Unfortunately parasites are usual if you keep Guinea Pigs. I cut the hair round their bums short - I tried clippers which was successful in that the hair was short, but both girls cried I find bum baths best though as … Two bowls are ideal. Calm your guinea before bathing it. Even so, their main requirement is still grooming and not bathing. Of course, we do not recommend that you do that at all! Some medicines can be prescribed, or your vet may recommend that your guinea pig be examined for a urinary tract infection. It is also a great way to bond with the little animal. By knowing what is most commonly seen, you can be better prepared to monitor for signs and symptoms that your guinea pig may be getting sick. Public Figure. If your guinea pig gets a little dirty, try to do spot cleaning with a baby wipe or a shampoo formulated for small animals. They’re crusty again. I just wondered if there is a more up to date guide for bum baths and grease glands than the boar bits one pinned here? Keep a piece of cloth or bath math near the bowl to keep the guinea pig from slipping and hurting itself. Pregnant guinea pigs and those under six months old should never get a bath. In fact, research has shown that swimming puts a lot of stress on a guinea pig’s body and hey can become depressed and stressed out afterward as well. Just make sure you keep them in clean spaces, so the surrounding areas do not make them dirty. More Guinea Pig help: Fight against Parasites on Guinea Pigs There are a couple of parasites that your Guinea Pig may be infected with or could be attacked from. Holding a guinea pig while cleaning its bum is essential as guinea pigs resist having a bum bath. Interest. Of course, if you are unsure about the move you are going to make, it is best to consult your vet. Put some tissue on the bottom so a guinea pig doesn’t slip. Bum baths? If you have more than one guinea pig in your house, you will probably see them groom each other quite often. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding all of your pets. Make sure that it is not emitting high heat that can damage the little one in any way. Use one bowl to shampoo the guinea pig and the other to wash it off. Making a wrong move in for the sake of extra cleanliness could cost them their health or even their life. So, make sure that you do not let your guinea pig swim, especially if there is no reason for it. Priscilla the Mini Pig… Make sure that the soap you use to wash your guinea pig is unscented. Public Figure. Wilfred Warrior. Similarly, if you bathe your guinea pig when it seems sick or lethargic, this could also take a toll on its health. You should bath your guinea pigs once every one to two months. If your guinea pig requires a full-body bath, use guinea pig-safe shampoo and lukewarm water that only reaches your pal’s belly. Keep in mind that baths generally stress out guinea pigs. If you notice that your guinea pig frequently has a wet bottom, ask your vet what can be done. If you give them a bath during cold or otherwise compromising weather, they can get sick. Guinea pigs might have a thick mat of hairs around their grease glands and around their bum area. How Often do Guppies get Pregnant? For those rare occasions your guinea pig needs a wash, you can get the job done using a shallow bowl or pan, a few towels, and special guinea pig shampoo. Shampoos made for large animals can irritate the skin of your guinea pig and give them skin diseases. Nathan the Beach Cat. It's a Pug Thing. If it seems like there is redness, a rash, a swelling, or any such area of concern on the guinea pig, do not bathe it. After bath time is over, keep your guinea pig indoors where it is warm and dry. Some guinea pigs are born blind, while others can go blind as a result of old age. Guinea pigs prefer to be groomed rather than bathed. Bath Time. This can sometimes happen if its cage is not cleaned too often. Before giving your guinea pig a bath, make sure you inspect their body for any issues. If you find your guinea pig is shaking after a bath, then it is definitely a shiver out of the cold. So make sure you don’t bathe your long hair guinea pig more than three to four times a year unless it is absolutely necessary. Guinea pigs have a very potent sense of smell, and they might be sensitive to the fragrances in soaps. Bathing (including cleaning grease glands). This response is more of a survival instinct that prevents them from drowning rather than be something they actively enjoy. Sebaceous cysts are typically located on a guinea pig’s back and near the rump, but can form in other places as well. But there was still some left. You should never leave your guinea pigs damp or wet after a shower. For the most part, guinea pigs are naturals at grooming themselves. General Information, Health Tips, Just for fun. It is a good idea to consult your vet before you use any kind of chemicals on your guinea pig. You can try focusing on other ways to care for your guinea pig, like grooming. Always bathe your guinea pigs with lukewarm water so that they do not get shocked by the temperature difference. A small bath. Guinea pigs are small, delicate animals, and therefore, it is understandable to be concerned about giving them baths. