How to Groom a Pet Ferret

Grooming a pet ferret is easier than it may seem, since ferrets do not require much grooming at all. Their natural grooming habits can be enough to keep them clean and healthy. However, should you want to groom your pet ferret, concentrate on its nails, ears, teeth and bathing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Clip a Pet Ferret's Nails

1. Acquire a pair of nail clippers designed for cats.

2. Hold your pet ferret up by the back of its neck. Allow it to go limp in your hands.

3. Note the pink part of your pet ferret's nails--this is called the "quick" and contains blood vessels.

4. Lay the ferret on your lap. Apply a liquid treat on its belly or abdomen so that it eats and is distracted while you work on its nails.

5. Position the nail clippers and quickly cut the narrow portion of the ferret's nails. Cut as far away from the quick as possible. Hitting the quick can cause discomfort and bleeding.

6. Repeat until all the nails are clipped.

Clean a Pet Ferret's Teeth

7. Find an object with which to clean your pet ferret's teeth. A kitten's toothbrush or a piece of clean gauze can work effectively.

8. Fit the gauze or toothbrush over one of your fingers.

9. Apply drops of cat toothpaste or a gel vitamin supplement on top of the gauze or on the soft bristles of the toothbrush.

10. Scruff your ferret by holding it up by the back of its neck.

11. Wipe around your pet ferret's teeth and gums. Clean the front of your ferret's teeth and gums before attempting other areas. Make sure your pet ferret is comfortable with the teeth cleaning procedure before attempting to clean back portions of its teeth.

Remove Wax From a Pet Ferret's Ears

12. Get a cotton swab.

13. Dab a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or a special pet ear-cleaning solution to the swab's tip.

14. Hold your pet ferret up by the back of its neck. Let it go limp in your hands.

15. Swab the outside of your pet ferret's ear. Avoid positioning the swab anywhere near the ear canal.

Bathe a Pet Ferret

16. Run lukewarm water in a bathtub or wash basin and fill it with enough water to cover your pet ferret's body but not its head.

17. Put your pet ferret into the bathtub or wash basin and hold it by the back of its neck. Wet your pet ferret's coat.

18. Drain the water and refill the basin or tub with clean water.

19. Apply a very gentle, specially-formulated ferret shampoo to the ferret's coat. Slowly and softly massage the shampoo into the coat. Avoid shampooing your ferret's head so as not to get chemicals into its eyes.

20. Dip the pet ferret back into the clean water or use a small cup to take water out of the basin and rinse your pet ferret clean.

21. Take clean towels and pat your pet ferret dry. Hold the pet ferret near your body to keep it warm while it is drying.

Tips & Warnings

• If your pet ferret exhibits reluctance or fear during bath time, consider offering treats or a favorite toy while it's in the water.
• Avoid grooming your pet ferret too much. Unexpected health problems can arise from over-grooming your ferret.
• If your pet ferret is suffering from fleas, consult a veterinarian to determine the proper course of treatment.
• Don't bathe your ferret more than once every 2 weeks.