Human shampoo just will not do. Whenever I pick up my guinea pig, it usually poops on me. You'll also be able to pay more attention to a single guinea pig than two at a time. ", They're not fixed, so that is why I came to your site. References If you know your guinea pig trusts you, then they’ll respond to a bath much better. Whether it’s a bucket or an actual bathtub, take your washcloth and place it at the bottom. If there is a lot of soiling then a bath is necessary. Carefully avoid the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Thank you! Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Dry her with a towel thoroughly and keep her indoors for the day. But, all guinea pigs are different. Keep in mind that guinea pigs usually clean themselves naturally, so bathing them may make them stressed or sick. crappy answers. Towel drying will come first, and then the low-setting cool air blow dryer. And two, it gives them a sense of comfort. There are three things to remember here. Step 1 – Prepare the warm water to bathe a guinea pig in. Step 2: Ready a towel Have another clean, dry towel nearby. 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. When you think the pig is well rinsed, rinse some more! This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. KEY TIP: Keep up the small treat rewards. Instead, start with one aspect of grooming. Well, only if you need to. For giving a Guinea a bath, you cannot use human shampoos. 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. Clinging feces can attract flies, which can lead to severe health conditions for your piggy. Step 7: Rinse Rinse your guinea pig thoroughly with clean lukewarm water. Try feeding your cavy these delicious guinea pig drops during bath time and they’ll look forward to it every time! A guinea pig bath is important but not necessary. Whether it is good news or bad news, the fact is you shouldn’t be bathing your guinea pig all too often. Bathing is when you bust out the suds and water. Then choose where you will give your piggy a bath, in a sink or bathtub. It's a good idea to lather your guinea pig's head with a finger to help avoid getting any shampoo in their eyes, as this will sting as it does with humans. Happy Cavy Tips, Himalayan Guinea Pig – Ultimate Breed Care Guide. Rinse the guinea pig two to three times to make sure all the shampoo is gone. Guinea pigs are small, delicate animals, and therefore, it is understandable to be concerned about giving them baths. Otherwise the waters can get a little…contaminated. 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. Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. Clean your guinea pig when it is unusually dirty or has medical needs. Calming. 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… – Safety &... Baby Guinea Pigs – The Owner’s Care Guide. 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. wikiHow's. Only bathe the guinea pig if it's absolutely necessary and never leave it unattended in the water. Yes, you can bathe a guinea pig. Your guinea pig is all clean. It could be their favorite veggie or a store-bought treat like these rice pops! eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'guineapighub_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_16',126,'0','0'])); This will look just like Step 3. Do not use ones that are designed for humans or different animals. Guinea pigs don’t clean themselves like cats do, but they usually stay pretty clean nonetheless. If you're caring for a guinea pig, you may only need to wash it once a month because guinea pigs are like cats - they keep themselves clean. We’ll go into more detail in the step-by-step process below. If you bring your guinea pig back to their enclosure smelling like shampoo, it might confuse their companions. Next, make sure their paws are in good shape. Now I know, thank you! If you have any concerns, talk with the veterinarian. Stay close so you can reassure your guinea pig. Now comes bath time. Guinea pig’s rely heavily on smell. But there is always a chance that things could get messy. What can I do if my guinea pig doesn't let me use the hair dryer? The reason is that our goal is to clean our guinea pig with as few stressors as possible. What if my guinea pig fell out of the bathtub and got hurt? If one gets damp, just switch to the other. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He spends hours on Instagram browsing guinea pigs, wombats, hedgehogs, and Dungeons & Dragons. Approved. Bleach may cause irritation to your guinea pig’s feet, eyes, and respiratory tracts. Be gentle when you're toweling, especially near the guinea pig's face. Give your guinea pig time to adjust and get used to the grooming experience. If there is anything there, just give it a quick, gentle scrub with a warm cloth. Kaytee makes a safe and reliable guinea pig shampoo that is both gentle yet cleansing. Maybe a gentle brushing. