How do I bathe my ferret?
Before we go over bathing technique, it's important that you know that bathing is not the way to keep ferret odors to a minimum! It can be helpful if done no more than once a month to keep your ferret smelling sweet, but the main way you keep odors away is by keeping your ferret's environment clean. This means scooping litter boxes daily and cleaning them weekly or more often as needed. It also means wiping down the bars of your ferret's cage to remove deposited oils and washing bedding weekly.
The first thing you need to do is ready your grooming supplies - shampoo, drying towel, conditioner (if you need it). Next, test the water temperature to make sure it isn't too cold or too hot. Remember that ferrets have an average body temperature of between 101° and 103°, so what feels cool to you will feel cold to them. You want a water temperature that feels warm, but not quite hot on your skin.
You can bathe your ferret in the sink or the tub. Some ferrets like to have water pooled at the bottom, others don't. Make sure that your ferret's feet can touch the ground so he isn't dangling. Never let him go and turn away, as he could injure himself trying to get out. The number one goal during bathtime should be to make your ferret feel as safe and secure as possible.
When you actually bathe your ferret, massage the shampoo deep into his coat, being sure to pay special attention to his tail, hind end and abdomen. These are places where the build-up of oils and odors is more significant. Be careful not to get the shampoo in his eyes or ears, and rinse his coat thoroughly, making sure there is no shampoo left. Failing to rinse him properly can result in a leftover residue that can cause dryness and excessive scratching.
When you take your ferret out of the tub to dry him off, it's completely normal for him to look like he's going nuts! He will probably run around, rubbing himself against the carpet, the furniture, the towels, and anything else he thinks he can use to dry himself off.
So that's the basic ferret bathing process! To learn more, read Ferret Bath Time.
