>Hi My name is Rose and I have just joined this list.  I have a ferret and I
>would like to know if there is something without chemicals that I can use
>so that she won't smell.  I bath her with ferret shampoo every other day
>and she still smells....
 
Okay, first I would like to commend you for caring about you fuzzhead and
wanting the best for her.  There are just a few things that I would
recommend for you.  To begin with, don't bathe your fuzzbutt every other
day, that will only make her smell worse and it's bad for her skin and coat.
When you bathe too frequently, the natural oils produced by her body will
work overtime trying to replenish the skin, which will cause her to smell
even more musky.  And when you bathe frequently, it dries out her skin and
fur.  Even if a shampoo says its for ferrets, that doesn't mean that it's
the best thing to use.  Make sure you only bathe once every 1.5 to 2 weeks
at the most.
 
What I use is Epi-Soothe Oatmeal shampoo.  It's relatively inexpensive and
you get it from you fuzzy-vet most likely.  It's safe for ferrets and is
especially formulated to clean without drying- actually it helps replenish
natural oils to the skin.  And it's very mild, so it won't irritate even the
most sensitive skin.  Also, Skin-so-soft by Avon, works great as a
deodorizer and is safe for fuzzies.  Just mix in a half a teaspoon per
gallon of water and use as a dip after a bath.  It actually moisturizes your
baby's skin and softens her fur too and will make her smell great.  Also
it's a repellent for fleas, too!  You can take the SSS mixture and put it in
a squirt bottle and use it in between baths if needed.  There is also a
shampoo made by Kenic Pet Care Products called Supra Odor Control Pet
Shampoo that is safe to use on ferrets.  You apply it like a normal shampoo
and let it set for a few minutes, if she can stand that long, and then
rinse.  I've used it when I take my fuzzbutts outside and they roll in
something nasty and it works great.  Well, I hope that this helps.  Dooks!
 
Jennifer M. Coyer CVT
Fred, Faya and Zero the Fuzzbrains.
[Posted in FML issue 2114]