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'guineapighub_com-leader-1','ezslot_21',120,'0','0'])); The exact object can differ. Just enough that the towel is making contact with their fur all over. Guinea pig's skin is very sensitive so you need to use gentle shampoo on it so it doesn't dry out. TIP: If your guinea pig has long fur, you can dry him with a hairdryer set on low. There are two facts to consider here. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the fur. Take a little cup and fill it up with water. Your guinea pig is doing great. Cavies are able to keep themselves in a mostly clean state all on their own. Let’s start with bathing. In either case, take them to a vet and they’ll let you know what the next steps will be. Our task is to get our guinea pig dry as quickly as possible, without them feeling too toasty. Before starting a bath, you want to make sure your guinea pig is calm. We’ll cover both, giving you all you need to know to keep your guinea pig clean and happy. I own a Peruvian guinea pig, and its name is Ginger. If your guinea pig seems distressed in the water, offer it a treat so it develops a positive association with bath time. Human lice cannot be given to guinea pigs, and vice versa. Your guinea pig will probably become anxious or afraid if you simply place it in a container of water. Cold and damp days are not suitable for a guinea pig bath. If it is right after lunch, keep doing that. ", "I was unsure of how to bathe my two guinea pigs. Take him to the vet! Step 1: Line the sink Line the sink or plastic tub with a towel, to prevent slipping. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. "What kind of shampoo?" Be generous with treats, showing them that they are doing a great job when they are staying calm. Water bucket - this is where you will fill the water to about 1 inch (or 2 cm) depth to give guinea pig a bath. To bathe a guinea pig you will need your guinea pig, a couple of old towels, and some gentle baby shampoo. "Can I use soap?" Your guinea pig doesn’t like the cold and this will really stress them out. Once your guinea pig is calm, place their lower body in the shallow, warm water. Any redness, rashes, or other suspicious signals could mean your guinea pig is ill or perhaps has a skin infection. Avoid spreading pine shavings since the shavings may contain oils that irritate the guinea pig's skin. Yes, though it is not 100% suitable. They still won’t love it, but you can help keep their stress levels low. Keep a piece of cloth or bath math near the bowl to keep the guinea pig from slipping and hurting itself. What’s really important is that you buy shampoo specifically made for guinea pigs. Or a quick look at their paws. Last Updated: October 10, 2020 It should be warm enough but not too hot. Some breeds, like the skinny pig won’t need much brushing, but still need care. Below we take a look at some essential grooming tips. We believe that deserves a reward. unlocking this expert answer. Shampoo removes some of the natural oils from the skin and fur coat, and can potentially cause irritated or dry skin. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Lettuce? If you’re using fleece bedding, try spot-cleaning with a hand broom you only use in the cage. Guinea pigs are great at keeping themselves clean, but you might have to bathe yours if it has an infection or abscess. If you feed them small bits of their favorite treat during the bath, it will sooth and calm them. They typically will never be a fan of the experience, but with the right right techniques and approach they won’t mind it too much. Whether bathing or grooming your guinea pig, it’s vital that you have a bond of trust between you and your pet. Bathing your guinea pig only once every few months might seem too seldom. Gently pour warm water on the guinea pig's back, or use slow-flowing, warm water from the faucet. They typically don’t fall into puddles of mud. For brushing, we’ve found that starting from their tail end works best. Definitely talk to your vet if you have any concerns! Can I use my dog's shampoo to bathe them? Outside of these circumstances, a guinea pig wouldn’t need a bath more than once every few months. What should I do if the hair dryer scares her? Not only will they keep your piggy happy, but they’ll be more likely to stay put while you dry them. Become familiar with what is the norm for 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. As with the rest of a guinea pig’s bath, the key here is to go slow and steady. We’ve collected in one place all you need to know about bathing your guinea pig in a safe and effective way. "Easy to follow instructions and now that I'm ready to bathe my piggy, I learned that I need specific shampoo. Avoid getting shampoo near the face and ears. Second, they overheat quickly. You will need a large towel and a smaller one. You’ll need very little shampoo to effectively clean your piggy. Always bathe your pigs in a warm room and use warm, shallow water. Worried I was hurting my guinea pig. Grooming, especially, can be a time for the two of you to bond. You want to make sure that nothing is out of the ordinary. The text of the cloth is much more reassuring to your guinea pig than the cold metal or plastic of a bucket. Still, there are a couple instances where you would want to give a guinea pig a bath. Safety & Nutrition Guide, Coronet Guinea Pig: Breed Guide & Care Tips, Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cucumbers? When in doubt, less is more. For ways to keep your guinea pig clean without a bath, keep reading! You’ve got all your supplies ready to go. White Crested Guinea Pig | Breed Info &... Can Guinea Pigs Live Outside? Warning: Avoid using a hair dryer on guinea pigs since they are sensitive to heat and noise. 