the healthcare of all of your pets

Posted on: 28 August 2015

Ferrets are a great exotic pet to have at home. They are friendly, fun to play with, and generally easy to care for. When it comes to bathing a ferret, it doesn't need to be done quite as often as other animals. Their skin has natural oils that can keep the ferret clean and healthy for long periods of time. Here are some tips to follow for your bathing your ferret.

Use the Right Shampoo

The first step to bathing a ferret is choosing the right shampoo. It should be made specifically for ferrets and not meant for other pets, like cats and dogs. You should also not use regular human shampoo for a ferret. They have special coats that require a special formula to clean and condition them. If you can't find a good ferret shampoo at your local pet stores or online, ask your veterinarian about using kitten shampoo. This is often a good formula because it is gentler than other pet shampoos and might work for your ferret.

Don't Overbathe the Ferret

Since your ferret has natural oils in their skin that moisturize their skin and coat, you don't want to bathe them too often. If you overbathe them, the shampoo will strip their body of natural oils, which could cause their fur and coat to dry out. Ferrets are similar to cats in that they often groom themselves, so baths are only given occasionally. You really only need to bathe your ferret every few months or when they get into mud or other forms of dirt.

Go Slowly

Like dogs and cats, not all ferrets will enjoy being bathed. If you're lucky, you will get a ferret that enjoys the water, but the majority of them have a distaste for it. Make sure you don't rush the ferret or be forceful when bathing it. Consider the fact that the ferret doesn't understand the process in the beginning and take your time. Be patient with your ferret and remain calm the entire time. This can help relax the ferret while bathing it. Once the bath is over, give them treats and toys so they feel rewarded and won't be so frightened the next time. The bathtub and kitchen sink are both good places to give a bath. They should be able to stand in the water and not completely submerged, so don't fill up the tub all the way. Use only lukewarm water when bathing them.

Dry the Ferret

After the bath, use a clean, dry towel to dry them off. If you let them in the cage or run around the house when they are soaking wet, it could cause their fur to become dirty and matted. A towel should be enough to dry their fur.

For more care tips, contact a company like Providence Veterinary Hospital Inc.