Small Animal Grooming

Bathing small animals-

Ferret grooming-

Ferrets have a very unique musky odour, some people who are very sensitive cannot stand “ferret smell”. It is a smell unique to ferrets but their amazing personality makes up for a slight smell.

Why do ferrets smell?

The reason ferrets smell is because they secrete oils from glads in their skin. The oil secretion increases during breeding season. Ferrets also release oils from their anal glands when over excited or nervous.

How to stop ferrets smelling?

There is no way to completely stop a ferret from having a smell. There are however ways to make a ferret smell less. Firstly keeping the ferret’s cage free of urine or feces and regularly cleaning your ferret’s cage will make the biggest difference. You can bath your ferret, bathing a ferret should be done randomly as to not strip the coat of too much natural oil as this will increase oil production. A last resort option is to have the ferrets anal glands surgically removed by a specialized vet.

Bathing ferrets-

At Kellyville pets we have great quality ferret shampoo and conditioner available to buy online or in store. Fancy Ferret Protein Lanolin Shampoo is a coconut oil based shampoo that conditions as it cleans, with added lanolin to prevent dryness. The absorbable protein is essential for any damaged coat, highlighting all colours, making white sparkle and keeping that beautiful coat shine. It is non-irritating and will not strip natural oils from skin and coat. Fancy Ferret Protein Lanolin Shampoo will also help control ferret body odours.

Fancy Ferret Crème Rinse contains chamomile, nature's own stimulating coat and skin conditioner. Leaves the ferrets coat with exceptional shine and silky feel. Ferret conditioner rinses out film free, is PH balanced and bio-degradable.

Ferrets love the water so bathing a ferret is a very fun and enjoyable experience. Please be sure to dry your ferret thoroughly as they can easily contract respiratory infections if left to dry naturally.

Small animal brushes-

It is very important to regularly brush any small animal with fur, regular brushing increases healthy fur growth by stimulating the skin and removing dead or damaged coat. Regular brushing will reduce fur shedding.

What brush is appropriate for small animals?

With so many breeds of rabbits, Guinea pigs, rats, mice and ferrets it is important to find a brush appropriate for your pets specific needs. Some breeds of rabbits and guinea pigs such as cashmere or Angora rabbit or Texel’s and alpaca guinea pigs need to be brushed many times a day to maintain a long, healthy, thick coat.

Slicker brush-

 A wire slicker brush is a great grooming tool for small animals. A slicker brush can be used daily to remove dead coat and encourage healthy fur to grow in its place.

Using a slicker brushes for rabbits or guinea pigs is a great way to bond with your pet, they are easy for children to use and allow the pet to feel safe and comfortable while they are being groomed.

Slicker brushes are perfect for small animals competing in shows as they help to smooth the coat and tame unruly coats.

Comb-

A coarse comb with the large steel teeth with a wide gap between each tooth.

Coarse coats are great for long haired rabbits that tend to get bits of grass or shavings stuck in their fur or for long coated Guinea pigs if their fur drags on the ground and gets tangled up.

Flea comb-

A flea comb is appropriate for any removal of fleas from the fur of your small animal.

Flea combs are wire teeth very close together so that live or dead fleas get stuck in the comb as it passes through the fur.