Ferret Grooming

Just like most animals with fur, ferrets shed and this can become a problem especially for people that suffer from allergies. Ferrets shed two times a year. During the spring and summer they produce a soft, lightweight coat and during winter and fall they produce a thicker, denser coat. Ferrets actually have a double coat, one of which is soft and dense and serves as insulation and an outer coat of longer guard hairs. You will need to brush your ferret's fur at least once a week in order to get rid of all the loose hair that is contaminated with dander, sebaceous skin gland secretions, and urine. This job can be done with a soft bristle brush. During the shedding seasons though, it will be necessary to brush the ferret's fur everyday, if you notice that there is an excessive amount of shedding you can try to pull out the excess amount of hair but only if it comes out easily, don't pull it out forcefully.

Ferrets like other animals that have fur, lick themselves and sometimes swallow their hair. This can cause hairballs to form in their stomach and can become a problem during the shedding seasons. Ferrets do not have the ability to regurgitate their hairballs so if you run into this problem it will be necessary to talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can also suggest laxative treatments so as to prevent hairballs. It will also be necessary to change your pet's bedding more often during shedding season, as it will become full of dead hair.

Another thing that happens during the shedding seasons is that the ferret's hair smells muskier and it is very important to not use any type of human product to try to cover the smells. Doing this will only cause both the ferret and you breathing problems. Your veterinarian can recommend safe products that are specifically formulated for ferret coats. Most importantly, make sure to wash your hands immediately after handling and grooming your ferret.