Washing Your Ferret

If you have a ferret, then you are going to need to know how to wash it. That is, unless you are planning on continually paying the "professionals" to do it for you. This basic type of pet grooming is something that anyone can accomplish, and not something that a person needs to have specialized training to accomplish. All that you need is a little time, and some materials that you should have either around the home, or that can be easily obtained at any pet store.

Materials:

• Ferret Shampoo and Conditioner, or baby shampoo and conditioner
• Sink, bathtub or basin.
• Large cup
• Washcloth
• Towels
• Pet (cat) brush
• Hairdryer (optional)

Procedure:

1. Prepare. Begin your washing excursion by gathering all the materials that you are going to need. I would strongly suggest that you utilize either a portable basin, a sink (though you might not want to use the one in the kitchen—chemicals ya know?) or the bathtub. I would suggest using your bathtub, since it is going to allow plenty of room for your fuzzy friend to play. Lay out towels around the basin/tub incase you are going to allow the ferret to play and dry itself out after bath time, or have the dryer on hand for a quicker drying process. When you are ready, go ahead and grab your ferret so that you can begin bath time.
2. Wash. After you have all you materials ready to go you should begin filling the tub. Use water that is warm to the touch (but not HOT) and only fill it enough so that you can submerge the ferret, but still allow the ferret to touch the bottom. Make sure that your ferret is completely wet prior to the next step.
3. Lather. Gently holding your ferret in one hand, pour some shampoo into your other. Work the shampoo hand and your ferret into a thorough lather, but be careful that you do not get any shampoo into the ears or eyes of the ferret, If you do, this is going to really tick of your fuzzy little friend.
4. Rinse. Carefully rinse off all the shampoo from your ferret. Do this by either allowing the ferret to play in the water, or taking a cup and using it to pour water onto the ferret. Once again, be careful when it comes to the eyes and ears use a washcloth to remove the shampoo. Repeat steps three and four, as needed for both shampoo and conditioner.
5. Dry. Either allow the ferret to run around and dry out on it's own, or use the hairdryer to dry him/her off. After you have dried off your ferret, take the time to brush him/her down so that the coat comes to a beautiful shine.