How to Reduce Ferret Odor by Rachel

[K10Widow]

Odor Control
By Rachel aka Mrs. Binkers
Written for EverythingFerret - January 2005

Face it-every animal has an odor, including humans. Ferrets are no exception, but there are things you can do that will help keep the odor down.

First, if your ferret has not been fixed, this could be one of your problems. When unfixed males (called hobs) are in rut, they become VERY smelly-so smelly that their fur becomes greasy! Having your male ferret fixed will reduce odor. However, some owners can stand the smell and aggression of an unfixed male, and that is fine also.

Ferrets also have scent glands located by their anus. Most ferrets sold in pet stores are fixed and descented at a very young age. However, some ferrets, especially if they are from small local breeders, may not be descented. If a ferret is not descented and becomes mad or irritated they will “poof”, releasing a foul smelling odor. However, unlike a skunk, this odor does not cling, and dissipates within minutes. Unless a ferret “poofs”, you can’t really tell if they are descented or not.

Here are some tips to help keep odor under control:

Daily
-Feed high quality foods
-Empty litter box
-Refresh water bottle/ water crock
-Clean up stray poop

Weekly
-Clean ears
-Brush teeth
-Wash litter boxes using hot, soapy water
-Launder bedding
-Clean water bottles/crocks and food crocks with hot, soapy water

Monthly
-Clean entire cage

Annualy
-Give ferret a bath. It is not recommended that you bathe your ferret more than every 6 months. However some owners do not bathe at all, unless their ferret gets into something yucky.

If you follow all these guidelines, you should have a clean, nice smelling, and happy ferret!

[midnightlotus]

Great article Rach. I suggest that every 1st/new ferret owner read this article read this.

[ValentinesMom]

I was wondering about the bathing thing. I am glad you posted this. I have one question though, there is a wipe to use on your ferret, can we use this every week? Thanks

AmberM

[K10Widow]

Most ferret owners do not bathe at all - I'm in that group. I have never used deoderizers, wipes, biodor, etc. and I've never had a problem with smell - other than the occasional litter box smell.

If you follow Rachel's directions you'll have a great smelling fuzzy.

[Kayley]

i never going to bath.....maybe a swimming session, with no soap

[Artroxy]

It depends on the components of the wipes but I venture that every week might be too much (unless its to clean a certain part when your fuzzy gets into something).

[elainesjoy]

very good advice. I don't bath my babies either. Our little one kisses likes to get in the shower with you. So once in a while I will turn the shower on for her before I take a bath.

[xVelvet_FuzzButtx]

Teencie takes a shower everyday LOL
its the nicest thing, i think thats why shes so bonded to me, were so close! iused to wash teencie every month if you all remember; kristen really didn't like that, i know, so i tryed to listen because you have helped with so much! so i don't have to wash either. dirt or dust, or dustmites in my case get rinsed off every day by the water so she clean! i havn't washed her since i had latte..
which was a while ago!!!!

i advise people to rinse atleast monthly(without soap), you probobly on't need it, but if you do..thats ok..

Alex

[jwoup]

It is ok for her to play in the water while I shower? She wants to, but I won't let her until I know it the soap and shampoo will damage her skin. I'm in the same boat as elainesjoy, Shasta has really bonded with me. Follows me everywhere....even the shower.

[xVelvet_FuzzButtx]

yes its ok for them to come in the shower with you, as long as you don't soapy them up! LOL my shower is rather wide & long, so she has a ball with toys..my mom hates it though i take such long showers ;D

Alex

[LadyJester]

These were some helpful, common sense tips...but what about ferret shampoos? I bought some and all it did was put a blueberry scent over their musky odor...bad brand maybe? Is there a brand that veteran ferret owners suggest? Shampooing them every 3rd day...too often?

[CritterRanch]

Bathing every three days will make your ferret(s) stink!!

You shouldn't bathe any more than every third *month* - if you bathe that often!

I have had ferrets for about a year & a half; one of my kids has gotten one bath in that time, and I have absolutely no issues with smells. The one time Chavez got a bath, I used baby shampoo.

[K10Widow]

Bathing more often that 4 times a year will dry out your fuzzies skin and make them smell even worse than they should normally.

I wouldn't suggest giving your fuzzy a bath unless they get into sometime messy.

[Calvin_and_Hobbes]

K10Widow said:

Bathing more often that 4 times a year will dry out your fuzzies skin and make them smell even worse than they should normally.

I wouldn't suggest giving your fuzzy a bath unless they get into sometime messy.

I give a bath every month or two. I've heard of people giving ferrets a bath every month with no problem.
I am thinking of getting a cream conditioner...any recommendations?

[K10Widow]

Rachel - you know where I stand on bathing and I post my reasons. But I'm not sure I've heard your side on why you bath as often as you do. Can you give me your input? I'm curious.