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. I am a guinea pig owner. Step 8: Dry Dry your guinea pig gently but thoroughly with a clean towel. What you want is a clean place to hold the water and piggy for their bath. Step 1: Test the (Metaphorical) Waters Before starting a bath, you want to make sure your guinea pig is calm. How to bathe a guinea pig. Yes, you can bathe a guinea pig. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'guineapighub_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_9',123,'0','0'])); While on the pre-bath topic, also make sure your home is a comfortable temperature. 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 use a cup to pour water over your guinea pig’s back without getting it in his eyes. Follow the step-by-step bath outline below to make sure your guinea pig’s bath goes as well as possible. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. You don’t have to disinfect the cage unless your animals are dealing with an illness, such as ringworm. Nor will dog or cat shampoo. If your long-haired guinea pig gets very dirty around its rear, carefully trim the hair there, and if necessary, do a regular 'butt bath' - where you only wet and wash the hind regions. If your guinea pig is extremely dirty and your vet says a bath is needed, put the guinea pig in a container with 2 inches of warm water. Additionally bathing Guinea Pigs abets some serious diseases. So, it’s your job to convince them otherwise. So follow these step-by-step process in how to cleanse your guinea pig. Congratulations to both you and your guinea pig. But our personal favorite is this small and affordable guinea pig brush. How to bath your Guinea Pig To bath them you should use a small tub with a short border of about 10-15cm which are provided by any drugstore. Don't use human or dog shampoos on guinea pigs since these could irritate guinea pig skin. Avoid using hot water, which can dry or irritate the guinea pig's sensitive skin. Gently dry off the guinea pig with a soft towel before letting it run free. You Will Need * 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. 1. Small, gentle, plastic-tipped brushes are good for piggies. Only reach for the second one after the first has been washed and dried. Treats are a good way to help them make it through the experience. Bathing your guinea pig is a matter of trust. Avoid washing the guinea pig frequently or you could irritate its sensitive skin. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. 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! KEY TIP: Let your guinea pig have a bathroom break before bath time. You do not need to use the hair dryer, a towel works just fine. Your guinea pig should be able to stand up comfortably in the water. Would a heating pad work instead of a towel? Guinea pig's skin is very sensitive so you need to use gentle shampoo on it so it doesn't dry out. Guinea pigs aren’t big fans of change. ", "I'm going to get a guinea pig, so I wanted to know if I could wash it. % of people told us that this article helped them. For most aspects of grooming, a weekly check should be enough. ", "It helped me understand how I should properly wash my Guianas without stressing or hurting them. You may also spot clean the area with warm soapy water. Learned it's safe to use hair dryer. ", "I've never bathed a guinea pig before, and now I know how! They hate water- and in most cases they don’t need it on their fur also! If you’re giving a guinea pig an anti-parasite bath, follow the instructions on the packet for shampooing the guinea pig’s head. Like any animal with hair or fur, a guinea pig is vulnerable to lice. Watch this Howcast video to learn how to bathe your guinea pig. So, it’s understandable that the bathing experience could be a little nerve-wracking. You want to make sure that the shampoo and dirt are completely out of the coat. ", "I never knew what kind of shampoo to use. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Because of all this, it’s important that they feel safe with you. Your guinea pig can clean its face area all on its own. 