idea to see how Eddy reacts to a ferret prior to committing to own one. If he doesn't respond favorably, it may be in the best interest of the ferret (as well as for Eddy) to not get him. The reason for this is that ferrets need quite a bit of exercise, so getting the ferret out for play time will be very important. I hope that helps to answer your question, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 11th, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding your possible new ferret. Yes, Eddy will be able to smell the ferret even if they are kept on separate floors. This does not necessarily mean that he will try to attack that room, but he will smell his new housemate. If you get the ferret, you will need to supervise your dog carefully while he is adjusting. I hope this information helps!

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