Bathing a ferret too often can actually make the smell worse. Bathing strips oils from a ferret’s skin and oil glands go into overdrive to replace what’s been lost. This result in added stink. Ferrets should not be bathed more than once a month. [1] X Research source Ferret smells are actually more often related to a ferret’s bedding, cage, and blankets than to the ferret itself. Try washing these items before bathing your ferret to rule them out as the primary cause of smell. [2] X Research source Ferrets become itchy and uncomfortable when bathed too often. If your ferret is itching frequently and appears otherwise distressed, you might want to cut back on how often you’re bathing him. [3] X Research source
Shampoo. Choose a shampoo specifically made for ferrets. Shampoos made for other animals can easily dry out a ferrets skin and cause him discomfort. Depending on your ferret’s needs, choose a shampoo right for him. If he’s not well behaved during bathing, for example, get tearless shampoo in case shampoo gets in his eyes. If he has fleas, special shampoos that kill flees are available. Ferret shampoo can be purchased online or from a pet store. [4] X Research source If you want, you get conditioner for your ferret. This replenishes the oils lost in bathing. Once again, be sure to select a conditioner specifically made for ferrets. [5] X Research source A towel should be available to dry the ferret after the bath. Ferrets get cold quickly, so you may want to put the towel in the dryer before the bath so it’s warm to the touch afterwards.
Any time you hold your ferret, support his body completely. Make sure his feet are resting on the floor and, if they’re not, make sure your hands are supporting his feet. [7] X Research source Make sure the water is not too deep. Hold the ferret up above water if he seems distressed and let the water drain some until he is relaxed. Ideally, your ferret should only be submerged up to his chest. [8] X Research source Your ferret’s feet may slip on the floor of a bath or sink. Consider a rubber matt to make sure he can stand steady and therefore feel safe. [9] X Research source Having some of your ferrets favorite toys in the water can help him relax during bath time.
First, get your ferret thoroughly wet. You can do this by gently splashing water on his sides, running the faucet over him, or using a measure cup to pour water of his back, head, and tail. Run the shampoo bottle under warm water before applying it to your ferret’s skin. Ferrets get cold easily and you want to make sure the shampoo is slightly hotter than room temperature. Apply a thin line of shampoo down your ferret’s back and massage the shampoo deep into the ferret’s coat. Be particularly diligent about washing his tail and abdomen, as these are areas where oils build up and increase odor. [10] X Research source Be careful to not get soap in the ferret’s eyes or mouth. Only use your fingertips when washing around the head to reduce the likelihood of this happening. Keep one hand on your ferret while you wash him to make sure he doesn’t move around too much, which can cause injury to you via biting and scratching. If you’re choosing to condition the ferret’s coat, repeat this process with conditioner after rinsing the shampoo from the ferret’s coat.
If you’re bathing your ferret in standing water, drain the tub before beginning the rinsing process. The water is likely diluted with shampoo, hair, and debris and it’s counterintuitive to use it to rinse the ferret. Refill the tub with fresh water, once again making sure it’s hot to the touch. Use this water to work shampoo out of your ferret’s coat. Rinse the head carefully with your hand. Do not pour water directly on his head as you do not want soap to run into his eyes. If possible, use a faucet during the rinsing process as this can help work shampoo out of the ferret’s fur. Do not take the ferret out of the bath until no soap residue surfaces when water is being poured over his coat.
Wrap the ferret in a towel and attempt to rub his fur. Be gentle. Your ferret is probably aggravated, so be gentle and do not attempt to dry him for too long. [11] X Research source Expect that your ferret will not tolerate too much drying. Ferrets crave space after a bath. If the ferret is being particularly difficult and resisting being dried, let him go. You do not need to get him completely dry. Just make sure he is not sopping. [12] X Research source
Pick a designated drying space for your ferret, and lay down clean towels and blankets for him to use. [13] X Research source You should keep the ferret in a contained area during the drying process. He might roll or rub on a dirty surface, meaning he’ll need another bath. [14] X Research source Do not be alarmed. Many ferret owners are surprised by the erratic movements of a ferret after a bath, but this is normal ferret behavior and not a cause for concern. [15] X Research source
