“Giving your ferret a bath” sounds like the setup line for a joke, doesn’t it? However, many people often ask if bathing their ferret is necessary. You may find this hard to believe, but there is actually debate over whether bathing your ferret is a good idea. Some owners are sensitive to the smell that ferrets develop and are looking for ways to make their ferret smell better. The natural reaction is to schedule a regular bath time. But others maintain that bathing a ferret regularly will actually result in an increased odor. Let’s take a look at both sides of the argument.
Those who advocate bathing your ferret normally suggest that once a week is a good schedule. Not all ferrets are open to the idea of getting wet. So bathing some ferrets will be easier than others. The normal procedure is to wet the ferret’s coat and apply some shampoo to the back of the neck. Gradually work the shampoo into an overall lather, taking care to avoid your ferret’s eyes and ears. Rinse out the shampoo with water and then towel dry. Sounds simple, right?
Other ferret enthusiasts point out that the distinctive smell you may not appreciate is part of the ferret and should be accepted as such. In fact, they say that bathing a ferret too frequently will actually cause his body to create more of the smell you’re trying to get rid of. Does that mean no baths at all? Actually, they recommend at least a few baths a year, or whenever your ferret gets really dirty.
One of the best ways to attack the ferret smell in your home is to clean your ferret’s bedding more often. It’s also a good idea to develop a habit of cleaning your ferret’s litter box daily and changing the litter more often.