Summer sun brings swimming season. Believe it or not, your ferret may enjoy a dip in a pool on warm days. A swimming adventure can provide great exercise and adventure for your pet ferret. Just make sure to keep your ferret safe in the water.

It is important to remember that you should never ever force your ferret to swim. Ferrets are not naturally inclined to swim in the wild. Although many ferrets will enjoy playing in and around the water, they may not all take to swimming in the water. Your ferret knows himself better than you do, so it is essential that you respect his boundaries. If your ferret does not want to swim, accept his decision and find a different activity.

You should always keep your ferret on a leash outdoors, however you should let him off of the leash for swimming. But nevertheless, always keep in contact with your ferret, and keep your eyes on him. There are too many possibilities for danger in the great outdoors. Your ferret may try to run away, or worse, a predator may come after him. The predator could be a neighborhood dog, kid, cat, or even hawk.

In-ground pools are best for ferrets because they are easier to get into and out of. If you are taking your ferret in an above ground pool be sure that he has a raft or flotation device to climb onto if he should feel tired or threatened while in the water. Ferrets have tiny legs and might be able to handle only a few short minutes of actual swimming. Kiddie pools provide a great, and perhaps more suitable, full grown pool alternative for ferrets. You can keep the water shallow, and keep your ferret safe.

Chlorine-free water is best for swimming ferrets. The ferrets may try to drink the water, and become ill from the chlorine. Additionally, the chlorine may cause damage to their coat and skin. However even with chlorine-free water, be sure to wipe your ferret down with fresh water following the swim.