Can Ferrets Swim? Do They Like Water? 

There’s nothing compared to a good and therapeutic swim when the weather is quite hot and scorching. Swimming is a form of relaxation and fitness routine for humans. It’s no news that dogs, some birds, and cats can swim. But, what about our furry pet, ferret? Can they swim?

Having a bubbly disposition and curious mind, ferrets make good and fine pets for most families. You’re probably wondering if ferret can swim. This article answers that. It also gives a scoop of their swimming habits and how to teach your pet ferret to swim. Let’s get to it!

Also Read: How to Bath Your Pet Ferret?

Can Ferrets Swim?

Ferrets have the capacity to swim, but not all of them can swim. While wild ferrets can swim, pet ferrets cannot swim except you teach them. Though wild ferrets do not enjoy swimming, they sometimes have to swim when searching for food or running from predators or danger.

Pet ferrets get to enjoy swimming when taught or trained. Being kept as pets for years, pet ferrets get used to humans and develop mental and social skills, including swimming. Your ferret will most probably swim when put in a warm water tub. Ensure the water isn’t deep so their feet can reach beneath the tub.

Teaching Your Pet Ferret to Swim

Do you want to launch your pet ferret into the world of swimming? You will need all the tips and support you can get to help your pet with swimming.

Note: Some ferrets hate being wet, so consider this when trying to teach your pet to swim

Here are ways to teach your pet ferret to swim:

• Let your pet get accustomed to the water. Don’t just put the animal in a big bowl or bathtub filled with water. Let the bowl be one they can easily climb in or out, preferably a cat litter box.
• Use a shallow bathtub or container that allows easy passage for the fetter. Regardless of the type of container you use, ensure it’s convenient, boost your pet’s confidence and safety.
• Direct your ferret to the tub while making eye contact. To lure your pet to the bathing bowl, you can use their favorite treats or call them in a lovely manner. Do you have a special name or pet name you call them? Try calling them with such a name and watch them climb into the tub effortlessly. Stay closeby when calling your pet ferret.
• While teaching ferret how to swim, ensure you take the process slowly, so you don’t pressurize and create fear in them. Let your pet get comfortable and familiar with their environment.
• If your ferret feels at ease, allow them to enter the tub while handling them firmly. The lower half of their body will be buried in the water, with the upper part afloat. Withdraw the ferret from water once you notice it’s nervous. If they’re comfortable, submerge the other body parts into the water, allowing them to take note of their environment. If you have any concerns or worries about your fetter swimming, seek your veterinarian’s advice. Do not leave them all alone in the bathtub. Ensure you watch them as they swim. Ferrets are quite curious—and this can get the better part of them, leading them to drown if left alone.

Here are some safety measures you should take note of:

• Supervise your pet while they swim. It would be best if you monitor the animal during its first swim.
• Provide your ferret with sufficient freshwater—this will prevent them from drinking water in the bathtub or pool.
• Don’t force your ferret to swim if it doesn’t want to. If your pet gets nervous once placed in water often, then they probably don’t like swimming. Don’t force them into swimming as it can be dangerous.
• Allow your pet to study the swimming area so that once they’re ready, they will climb in for a swim.
• Ferrets shouldn’t be allowed to swim outdoors, especially under sunlight. The sunrays can become quite hot, affecting their eyes. It’s preferable and best to take your pet for swims in the mornings and evenings.
• Also, monitor the wind and water temperature. Ferrets cannot swim in water with a temperature above 80°F (27°C) due to the high heat. Also, water with a temperature less than 50°F (10°C) is not ideal for swimming since it’s cold.
• Non-chlorinated water sources are the best swimming areas for ferrets. Ensure not to allow your pet to swim in public swimming pools.
• Acquaint your pet with the different exit areas. Ensure the exit areas aren’t deep and far from the fetter to escape in case of danger.
• Ensure you bathe them after a swim. Bath your pet only when necessary, as regular baths could cause their skin to be itchy and dry. Wipe your pet after bathing and watch them closely. They might decide they want another bath. You might want to feed them after swimming. Also, allow them rest.

Can a Ferret Swim in Chlorinated Water?

No, they can’t swim in chlorinated water since chlorine can affect ferrets’ eyes and skin. You shouldn’t allow your ferret to swim in highly chlorinated pool water because it can result in horrible irritation. Freshwater should be made readily available to your pet to avoid getting lured to drink from the pool.

Can a Ferret Swim in Fish Pond?

Yes and no! It is absolutely safe for the ferret to swim in a fish pond; however, they may catch and eat your fishes. While some ferrets are obsessed with fish and might want to feed on them, others may care less. Some might be curious — others might want to get beneath the pond.

Wrapping Up

We can safely say that these small mammals can swim, though this swimming ability varies from one ferret to the other. Ferrets can swim in various water bodies except for chlorinated water since it leads to itching.

You’ll have to pay rapt attention to your furry animal during their swimming sections to prevent drowning. Is your pet swimming for the first time? Seek your veterinarian’s advice for a good headstart to curb accidents. Your pet will definitely enjoy swimming!