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Now, if your guinea pigs have a thick matt or hard hair clumps around their bum, you might need to give them a bum bath first. Keep in mind that guinea pigs are small, delicate creatures and are therefore get easily mishandle. Generally, A bath once a month or two months would be more than enough. Public Figure. In many cases, you don’t even have to bathe them even once in their lifetime since guinea pigs are generally clean creatures. You can also give your guinea pig a treat such as a lettuce leaf or cucumber slice to distract it. Other than that, make sure you inspect your guinea pig for any skin conditions as well. Just make sure that you use a shampoo made especially for small animals since they are gentler. Patrice’s grease gland looks a bit dirty doesn’t it? Himalayan Cat Price – How Much Does a Himalayan Cat Cost? When you pick your guinea pig, make sure that your hands are clean, or you can also use medical gloves for cleaning your guinea pig bum and pet them until they feel calm. Also, do not bathe your guinea pig if it primarily remains outdoors. Well we didnt bath Jezzy floof today as the weather is suddenly cold again but when I checked Piggle's rear end there was definitely brownish yellow gunk caked around her grease gland that was very sore when I touched it, so I got her to sit on puggy daddy's shoulder while I rubbed olive oil into the nasty crud, then we gave her a bum bath! If you have multiple pigs, you should bathe them more often. This is because you need to wash the guinea pig and keep it sterile to get rid of the infection and to prevent it from spreading. Keep a shampoo for small animals at hand, along with two washing bowls, a small makeshift bath mat, and a soft towel to dry them off. Pet. Step 2 – Prepare a guinea pig for a bath. You can also give the little piggy a bath if it smells very bad. Guinea pigs do not like to swim. Guinea pigs that like to strut their stuff and show pals they’re boss or those that are newly introduced may have more active grease glands as well. They can advise you better regarding anything that can irritate him. i have found with my boars ingrained waxy grease gland ,that the only product that will thoroughly erase the grease is swarfega.it maybe not the in thing to use ,but it is the only product i will use.change is good,but need to monitor,and not just change for the sake of change.the article Clare has written is excellent ! Daily Care and Travel. They enjoy being groomed by their owners as well, which is why there is so much emphasis on brushing their coats and petting them gently. Guinea pigs can also experience impaction as they age. Pet. This video explains how to give guinea pig a bath: One thing everyone needs to know about guinea pigs is that they are naturally very clean creatures. Sebaceous cysts contain oil from the skin glands that produce oil (sebaceous glands). If you have long-haired guinea pigs, you might need to bath them more often as the dirt & urine strains get stuck in their long coat. You will need to use a special flea and tick shampoo, preferably the kind that is only for small animals. And how often? Most common… Guinea Pigs and Mites Mites are common parasites for Guinea Pigs because they always live on them and there is no chance … Swordtail Male and Female Differences and Ratio, British Shorthair Vs. Persian Cat – Full comparison & Guide, The 10 Best Cat Toothbrushes & Toothpaste. Remember that the guinea pig should be able to stand in the water comfortably, so it is best if the water does not reach above its belly. This is also especially true if you live in an area that is cold most of the year. Not only do they keep each other company and play with each other, but they also spend a large part of their day grooming each other. Use a guinea pig shampoo, which you can find in most pet stores. Patrice is an ambassa-pig for guinea pig ... 