As pets go ferrets are fairly low maintenance, but there are still certain tasks that must be performed on a weekly or monthly basis and there's no getting around it. Instead of doing them one by one over a period of time, let's say a few days or a week, make up your mind to devote a couple of hours to your ferret on any given day to give him or her a complete grooming. Of course there are certain things that must be done when the need arises, such as nail clipping and ear cleaning, but combining the chores when you can will help save you time in the long run. The other benefit is that this way you'll be done with all the unpleasant duties at one time and you'll have a clean, fresh smelling, perfectly manicured ferret running around trying to figure out how to get back at you for taking such good care of him. Yes, they do hold grudges, even if you give them the old line "it's for your own good". But it's just one of the nasty little facts of life. So pull your boot straps up and get down to it!
When grooming your ferret there are four basic tasks you should perform regularly: cutting the nails, cleaning the ears, thoroughly brushing the fur, and flea prevention. Tooth brushing and bathing may be done less often. Here are some guidelines for accomplishing each job with minimal discomfort to yourself and your ferret:
Nail Clipping
Clipping your ferret's nails is one of the most important things you can do for it. You should trim your ferret's nails at least once a month. Better yet, every two weeks. This is to your advantage as well as your pet's, because regular trimming helps dull the nails a bit, so they will scratch you less often. The main reason for doing this, however, is for the comfort and safety of your ferret. Nails that are too long will ultimately hinder their ability to walk properly and will get snagged in bedding, carpeting, or on furniture, which all too often leads to an injury for your pet.
Proper Materials to Use
Clippers: Cat claw clippers or human nail clippers are fine, but make certain they are sharp. Do not use heavy dog nail clippers. Since you may not be able to judge how far up the nail you are with these, it can cause you to cut the blood vein or quick. That's one thing you do not want to do!
Ferretone: Irresistible treat for Ferret. Serves as excellent distraction.
Kwik-Stop/Styptic Powder: It's a good idea to have these items available to stem bleeding in case you do cut the quick.
Procedure: Move to a well lit area so that you can easily identify the quick, or the pink part of the nail. Do not trim the nail any shorter than 1/8 an inch from the quick.
Given the wily nature of the ferret, it's always best if you have someone help you clip the nails. I'm sure there must be someone around that you can bribe. I know that help isn't always available though. If you are tackling this chore alone, I highly recommend that you distract your ferret with the old Ferretone trick. Put a few drops on your ferret's stomach. He or she will become so preoccupied with trying to lick up the treat that they will (hopefully) be unaware that you are cutting their nails.
Brushing
Like cats, ferrets get their share of hairballs, however, unlike our feline friends, ferrets can not cough up hairballs. Given enough time, the hairballs can cause blockages in the intestinal tract. This is why it is important to brush your ferret often, more so during the shedding season (fall and spring). A ferret with a hairball will have have a dry, rasping cough and should be given one half inch to one inch ribbon of laxatone, Petroleum jelly or cat hairball remedy to help break up and pass the hair. But be aware that a cough can also be an indication that something else is seriously wrong, so a ferret with a persistent cough should see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Materials Needed
1. Cat brush: An ordinary cat brush or ferret brush with soft or medium bristles.
2. Hairball remedy: Hairball Treatment or Petroleum Jelly.
Procedure
1. Sit down on the floor and let the bottom end of your ferret rest on the floor or your lap for support. Brush gently, using smooth even strokes, and keep a tight grip on your ferret because he will be battling to escape the entire time. When you are finished, your ferret will have a soft coat, free of loose hair and will be able to avoid the dangers of hairballs.
