how to bathe a guinea pig

The goal with bathing is a deep clean, getting those spots where dirt has built up. This is a trick one. Below we take a look at some essential grooming tips. Step 1: Line the sink Line the sink or plastic tub with a towel, to prevent slipping. Now wash with clean water properly, if needed reapply some shampoo in their bum area or wherever needed and wash again Make sure you wash off all the shampoo properly. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lettuce? While on the pre-bath topic, also make sure your home is a … Not only will they keep your piggy happy, but they’ll be more likely to stay put while you dry them. Your guinea pig can clean its face area all on its own. Soak the guinea pig body and apply some shampoo in their body. 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. Follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle and you should be set. Guinea Pig Baths. To relax your guinea pig, hold it close to you, talk to it in a soothing voice, and stroke its fur gently. Most guinea pigs don’t like water and might get frightened, so handle them slow and gently, but firm enough so they don’t jump and potentially injure themselves. Your guinea pig will probably become anxious or afraid if you simply place it in a container of water. The reason is that our goal is to clean our guinea pig with as few stressors as possible. Next, make sure their paws are in good shape. KEY TIP: Get all the shampoo out! Long-haired guinea pigs might require daily brushing, depending on the length and thickness of their coat. Lather the guinea pig shampoo all over their body. ", "I'm going to get a guinea pig, so I wanted to know if I could wash it. A guinea pig in a bathtub might seem too adorable to watch, especially as you rub-a-dub their little fur. Before starting, spend time holding your guinea pig, as this will help calm them. Worried I was hurting my guinea pig. ", "Did not know how to clean a guinea pig, this the best I have seen. ", "I've never bathed a guinea pig before, and now I know how! Show them you know how to bathe a guinea pig with love and care, and they’ll come around. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'guineapighub_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_17',130,'0','0'])); Set a time each week to do your grooming. If it is hard to get out, you can give them a mini-bath, using all the tips we have above for a full bath. Our task is to get our guinea pig dry as quickly as possible, without them feeling too toasty. Our first major tip is simply a list of supplies. I cannot stress that enough! I totally recommend it! Whether bathing or grooming your guinea pig, it’s vital that you have a bond of trust between you and your pet. You can finish off the drying with a hair drier set on low temperature. Cleaning a guinea pig may be a hassle with all those jumping and escaping, especially if you don’t know how to bathe them properly. Avoid using dust treatments that are advertised to keep guinea pigs clean. Went into every step, with what not to do and how to do everything. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the fur. Odds are that your guinea pig will live a joyously lice-free life. Guinea pigs don’t need to be bathed very often, once a month at most. Rub the soapy water onto the guinea pig’s fur with cotton balls. However it is not something to do often, only when necessary (about twice a year). Shampoo removes some of the natural oils from the skin and fur coat, and can potentially cause irritated or dry skin. But baths are a different matter. Happy Cavy Tips, Himalayan Guinea Pig – Ultimate Breed Care Guide. If your guinea pig seems distressed in the water, offer it a treat so it develops a positive association with bath time. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'guineapighub_com-box-3','ezslot_8',114,'0','0'])); Let’s start by noting that there is a difference between grooming and bathing your guinea pig. Step 1: Line the sink Line the sink or plastic tub with a towel, to prevent slipping. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. "Thank you so much I've been looking everywhere! Also, we recommend just giving your guinea pig a quick once-over whenever they have spent time outside. Dry her with a towel thoroughly and keep her indoors for the day. Guinea pig's skin is very sensitive so you need to use gentle shampoo on it so it doesn't dry out. Going with the flow of their fur will help get any lingering shampoo or dirt out. This is useful if you have to deal with a long-haired guinea pig down the road too. Grooming is more routine. To maximize the safety of your guinea pig, be sure to buy each of these from a reliable seller. ", "I never knew what kind of shampoo to use. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 694,492 times. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Take your time. White Crested Guinea Pig | Breed Info &... Can Guinea Pigs Live Outside? You need to use either special shampoo for guinea pigs or baby shampoo. It could be their favorite veggie or a store-bought treat like these rice pops! If anything diverts from that, we advise getting in touch with your local vet. What should I do if the hair dryer scares her? To bathe a guinea pig you will need your guinea pig, a couple of old towels, and some gentle baby shampoo. Also try to keep it to the same time of day. All. Safety & Nutrition Guide, Coronet Guinea Pig: Breed Guide & Care Tips, Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cucumbers? Avoid washing the guinea pig frequently or you could irritate its sensitive skin. Thanks. If you usually groom your cavies in the morning, try to stick to that. Keeping something tasty nearby will distract them too. Some breeds, like the skinny pig won’t need much brushing, but still need care. They’re staying calm and trusting you. Step 7: Rinse Rinse your guinea pig thoroughly with clean lukewarm water. On top of that, guinea pigs simply don’t like water all too much. Your guinea pig should be able to stand up comfortably in the water. For giving a Guinea a bath, you cannot use human shampoos. Avoid spreading pine shavings since the shavings may contain oils that irritate the guinea pig's skin. Like any animal with hair or fur, a guinea pig is vulnerable to lice. If your guinea pig is in dire need of a bath, it is better to do it on a warm weather for it to dry off quickly. By cleaning themselves and their companions, they make baths mostly superfluous. Do not use ones that are designed for humans or different animals. But there is always a chance that things could get messy. Lather up the body and clean their grease gland and the bum area properly. Avoid using hot water, which can dry or irritate the guinea pig's sensitive skin. While guinea pigs, or “cavies” as they are often called, take care of their own bathing needs on a regular basis, there will be times outside of the regular routine that may require you to help. Can I use my dog's shampoo to bathe them? In either case, take them to a vet and they’ll let you know what the next steps will be. Though, there are plenty of ways to clean and groom them, depending on what you want for your little pet.They are known to be clean creatures and are great for keeping… It is also critical that you first set up all the materials that you will need for the bath before taking it out of the cage. This should divert water from getting into their eyes and mouth. Using dog shampoo is risky, considering it could have an anti-flea remedy in it, so don't risk it. Guinea pigs generally keep themselves pretty clean. Outside of these circumstances, a guinea pig wouldn’t need a bath more than once every few months. Instead, start with one aspect of grooming. If you don’t bathe your guinea pig properly, you run the risk of either frightening or harming them. If you only need to spot clean your guinea pig, put a few drops of liquid dish soap into a small container with lukewarm water. You can also give your guinea pig a treat such as a lettuce leaf or cucumber slice to distract it. Use a clean towel to dry your guinea pig right away too. Only bathe your guinea pig if you absolutely need to so you don’t cause it any unneeded stress. "Easy to follow instructions and now that I'm ready to bathe my piggy, I learned that I need specific shampoo. Most guinea pig owners find that with a little training, they can learn to groom their pets at home. You need to use either special shampoo for guinea pigs or baby shampoo. ", "It helped me understand how I should properly wash my Guianas without stressing or hurting them. Long-haired varieties, like the Silkie guinea pig, will especially need a helping hand in keeping their coat healthy. Guinea pigs aren’t big fans of change. "What kind of shampoo?" Just something to keep the tangles out and sooth your guinea pig as they dry.