Have you recently adopted a Guinea pig? These adorable little balls of fur are more popular than you may think: they are actually the third most popular pet in many states. Like other pocket pets, they are quite easy to care for. A great cage, a proper diet, lots of hay and chew toys will cover the basics. But what about grooming? A local Glen Burnie MD vet goes over some of the inns and outs of grooming a Guinea pig in this article.
Do Guinea Pigs Need Grooming?
Yes. Regular grooming will help keep your tiny pet’s coat clean and soft. This will not only help them look better and feel more comfortable, it can also help prevent external parasites, like fleas, ticks and mites.
It’s also a good chance to spend time with your little buddy, and help them become comfortable and calm in your presence. That’s important for bonding. Guinea pigs can actually form quite close ties with their humans.
Brushing
If you have long haired cavies, your tiny friends really should be brushed every day. That will help keep their fur clean, and remove dead hair and dirt. This isn’t mandatory for short-haired cavies, though it won’t hurt. If your pet has a shorter cut, you’ll want to brush them once a week. During shed cycles, you’d want to brush your pet daily.
What Kind Of Brush Should I Use On A Guinea Pig?
We would recommend getting a brush with stiff bristles. It should be small enough to easily maneuver. You may also want to get a metal comb.
How Do I Brush A Guinea Pig?
Always brush in the direction of your little buddy’s fur. If your pet has a cowlick, go with that.
Gently pet your tiny pal, if they enjoy being stroked. You can also talk to them in a soothing voice. A tiny treat won’t hurt, either. Just stick with safe options. Hay cubes are a good bet. Ask your vet for specific advice on safe and unsafe treats.
Do I Need To Trim My Guinea Pig’s Fur?
This isn’t normally a must, but if your pet is getting matted, you may want to. Just carefully trim any pieces that are touching the ground. Use round-end scissors, to ensure that you don’t accidentally cut your tiny friend.
Do I Need To Trim My Pet’s Nails?
You will need to occasionally trim your pet’s little paws. Most cavies need this done about once a month. This will help give them traction, so they can walk easily. Guinea pigs do tend to get long nails. These can turn into bumblefoot, which is a painful ulcer on the sole of the foot. You can use clippers made for people, or use ones made for cats, bunnies, or small dogs. The ones for big dogs will be too big.
Be careful not to cut the quick, which is where the nerves and blood vessels end. This can cause bleeding, and can also lead to infections. Ask your vet to show you how to safely trim your pet’s nails.
Are Guinea Pigs Dirty?
Not usually. In fact, Guinea pigs are usually pretty clean. They do groom themselves. However, they are pretty close to the ground, and can easily get dirt and waste stuck to them.
Bathing your guinea pigs
Guinea pigs don’t usually need baths, but there may be a time that you need to clean your little buddy off. Your pet may get dirt or waste stuck on their fur, or get something spilled on them.
How Often Should I Bathe My Guinea Pig?
Most of the time, you should only need to give your furry buddies the occasional bath, perhaps every few months. You don’t want to over-bathe them. That can strip the oils from their fur, leaving them dry and tangled. Plus, cavies have very sensitive skin.
That said, older cavies tend to get dirty more. They don’t move around as much which means they can get a bit dirty.
When Should I Give My Guinea Pig A Bath?
If you notice your pet starting to smell, and/or their bottom looks wet or soiled, then it’s definitely time for a bath. You’d also need to bathe your pet if they were to get fleas or mites. There are some spot treatments available, but be sure to talk to your Glen Burnie MD vet before trying these. Don’t apply products made for other animals: they may not be safe for your piggy,
How Do You Bathe A Guinea Pig?
Giving your cavies baths isn’t hard, but you will need to be gentle. Start by putting a non-slip mat down in the sink or container you’ve used. A towel will also work. Then, add a few inches of lukewarm water. Make sure it isn’t hot! It shouldn’t be any hotter than about 95F.
Next, go get your little buddy and gently put them into the water. Don’t get that cute head wet! Talk to your pet, and gently pet them, to help them stay calm. Keep a close eye on your cavey, as they may wiggle or even try to jump out.
Put your cavy in the sink or tote. Pour water over your pet, using a small cup. Don’t get your tiny pal’s face or head wet. Gently pour water over their fur. Usually, it’s only the bottom part that’s really dirty, so you don’t need to do much to your pet’s back or sides.
Be very careful not to get water in your pets’ eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. They could develop respiratory issues by inhaling water.
After your piggy is wet, go ahead and gently lather them up. Be gentle, and keep talking to your pet in a soothing voice. If you do bathe your cavy, use a shampoo made specifically for them. You can also use a plain, unscented shampoo.
Once your pet is lathered up, it’s time to rinse. You can use a cup, teapot, pitcher, or spray attachment. Be careful not to get soap in your pet’s eyes.
There will be soap in the water, so it’s time to refresh. Gently put your tiny pal on another surface while you do this. Then, put them back in and rinse again. It’s important to get all the suds out.
Now, it’s time to dry the little guy. Use a soft towel, and gently pat the water out of their fur. Your pet will be susceptible to chills when they are wet, so keep them in a warm spot. You can use a blow dryer, but don’t force the issue if your pet is scared. If you do use one, keep it on the lowest setting and don’t let it get too hot.
This is also going to be a good time to clean your pet’s cage, so they can enjoy fresh bedding.
Once your little buddy is dry, give them a snack and a cuddle. A new chew toy will not go unappreciated, either!
Make An Appointment At Our Glen Burnie Md Pet Clinic
Do you have questions or concerns about Guinea pig care? Are you looking for a great vet that handles cavies? Reach out to us, your local Glen Burnie MD animal hospital, at any time. We care for all of our patients, big and small.
