Ferrets are cute and charming, but they have a stinky smell.It is possible to keep your fuzzy friend from offending the nose.It is possible to keep your ferret smelling fresh by grooming and bathing them.Another way to reduce odors is to clean your ferret's box and cage.If you believe that your ferret's odor may be related to a health problem, you should continue to feed it a high-protein diet and meet with your vet.
Step 1: It's best to bathe your ferret once a month.
While leaving your ferret's head above the water, fill the bottom of your tub to cover it.The temperature should be warm.You can buy a ferret-safe shampoo from your local pet store.Don't use human hair products on your ferret, as they can be harmful.It is possible to make your ferret's odor stronger by bathing them too frequently.It is usually sufficient and healthy to bathe your ferret once a month.
Step 2: You can clean your ferret's ears on a weekly basis.
A small amount of ear cleaning solution can be poured into a bowl.The cotton swab should be dipped into the liquid.Rub the swab along the ferret's outer ear.The swab should be moved deeper into the ear canal as you clean it.Most pet stores sell Ear cleaning solution.You can't push wax deeper into the ear canal if you swirl the swab around.Remove the old one and replace it with a new one.Even if you are cleaning your ferret's inner ear, the end of the swab should remain visible.You risk damaging the ear if you go too deep.
Step 3: You should brush your ferret's teeth every week.
Purchase a toothbrush and toothpaste for cats.Hold your ferret in your lap and use a single hand to pull up the gum on the other side of his mouth.Put a small amount of toothpaste on the brush.The brush should be placed against your ferret's gums.Your ferret might not like getting its teeth brushed.Try to do a few teeth at a time.If you're worried about getting bitten by your ferret, it's a good idea to bring it in for professional teeth cleanings.
Step 4: Your ferret should be neutered at 4 months of age.
Your ferret's hormones will go into high gear once it reaches maturity.This can cause an increase in the smell of both males and females.Spaying or neutering can make your ferret healthier.Female ferrets who are not neutered can develop anemia from repeated heat cycles.A male ferret can have an increased risk of disease.Discuss the pros and cons with a doctor.
Step 5: Your ferret should be trained to use the litter box.
When your ferret is in the cage, watch to see where it goes to the restroom.The litter box should be in this location.If you put some fresh droppings in the box, it will smell like a bathroom for your ferret.Ferrets will use the box quickly.If your ferret won't use the box, you can experiment with changing the litter to another type of plant fiber.A litterbox trained ferret will usually only have a few accidents.
Step 6: The litter box needs to be cleaned daily.
Pick out the pelleted paper from your ferret's box with a scoop.If you leave a few drops behind, your ferret will use the box consistently.Fresh ones should be added to the box when it seems low on paper.If you don't clean the litterbox, your ferret might stop using it.The ferret's box should only be used with pelleted paper or granules.Clay pellets can be dangerous for ferrets.
Step 7: It is a good idea to scrub out your ferret's cage once a month.
Take the litter box, toys, and other items out of the ferret's cage.To clean the cage, use dish soap and water.Use this time to wipe down the box and toys.There is a tendency for coated wire cages to stay cleaner than wooden ones.Over time, the wood absorbs odors.It is important to clean out your ferret's cage if food gets stuck to the surface.
Step 8: It is a good idea to Launder your ferret's bedding on a weekly basis.
Your ferret is likely to like its sleep sack or hammock.The fabric can become quite stinky over a few days.Take it out of the cage and follow the instructions on the fabric.To clean ferret fabrics, you will need hot water and laundry detergent.Some ferrets are allergic to scented cleaners.
Step 9: Dust and vacuum your home.
When your ferret runs around your home, they are likely to transfer oils from their body to your furniture, rugs, carpet, and other furnishings.Unless cleaned away, their scent can linger on items for an extended period of time.Cleaning your floor and vacuuming can help remove odors.It is easy to limit your ferret to a few rooms that you clean regularly.
Step 10: Put the odor-reducing product out of the reach of your ferret.
The chemical composition of airborne deodorizers can cause harm to your ferret.In a ferret-proof area of the room, place a deodorizing item high up on a bookshelf.It's even better if you can find a deodorizing product made from lemons.
Step 11: Feed your ferret a high-protein diet.
You can buy ferret food at the store.Chicken is listed as the first ingredient in a food.Don't eat food that has a lot of fat, grains, vegetables, or fruits.Feeding your ferret the right food can result in less smelly stools.It's a good idea to avoid foods that contain sugar or corn products.They cause upset in the stomach and offer no benefits.Some people feed their ferrets fish.It can cause odorous stools.
Step 12: If you are worried about a health problem, talk to your vet.
Make a vet appointment if your ferret has changed its activity level.If your ferret is no longer eating, that's the same thing.You should still make yearly vet appointments even if your ferret is healthy.A problem with the anal glands can increase your ferret's odor.Both conditions can be treated with prescription medication.
Step 13: Only the most extreme situations should be considered for a scent gland surgery.
De-scenting surgery is now considered a cosmetic procedure by many vets.The surgery can be painful.Your vet will only suggest surgery if there is a problem with your ferret.