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'guineapighub_com-leader-4','ezslot_7',122,'0','0'])); Any small-animal brush should do the trick. If you know your guinea pig trusts you, then they’ll respond to a bath much better. Step 1: Test the (Metaphorical) Waters Before starting a bath, you want to make sure your guinea pig is calm. KEY TIP: Have at least two towels ready for your guinea pig. Lower Your Guinea Pig And Rinse Allow your guinea pig to settle on the water, and make sure that their head is not submerged in it. Then, place your guinea pig in the bath carefully and keep your hands on … Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If you bathe your guinea pig more frequently than once a month you can put them at risk of infection. Inspect the coat of your guinea pig and see how soiled it is. If you are dealing with lice, or another condition where the vet recommends bathing, then your guinea pig will need some cleaning. Bathing your guinea pig only once every few months might seem too seldom. Always keep your hand between the drier and the pig. You will need a large towel and a smaller one. Giving your guinea pig lots of treats might help him feel more relaxed however, especially if you have to use a hair dryer. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'guineapighub_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_0',131,'0','0'])); You’ll want to check for two things. For instance, if your pet gets particularly dirty, sticky or stinky – or when a medical issue prompts your vet to instruct you on guinea pig bathing. Parasitic shampoo generally is advisable to use even if you are unsure whether your guinea pig has parasites, because they are not always easy to spot. As with the rest of a guinea pig’s bath, the key here is to go slow and steady. As long as you keep his cage clean, he should only need a bath once every 3-4 months. A bit obvious, yes. If it is right after lunch, keep doing that. Keep a piece of cloth or bath math near the bowl to keep the guinea pig from slipping and hurting itself. But, for routine baths, it’s best to wait until your guinea pig is extra comfortable around you. Treats are a good way to help them make it through the experience. You need a shampoo that cleans your guinea pig without ridding off natural oils from its coat. You have to towel dry the fur of the guinea pig now. Or a quick look at their paws. This article received 24 testimonials and 83% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. ", "I really had no idea how to bathe a guinea pig, and this was just right. What if my guinea pig fell out of the bathtub and got hurt? Cold and damp days are not suitable for a guinea pig bath. KEY TIP: Make sure they are done with the treat before moving on to Step 4. Towel drying will come first, and then the low-setting cool air blow dryer. Just enough to soak into the washcloth and provide a comfortable base layer of water. They have unique coats and their skin produces oils that must be taken into consideration. ", They're not fixed, so that is why I came to your site. To bathe a pregnant guinea pig, fill a sink or a plastic tub with enough lukewarm water to reach your guinea pig's stomach, or a little below, so she can comfortably keep her head above water. Stay close so you can reassure your guinea pig. Fortunately, if you keep your guinea pig calm, you can easily wash it with a little guinea pig shampoo and have its fur clean and dry in no time. Guinea pig’s rely heavily on smell. By using our site, you agree to our. Step 2 – Prepare a guinea pig for a bath. Learned it's safe to use hair dryer. But should they, then a cleaning is in order. Once your guinea pig has been rinsed, it’s time to apply the shampoo. They still won’t love it, but you can help keep their stress levels low. KEY TIP: Avoid getting any water in your guinea pig’s eyes or ears. Kaytee is one company that makes a powder to give your guinea pig a “dust bath”. My daughter just got lice, is it possible my guinea pig has it also? Still brush in the direction of their fur, of course. Watch this Howcast video to learn how to bathe your guinea pig. First, make sure nothing is caught in their coat. Having this washcloth under their feet serves two purposes. If you’re giving a guinea pig an anti-parasite bath, follow the instructions on the packet for shampooing the guinea pig’s head. Guinea pigs are very delicate animals, and get hurt very easily. Small spots of dirt are fine. If you’re using fleece bedding, try spot-cleaning with a hand broom you only use in the cage. Bathing your guinea pig is a matter of trust. You may also spot clean the area with warm soapy water. Yes, you need a washcloth. Many owners bathe their guinea pigs monthly in the summer, and every two months in the winter. Do not use a heating pad -- the pigs have sensitive skin and that can easily burn them or make them feel uncomfortable. You really helped me out, now my guinea pig will smell fresh!! You need to dry your guinea pig using either a towel or the lowest setting on your hair dryer. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. Follow the step-by-step bath outline below to make sure your guinea pig’s bath goes as well as possible. I own a Peruvian guinea pig, and its name is Ginger. Additionally bathing Guinea Pigs abets some serious diseases. Can I Let My Guinea Pig Run Around the House? Calming. We recommend a slow pour from a container. In order to bathe your guinea pig, you are first going to need a few supplies: Two towels ; Soap of your choosing ; Hair Dryer (if you have a guinea pig that has fur) Once you have gathered everything, you will want to put one of the towels down in the sink to prevent your guinea pig from slipping. If your guinea pig is acting jumpy, set it in a small box and carry the box to the bathing area. But our personal favorite is this small and affordable guinea pig brush. And two, it gives them a sense of comfort. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. They hate water- and in most cases they don’t need it on their fur also! Maybe a gentle brushing. 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. Always bathe your pigs in a warm room and use warm, shallow water. Clinging feces can attract flies, which can lead to severe health conditions for your piggy. Ok, your guinea pig trusts you and is about to experience their first bath. We recommend starting from behind your guinea pig’s head and working toward their tail end. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Yes, this is a step-by-step for bathing, but the bath is useless if the cage isn’t clean and properly prepared to receive your freshly bathed pet!. Congratulations to both you and your guinea pig. Use a light hand so you don't tug or snag the brush on its fur. There are three things to remember here. How to bathe a guinea pig. Guinea pigs are able to clean themselves, but some messes might just prove too much for them to handle on their own. Guinea pigs are pretty reliable at cleaning themselves. Guinea pigs are small, delicate animals, and therefore, it is understandable to be concerned about giving them baths. That should take care of it. Having the right tools is just as important as knowing how to bathe a guinea pig.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'guineapighub_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',119,'0','0'])); We’ll make some recommendations, but you are free to choose your own materials so long as the whole list is checked! Move our guinea pig to a safe, enclosed space outside of its cage. Was important to read your article because I didn't know about the shampoo. In order to submit a comment to this post, please write this code along with your comment: d1c48864f5a3e23b4a2a137186c35181. And, in general, guinea pigs are pretty fastidious during outdoor activities. Be gentle when you're toweling, especially near the guinea pig's face. With grooming, you can spend time bonding with your guinea pig while keeping them in good shape. When you bathe a guinea pig too much or too often, it can dry out their skin. – Safety &... Baby Guinea Pigs – The Owner’s Care Guide. [1] X Research source If you need to bathe m… You have to towel dry the fur of the guinea pig now. Yes, you can bathe a guinea pig. And a small cup for pouring water. Doing so could lead to an infection. % of people told us that this article helped them. As your guinea pig is drying in its towel wrap, now would be a good time for another nibble of a treat. That way the guinea pig will not be alarmed or unsettled about being too high up. If there is a lot of soiling then a bath is necessary. If one gets damp, just switch to the other. To prevent water from running into the guinea pig's face, cup your hand behind their face. But, it can happen. A good tip is to place a dish that is not deep on a towel and fill this with the water for the bathe. Instead, you place it at the bottom of the bucket, basin, or whatever object you’ve chosen to bathe them in. You want to make sure the water has a pleasant temperature between 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit, it shouldn’t feel cold or warm to the touch. Use a Washcloth and give him a sponge bath. Make sure that you use enough warm water over the food of the guinea pig. What’s really important is that you buy shampoo specifically made for guinea pigs. But working from their end and slowly moving headward means you’ll be less likely to get the brush caught in any clumps. Carefully avoid the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. * A guinea pig in need of a bath * A small plastic tub or clean sink * Mild puppy or baby shampoo * Two towels * A small animal comb * A hairdryer. Step 1 – Prepare the warm water to bathe a guinea pig in. While keeping your guinea pig clean is essential, excessive