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Ferret Bath Tips

• Do not bathe your ferret too frequently. Ferrets should be bathed no more than once a month. Unless your ferret gets into something and a bath is the only way to get it clean, it shouldn't need to be bathed more than once every few months. Over bathing will cause a ferret to over-secrete its natural oils and it will actually smell worse a few days after its bath. The best thing you can do to control odor is keep its bedding and litter boxes clean. Its bedding should be cleaned at least weekly and its litter box should be cleaned daily
• A ferret shampoo, kitten shampoo or no-tears baby shampoo can be used to bathe your ferret. An adult human or dog or cat shampoo is too harsh for your ferret. Whichever shampoo you use watch to be sure it doesn't over dry your pets' skin.
• Never use dog or cat flea shampoos (or flea collars, powders or dips). Kitten safe flea shampoo can be used with care. If using a flea shampoo, start at the head (using care near the eyes) and work your way back.
• If using a flea shampoo you may have to let the shampoo on for about ten minutes to kill the fleas. Use a small pet carrier with a towel in it for this period. Supervise your pet to be sure it doesn't lick large amounts of the shampoo off.
• Ferrets prefer their baths rather warm. Don't forget, their temperature is higher than yours. Be careful not too make the water too hot. You should be able to put your hand comfortably into the water. But if it feels only lukewarm to you it's probably cold to your ferret.
• Animals tend to become nervous if they can't grasp the surface beneath their feet. You can use a mat or hand towel in the bottom of your bathing pan so your ferret won't slip and will feel more secure.
• Some ferrets like water and don't mind baths. Some ferrets seem to prefer a shower. Experiment with your ferret to see which it prefers. Try providing toys during bath time for your pet to play with.
• Always be gentle and talk to your ferret in a calm reassuring voice. Take care not to frighten your ferret with running water or sprays. Don't rush. Try to keep your pet calm.
• Give your pet some time out of its cage before bathing. Give it time to use its litter box and settle down a little before attempting a bath. Have everything you need ready before you start bathing your ferret.
• Ferrets can be bathed in a sink, a dishpan, a clean litter pan, a bathtub or directly under the faucet. Experiment to see which method works best for you pet. Always keep a close eye on your pet and never leave it unattended at bath time.
• For ferrets that have never been bathed before try to slowly acclimate them to being wet. First put them in shallow water and get their feet wet. Let them in the water for 15 minutes or so. As they get used to this and are no longer fearful, gradually increase the level of water. This can be done over several days.
• Remember to warm their shampoo before applying it. Shampoo can be diluted with warm bath water to make it easier to rinse out. A gentle conditioner can be used if desired but be certain to rinse clean.
• After bathing comes the fun! Ferrets loose all common sense (what little they have) when wet. "Squeegee" off as much water as you can. Towel dry your ferret to remove excess water, then set your fuzzy free with a pile of clean, dry towels and watch the show. It's also a good idea to pick up litter boxes after baths. For some reason ferrets feel litter (along with walls, floors and anything else they can rub against) is extremely absorbent.
• If you don't want to let your ferrets romp in your towels, some ferrets will tolerate being dried off with a hairdryer on the lowest/coolest setting. Take care not to frighten or burn your pet with the dryer.
• After your ferret is dry you can spray with a commercial ferret deodorizing spray and conditioner. This gives your ferret a pleasant smell and helps to control dry skin.
• Ferrets shed twice a year. During these times be sure to give your pets hairball remedies to help prevent blockages. Most ferrets seem to like malt flavor. During this time you may also want to brush your pet to help with the shedding.
  
  
  Written by Lana Bogusz, Director of Northern Ohio Ferret Association
  http://www.ohioferret.org
  
  

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