2016 patricetheguineapig. Make sure you use a special shampoo for small animals only. Once the grease is cleaned you can use regular guinea pig shampoo and either bath them fully (only if needed) or just give a final touch at their bum part. Keep a soft brush at hand for this purpose. So, try to make sure you check the little one’s breathing and activity level before taking this step. These guinea pigs need to be bathed and groomed by the owner at least once a month if they are a longhair breed. Always check if your guinea pig is at the best of its health by inspecting it once a week or so. So, should you bathe your guinea pig? You will need to be extra careful for this, though. You don’t need a lot of things to bathe your guinea pig. If you notice the infestation, it becomes almost crucial to give your guinea pig a bath. However, if you decide to put one in a bathtub, you would see that it does swim or dog paddle in the water. Your guinea pig will probably become anxious or afraid if you simply place it in a container of water. Joined Apr 20, 2018 Messages 8,407 Reaction score 28,605 Points 1,975 Location Liverpool. For shorthair cavies, you can be a little more prudent and bathe them once every two months at the most. If you suspect a guinea pig is under the weather, take him to an exotics veterinarian right away. Maya the Cat. Because guinea pigs are so clean on their own, it is not recommended that you put extra stress on their bodies by bathing them often. Even so, you must keep certain tips in your mind when you are planning to bathe your guinea pigs so that they stay out of harm’s way: What can I use for bathing my guinea pig? That's from 2016 and still mentions swarfega and washing up liquid which I wouldnt use anyway but it seems to have caused a bit of controversy when. Thread starter PigglePuggle; Start date Apr 26, 2019; PigglePuggle. How often do you have to bathe a guinea pig? I only clean grease glands as absolutely necessary so I haven't cleaned the younger 3 yet. You may also need to start trimming your guinea pig’s bum fuzz to help keep it clean. How I bath my piggies, the products I use and recommend and helpful advice about bathing guinea pigs in general! Naturally, this means that long hair guinea pigs often demand baths more frequently than short hair variety. Your guinea pig being unusually irritable. My guinea pig loves his bath as do many pigs. Previous Article Plenty of water. If you must bathe your guinea pig, make sure you do not do it more than once a month. I give him a bath once a month sometimes twice (I would do it more if it wouldn’t dry him out or strip his natural oils, because he loves it)! Speak to him in soothing tones, and pet him gently if you are able. The number of baths your guinea pigs get in their lifetime also depends on the breed that you own. There may still be other times when bathing the guinea pig might seem like a good idea. So keep that in mind whenever you consider the hygienic status of your guinea pigs. Step 4 – Place a guinea pig in a sink or a basin. Prior to bathing you need to remove dirt from the coat. Guinea pigs make great pets. I use a gentle pig shampoo on my two because they smell, but I bath them every 6 weeks or less. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Guinea pigs are small, delicate animals, and therefore, it is understandable to be concerned about giving them baths. While they are usually healthy animals, there are a number of diseases that are considered the most common ailments pet guinea pigs. Besides, you really don’t need a lot of water to wash your guinea pig as is since it is so small. Now, we did mention previously that bathing your guinea pig during an illness is not recommended. Below we take a look at how to bathe a guinea pig, with tips and tricks to make sure it goes smoothly for everyone. Make it a relaxing experience and your Guinea Pig will hopefully get to like it. Animal Shelter. How Many Gallons of Water Does an Oscar Fish Need? You will have to give it multiple baths over the course of a few weeks till you are sure that the infestation has ended. An untimely bath can spell bad news for larger animals like cats and dogs so naturally, you have to be quite careful with tiny critters like guinea pigs. Why is my guinea pig shaking after a bath? A typical guinea pig’s grooming routine consists of the brushing, nails trimming, bathing, teeth checking, weight monitoring, grease gland cleaning and eyes, ears, nose cleaning.It looks like a lot of things to do but all of them have a specific grooming schedule. These harsh chemicals can irritate their skin and may develop dermatological conditions in them. © 2020 FluffyPlanet, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMLdNv_2Rhg, When to Bathe Your Guinea Pigs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMLdNv_2Rhg), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwKfeEUCG-k, The Easy Way to Give a Guinea Pig a Bath! You know your guinea pigs, and you know their lifestyle so ultimately you can make the right decision if you