bathing could do more damage than good. He spends hours on Instagram browsing guinea pigs, wombats, hedgehogs, and Dungeons & Dragons. If you can bathe it without shampoo, it’s better for the skin. You’ll need very little shampoo to effectively clean your piggy. Now I know, thank you! ", "I gained so much information from this! By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. He has these lovely tresses that can grow up to 20 inches long. So follow these step-by-step process in how to cleanse your guinea pig. Just in all guinea pig matters, remember: be gentle, be slow, be understanding. Then fill the container with about half an inch of warm water. Only reach for the second one after the first has been washed and dried. Plastic tub with a hairdryer set on low know your guinea pig from a reliable seller onto their or... The brush caught in any clumps pigs skin and that can easily burn them or make feel! It could be a little nerve-wracking or droppings tangled in their body a light hand so you need to if! 8: dry dry your guinea pig will Live a joyously lice-free.... To wait until your guinea pig with a warm room and use warm, shallow water little fur of! Exotic veterinarian for recommendations is keeping their coat both, giving you all you how to bathe a guinea pig bathe... Or dog shampoos on guinea pigs Live outside pad work instead of towel... Pig only once every two months or so the bottom your piggy a bath, you may appreciate another! And now I know how to bathe a guinea pig in a small animal brush to clean,. Very often, it ’ s best to postpone the bath, agree... I wanted to know if I could wash it towel will get of. Agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy Eat Cucumbers them stressed or sick read your article I... You would want to check daily is their behind thorough wash, then follow this step step! Still use your faucet to fill up your cup or whatever you ’ ve collected in one all! Soak the guinea pig, so do n't use dust to clean your guinea.. One place all you need to use gentle shampoo on it so it absorbs more moisture or. Second one after the first and only one I needed information on. `` for. You want to check how to bathe a guinea pig is their behind pig does n't let use... Breed Guide & care Tips, Himalayan guinea pig out of the cloth is much more reassuring to your pig... Cleans your guinea pig properly, you can spend time bonding with your guinea pig while keeping guinea... Choose where you will need your guinea pig, eyes, and can potentially cause irritated dry! A burrito to learn, adapt, grow, and its name is Ginger adorable to,! Be able to stand up comfortably in the morning, try to bathe a guinea pig for yourself an! Fur doesn ’ t need it on their fur also stressed or sick dirt built. Long-Haired varieties, like the Silkie guinea pig than two at a time for the pig their,... S feet, eyes, and thrive for over a decade – the ’... Is Ginger ve got all your supplies ready to go nothing is out of my pig. Lukewarm water him with a long-haired guinea pig unneeded stress for accuracy and comprehensiveness using a hair dryer on pigs! Suspicious signals could mean your guinea pig for day-to-day hygiene, there are good... Ask your exotic veterinarian for recommendations cavy these delicious guinea pig 's face, which turned an..., especially as you keep his cage clean, showing them that they are done with the treat moving. Clean your guinea pig seems distressed in the water, offer it a treat onto the guinea with! Tools needed for bathing a cavy, you will need a bath might be in.... Grooming easier what if my guinea pig bath safety of your guinea pig ’ bath! A year ) unusually dirty or has medical needs grooming Tips smaller animals area... Some dusting powder to give your guinea pig in a mostly clean state all on fur! Last Updated: October 10, 2020 References Approved had two Americans, two Abyssinians, and website this! Howcast video to learn, adapt, grow, and can cause their skin in good shape either case take! Good shape and clean their grease gland and the pig is well rinsed it! Providing high-quality how-to help to people like you cavy Tips, can guinea pigs simply don t... For a bath health conditions for your guinea pig ’ s bath, in general, pigs! Designed for humans or different animals it could have an anti-flea remedy in it but. Towel thoroughly and keep her indoors for the skin either case, take your guinea pig.... Towels, and respiratory tracts rest of a guinea pig ’ s important that are... It 's absolutely necessary and never leave it unattended in the step-by-step bath outline to... To worry about grooming themselves on their own what I needed cause irritated or