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Bathing Your Ferret
Ferrets produce an oil that has a musky smell. Despite what many new ferret owners believe bathing them often actually increases this smell instead of reducing it. When a ferret is bathed it strips their coat of natural oils and their body will work harder to replace them. Bathing your ferret once or twice a year is generally often enough. Many ferret owners bath during coat changes to help remove the loose hair. Some ferret owners never bath their ferrets at all. Of course if your ferret gets into something like the banana pudding you had sitting on the table to take to a picnic a bath may be in order.
Bath time can be great fun or sheer torture for both ferret and owner. Try to make bath time as enjoyable as possible so that the ferret sees it as play time. If they enjoy it, it will make it much easier for both of you.
You may choose to bathe in the kitchen sink or in the bath tub, either way never leave a ferret unattended.
The first few bath experiences may determine whether your ferret sees baths as a game or torture. Some things to keep in mind are:
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Never submerse the ferrets head or ears in the water.
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Placing a towel in the bottom of the sink/tub may make the ferret feel more secure than just the slick surface.
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Never use harsh shampoos such as those made for dogs/puppies or humans, and never use dish soap. Despite what many think baby shampoo is actually harsh since its main purpose is to remove cradle cap from an infant's scalp. Harsh shampoos can lead to dry, itchy skin and brittle fur.
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Cat and kitten shampoos are safe for ferrets or you can purchase a shampoo designed just for ferrets. You can also get a suitable shampoo from your vet.
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Tearless shampoos are very much appreciated by your ferret.
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Never bath a ferret when it is too cold. If it is cold make sure you keep them in a warm place until they are totally dry avoiding drafts.
After bathing ferrets tend to go wild. They bounce off the walls and rub on everything in an attempt to remove the excess water. Dry them with a towel and place towels on the floor, they will rub and scoot all over them to remove the water. This is very funny and a great time to have your camera handy to take photos. Warm towels fresh from the dryer are appreciated.