Routine brushing, weekly nail trims, ear cleanings and good dental hygiene are all necessary components in keeping healthy animals.

Purchasing ferret-specific products, including a good ferret brush, nail clippers, ear cleaning solution or mineral oil, a toothbrush and shampoo when needed will help make the job easier.

“It's a whole package,” said Kym Costanzo, vice president of the Pennsylvania Ferret Club and Shelter in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and ferret owner of more than 20 years. “Being a good ferret owner means providing regular routine grooming to your ferret.”

For those who feel uncomfortable with certain aspects of grooming ferrets, ask for advice or find someone to help.

“I tell people that if you are not comfortable trimming nails and cleaning ears, don't do it at home,” said Natalie Antinoff, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian), Gulf Coast Avian & Exotics, Houston, Texas. “If you are stressed, it will also be stressful for your pet.” Antinoff advises looking for a local ferret group that might teach proper nail trimming techniques. “Your veterinarian should also be able to teach you.”

Putting Ferretone on the ferret’s belly continues to be the number one recommendation by all owners in keeping a pet busy while trying to trim its nails.” Most ferrets are so interested in the Ferretone, they'll lie there without argument while you have two free hands to trim 20 nails in under a minute,” Costanzo said. “Piece of cake.”

Jennifer Mons McLaughlin lives in Minnesota and has been writing about the pet industry for more than 10 years.