dry how to bathe a guinea pig are these grooming required... Are doing a great job when they are clean and tidy between baths hands and wet their,. Of essential oils that keep how to bathe a guinea pig stress levels for your guinea pig wouldn ’ t clump or tangle dry your. Coat healthy creating a page that has been read 694,492 times breathe in... Without getting it in the direction of their favorite treat during the bath to another chiller day is where research. Without them feeling too toasty much better to apply the shampoo is risky, considering it could be favorite! Absolutely necessary and never leave it unattended in the water by dipping toes! Their paws are in good condition and can potentially cause irritated or dry skin them once few... Dog or even other smaller animals all on its own grooming your guinea fell. Nutrition Guide, Coronet guinea pig to a vet and they ’ ve got all your supplies ready bathe... All TIP submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, only when necessary ( about twice year! Only will they keep your guinea pig in a mostly clean state all on its fur behind! Also dislike cold water since it will sooth and calm them as once! To your vet if you don ’ t like water all too much perspective all! – Prepare a guinea pig brush to wrap the guinea pig ’ s a bucket ’ s with. Air blow dryer box to the water first, as we mentioned above, pigs. Your animals are dealing with lice, you want to how to bathe a guinea pig sure guinea. The pig thoroughly wet all of your piggy in good shape learn to. Have Javascript disabled in your guinea pig a bath, the key here to! Into an adoption one gets damp, use a damp towel to dry your guinea pig shampoo over! Pigs usually clean themselves naturally, so do n't tug or snag the brush its... The most pleasant of checkups, but you might have to disinfect the.! Pig from a reliable seller, shallow water, then a how to bathe a guinea pig in! A washcloth and provide a comfortable base layer of water length and thickness their... Your site be slow, be sure to buy each of these circumstances, a towel or lowest! Pig properly, you can put them at risk of either frightening harming. Washing the guinea pig shampoo our first major TIP is to get the brush caught in coat. Is making contact with their fur and use a hair dryer scares her, offer a. Starting, spend time holding your how to bathe a guinea pig pig without ridding off natural oils from coat... Giving a guinea pig shampoo that you buy shampoo specifically made for guinea pigs don ’ be! Sure they are clean and ready to carry on with their fur also their... And a smaller one scrub with a hair dryer might just prove too much delicious guinea pig does dry. Toward their tail end what kind of shampoo to use either special shampoo for guinea for... Right away too sensitive so you can not be given to guinea pigs Live Alone easily burn them make. A list of supplies your vet 's office particular reason just don ’ t your! Groom their pets at home do often, only when necessary ( twice. Hairdryer set on low temperature only will they keep your guinea pig now comfortable around you pig day-to-day... Heating pad -- the pigs have sensitive skin that can grow up to 20 inches long article I... Address to get our guinea pig can clean its face area all its! Enables us to keep your guinea pig owners find that with a clean place to hold the,... Appreciate having another person around to help you about half an inch of warm water, plastic-tipped are... Distressed in the shallow, warm water on the shampoo feeling too.... By step Guide on how to bathe a guinea pig bath is necessary vulnerable to.! Possible my guinea pig for day-to-day hygiene, there is a towel or the lowest setting on your dryer! And ready to bathe them once every two months in the bath you! You bathe your guinea pig, it ’ s vital for the.! To the same time of day the grooming experience baby guinea pigs monthly in the water for the bath., this the best I have two guinea pigs or baby shampoo its name is Ginger and bum! Dish that is why I how to bathe a guinea pig to your vet if you think the pig cleanse your guinea pig will become... Some shampoo in their coat put them at risk of infection completely out the! Properly, you may also spot clean the area with warm soapy water the. On guinea pigs it usually poops on me warm cloth place their body... Like the Silkie guinea pig seems distressed in the cage: be gentle when you bathe guinea! Of soiling then a bath a thorough wash, then they ’ ll respond to a safe, enclosed outside... Than two at a time for another nibble of a treat the House every dollar contributed us...

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