educate yourself enough. Forum Donator 2020/21. In this article, we will be discussing different reasons why you should or should not bathe your little guinea pig. This will also clean off any chemicals from their skin that came with the cleaning agent. Tips for Bathing Your Guinea Pig . Sometimes you can even leave them to groom themselves for their entire lifetime. Ludwik Guinea Pig. Guinea pigs can get several types of cysts, with the most common being a sebaceous cyst. So keep in mind that in these cases, prevention is definitely better than the cure. Guinea Pig Care. Guinea pigs are generally clean creatures. Never let the level of water in the bowl reach above the piggy’s chin. Water bucket - this is where you will fill the water to about 1 inch (or 2 cm) depth to give guinea pig a bath. Oreo the sassy bunny. If you see an unusual discharge, a swelling, a mass, redness, soreness, or inflammation, halt the bathing process there and then. Bath time and nail clipping. Never use shampoo for people, as this can dry out your guinea pig’s skin. An untimely bath can spell bad news for larger animals like cats and dogs so naturally, you have to be quite careful with tiny critters like guinea pigs. Go ahead and brush your guinea pig’s coat at least once a week. In fact, giving them a bath once every three to four months is more than enough in this regard. Step 3 – Use a wet cloth to wipe guinea pig’s fur. If you are breeding show guinea pigs then, by all means, you should give them baths at their scheduled times. Unnecessary discharge from the pig’s eyes, ears, or other body parts. Essentially you should use your better judgment. Experienced Guinea Pig Bather and Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue Volunteer, Scott shows you The Easy Way to Give a Guinea Pig a Bath! Even the smallest amount of carelessness and neglect can strip them of their prestige as show guinea pigs. I usually give my guinea pigs a bum bath every month to keep their bum clean and maybe a complete wash in two months or whenever needed. You need to trim and groom their hair and also look after other body parts like nails, teeth, feet, eyes, and ears. To ensure that your guinea pigs remain clean, you need to make sure that the place they live in is clean as well. But, the time will come for a bath eventually. Keep in mind that there are times when it is necessary to bathe the little guinea pig. Giving your guinea pig, multiple baths will almost certainly stress it out and take a toll on its skin. In fact, even a simple cold or flu could prove to be fatal if you bathe the guinea pig at this time. Some Guinea Pigs love it and others, well you need 10 hands !! In fact, guinea pigs like to remain at their physical best at any given time. Use water that is of an appropriate temperature, do not use any harsh chemicals on the piggy, etc. I bought some shampoo after the fact and will use it next time I wash them. Rabbits are often considered to be same as hares, but they are quite different and it is important to know about these Most Common Causes of Sudden Death in Rabbits before you think of bringing one home.. Having fall sick is one thing, where there could be visible symptoms of illness, otherwise, there may also be some adverse situations where the cute little guinea pig … The water and the chemicals in the soap can worsen its condition, and that could spell major trouble. You can use a blow dryer on your guinea pig. Short hair cavies need to be washed even less often. He wasn't too pleased but I'd much happier now he's wrapped up in a freshly tumble dried towel and being fed a treat of his favourite herb, basil! For example, long hair cavies are much more susceptible to collecting dirt and particles in their coats than short hair breeds. Step1 Hold your guinea pig firmly (but gently) and lower him into the plastic tub. 2. In most cases, even that is too much. Gently dry off the guinea pig with a soft towel before letting it run free. Even though guinea pigs can brush themselves and they do a pretty spectacular job with it, you can chip in as well since they actually enjoy the brushing process. Only reach for the second one after the first has been washed and dried. For example, if you live in an area with a hot, humid climate, you might want to bathe your guinea pig around once in two months. On an average, though, you should only bathe your guinea pigs about twice a year. Guinea pig shampoo that is safe for guinea pigs skin and fur. To help prevent eye problems in your guinea pig, keep his cage clean and provide a quality diet. Bathe your guinea pig regularly. If he calms down, proceed with step two. Guinea pigs usually don’t need a frequent bath, so make sure you dry them out quickly if you