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This document
Copyright 1997, i5ive communications inc.

June 1, 1997
GROOMING
YOUR PET FERRET

GROOMING YOUR PET FERRET

You will find that ferrets require relatively little grooming compared to most varieties of dogs. They usually need a bath one to two times a month. Unless they have been outdoors or have gotten unusually dirty, try not to bathe them more than twice a month. Excessive bathing will dry out their skin and make them very itchy. I find that bathing my ferrets once a month is adequate. In fact, I often only bathe them once every two to three months.

Some ferrets will take to the water, and some will not. Some will play and swim in it, and some will be a little fearful, at first. When bathing your ferret you have to be very patient. To make my ferrets more comfortable at bath time, I bring their favorite toys in the tub and turn bath time into play time!!

The best place to bathe your ferret is either in a sink or a tub filled with four to five inches of lukewarm water. While talking softly to your ferret, be sure it is thoroughly wet. Then, using a special ferret shampoo gently rub a small amount into the ferret's fur until it is completely lathered.

You should bathe your ferret with ferret shampoo because it is specially formulated for their skin and coat type. Ferret shampoos and conditioners are available at most pet stores. A ferret's skin is not very porous: it dries out and can be sensitive to detergent, so if you are unable to find ferret shampoo a suitable substitute would be to use tearless baby shampoo and a gentle conditioner.

Next, rinse the ferret off thoroughly, including its face, being careful not to get water up the nose. Use a fluffy towel to dry the ferret off; in fact, if you put the towel on the floor the ferret will probably have so much fun rolling around, it will probably dry itself!! You may want to finish the drying process (especially in the winter) with a hair dryer set on low. Between baths you might try a "dry" bath using speically formulated dry shampoo for ferrets or cats (also available at pet stores). Simply sprinkle the powder into the fur down to the skin, and gently brush to remove excess powder and loose hair.

CLIPPING NAILS

Another aspect of grooming involves a manicure for your ferret. Clipping back your ferret's nails once every two weeks will prevent your pet from tripping if its nails get caught in any carpeting, and it will also prevent an infection due to overgrowth. You can use either cat nail clippers or human nail clippers to cut your ferret's nails. The ferret's nail should be clipped just short of the blood vein (quick) which runs down the centre of the nail. When clipping, extreme care should be exercised not to cut the nail too short, as cutting the quick will cause your ferret to bleed, as well as endure a great deal of pain. If you accidentally cut the quick, apply styptic powder (available at pet stores) to immediately stop the bleeding. Most ferrets hate to have their nails cut, so a little trick I use is to lay them down on their backs and put a drop of Ferretone or Linatone (available at pet stores) on their bellies. Then while they are busy licking it off, I trim their nails down. If you feel hesitant about clipping your ferret's nails, your veterinarian can do it and show you the proper procedure.

CLEANING EARS

Ferret's ears should be checked periodically and cleaned if necessary. Ferret's ears collect ear wax, which is normal. Removing the ear wax once a month will reduce the risk of bacteria building up. To clean the ear, use a cotton swab dipped into very small amounts of peroxide; or you could ask your veterinarian to suggest other cleaning solutions. Take the cotton swab and gently wipe the ferret's outer ear; then, dry with a fresh swab. Repeat until no more dirt or wax is visible. The inner ear is VERY sensitive, so be very gentle and very careful when cleaning your ferret's ears.

Ferret World
"The Coolest Place on Earth" -this web page features dozens of links to ferret experts, shelters, organizations, clubs, and other ferret lovers. LOTS of GREAT information and usefull links.

California Domestic Ferret Association
A good web page for ferret owners who live in Califoria. This organization helps rescue ferrets in California which are confiscated. Ferrets are illegal in California and these people are doing wonderful job of educating people in the hopes to have ferrets legalized.

League of Independant Ferret Enthusiasts
Another web page full of information and links on ferret care.

Ferret Central
"The Mother of All Ferret Places" -this page features excellent articles on everything from what to feed your ferret and ferret diseases. Pam Greene is one of the top experts on ferrets and has one of the most useful web pages for new and old ferret owners. Also lots of cute pictures!!

Great Lakes Ferret Association
A web page made by the people from the Great Lakes Ferret Association. Lots of information and links. Also information on how to join their club and help to rescue ferrets.