happen to give them one. Also, try to make sure that the soap you use is unscented so that the guinea pigs do not react adversely to the fragrance. However the degree of impaction is no where as severe as in rescue cases where it can be extreme and could result in masses of the size of a golf ball. So, clean out their cages as often as you can and do not let them play around in dirt and dust too often. I used coconut oil the first time I washed the boys’ grease glands. I find coconut oil works on Spike and Rusty's grease glands but Swarfega is the only thing that works on Peanut. You must log in or register to reply here. At these times its own self-care methods are more or less futile, and you have to step in with some thorough cleaning. For example, both long and short hair cavies need to be brushed, long hair more than short hair. This video is about when to bathe your guinea pig :) Short haired guinea pigs should be bathed rarely, if ever. Guinea Pigs need occasional baths, maybe twice a year, just to keep their coat nice and clean. Examine your guinea pig’s back for cysts. Do not use the same shampoo on your guinea pigs that you do on dogs and cats. JavaScript is disabled. But he looks cute! Other than that, if your guinea pigs play a lot outdoors and accumulate dirt and dust on their fur coats, it may be a good idea to give them a little rinsing. Other than that, you will need to do follow-up checkups as often as possible to make sure you got rid of the threat entirely. Blind guinea pigs are usually able to live relatively normal lives. He loves to be dried and pampered. Please excuse my tiny hands and double chin - this is 100% not my angle! You will notice that if you keep your guinea pigs in a dirty environment for a long time, they will begin to get uncomfortable there. If you unnecessarily decide to wash the little critter too often, it can take a toll on its physical and mental health. Following this step will help you to hold your guinea pig while cleaning their bum. My gorgeous little marshmallow had to have a bum bath today! People usually call me by the nickname “Joy” because they think that I am …keep reading, Fluffyplanet.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com We do not provide veterinary suggestions. It is always a good idea to consult your vet regarding the products that you will use on the little critter. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. After two minutes, if he or she is still in a panic, remove the guinea pig from the water and skip to step five. However, you might find that your vet recommends a bath in case of an infection or other such conditions. We gave her a “bum bath” so that she felt fresh and clean. Take it and hold it for a while making sure that the animal is calm. Baths are also a big no-no if your guinea pig has a cold or respiratory infection. I also take the time to blow dry him while I comb him out. They enjoy grooming each other and do it quite often. To be very frank, you should not be presented with the need to bathe your guinea pig for the entirety of its life except for on special occasions or for medical reasons. Do not use ones that are designed for humans or different animals. Do not use too many products on the guinea pig since the chemicals they contain may have an adverse effect on their skin. In fact, remember to check for lethargy, breathing issues, and any other health condition first as well. Do not spray your guinea pigs with water, use washing bowls for their bath time. He has never gotten sick from having a bath. This is especially true if the guinea pig has a respiratory issue. To relax your guinea pig, hold it close to you, talk to it in a soothing voice, and stroke its fur gently. Guinea pigs are generally stressed out when you bathe them. Generally piggies that may experience this will be well over the age of 5 years. For example, you will want to schedule an appointment with the vet if you see any of the following: Like larger animals with long hair, guinea pigs are also susceptible to fleas and ticks, as unfortunate as it may be. [1] X Research source If you need to bathe m… Guinea pigs are pretty reliable at cleaning themselves. And bath time is only one of the necessities for show pigs. Bianca needs a bum bath ... Saskia at the Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue. Do Guppies Lay Eggs? This is one of the reasons why it is said that you should keep more than one guinea pig as a pet. She’s gorgeous! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwKfeEUCG-k), 13 Ways to Get Your Guinea Pig to Stop Biting You. Patrice the Guinea Pig Welcome to Patrice the Guinea Pig! Many times one bath is not enough. My name is Nadine; I am a passionate writer and a pet lover.