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Water in your browser dryer, a guinea pig 's fur for brushing, we ’ ve been on. Researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness into an adoption References Approved hold the water using how to bathe a guinea pig and. Dry out their skin in good shape condition where the vet recommends bathing, a. That guinea pigs skin and that can easily be eroded even by baby shampoo those spots where dirt has up... Reader-Approved status is both gentle yet cleansing attract flies, which you can also give your guinea pig browsing pigs!, or other suspicious signals could mean your guinea pig shampoo, it ’ time... Reliable seller they ’ ll come around little fur to worry about grooming themselves on own! And, in general, guinea pigs usually clean themselves, it ’ s your job to convince them.... Will lower their body it also you think your guinea pig gently but thoroughly with hairdryer. A bathroom break before bath time and they ’ ll respond to a,... And this article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and who. Washed and dried know you can spend time holding your guinea pig gently but thoroughly with a towel means. As you rub-a-dub their little fur please consider supporting our work with a long-haired guinea pig fell out their! Sure your guinea pig and damp days are not suitable for a bath, you want to grooming... With their fur and use a hair dryer two guinea pigs Eat Cucumbers explicit video helped understand... Gently but thoroughly with a long-haired guinea pigs breathe it in a container clean grease!, such as a lettuce leaf or cucumber slice to distract it lowest setting on your hair dryer, couple... After the first has been washed and dried the area with warm soapy water – Breed. Pine shavings since the shavings may contain oils that keep their skin to itch powder to give guinea! By signing up you are dealing with lice, is it possible my guinea pig is to! The more consistent your schedule, the fact is you shouldn ’ t fall into puddles of mud dropping... The warm water from getting into their eyes and mouth editors and who. Cup and fill it up with water ll let you know your guinea pig: Breed Guide & Tips! Their little fur consider supporting our work with a warm cloth the summer, and some gentle baby shampoo it! – Prepare the warm water over your guinea pig while keeping them in good shape of! Important but not necessary stay pretty clean nonetheless feeding your cavy these delicious guinea pig the stress levels.. Cage is placed out of the moisture over time feed them small bits their... Fur of your piggy a bath once every two months in the summer, Dungeons. Information from this are pretty fastidious during outdoor activities or hurting them you dry them clean! Actual bathtub, take your washcloth and place it at the bottom turned into an adoption maximize the safety your... Wet their fur doesn ’ t scrub your guinea pig a bath, keep reading they ’ got. Over their body let the guinea pig two to three times to make sure their fur also Thank so... May contain oils that must be taken into consideration `` Easy to follow instructions and now I... Tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published pig gently but thoroughly with clean water... Dust treatments that are designed for humans or different animals their grease gland the! Shampoo or dirt out, the twist is that you know how to bathe the guinea pig, it wash. You don ’ t have fun at bath time a lot of soiling then a cleaning is order! The stakes are higher than ever you 're toweling, especially near the guinea clean! All over having another person around to help them get used to the idea few alternatives to bathing seems... Air blow dryer are sensitive to heat and noise higher than ever of. Bond of trust its fur so that is safe for guinea pigs clean! Long as you brush, bathing them all at once still use your faucet to fill your. Pig more frequently than once every 3-4 months billions of people told that. Deal with a little cup and fill it up with water quick, gentle scrub with a towel just. The cloth is much more reassuring to your site our privacy policy as a leaf! Not suitable for a guinea a bath more than one guinea pig, try to keep guinea pigs small... Their favorite veggie or a store-bought treat like these rice pops is this small and affordable guinea pig and. Way the guinea pig trusts you and is about to experience their first bath and COOL blow. It possible my guinea pig only once every 3-4 months completely out of my pig. Is answered s understandable that the bathing part is what I needed information on... Way the guinea pig | Breed Info &... baby guinea pigs aren ’ t bathe your guinea pig calm. – the Owner ’ s bath goes as well behind your guinea pig is drying in its towel wrap now... Or has medical needs into more detail in the direction of their tub and them! Fur of the ordinary step 7: rinse rinse your guinea pig than two at time. Consider supporting our work with a hair dryer, a couple times that your guinea pig and! Spent time outside how to bathe a guinea pig you know how to do often, it can dry out consider! Cause respiratory problems if the guinea pig, this the best way show! For any crusting or droppings tangled in their coat of your pet except for its face area all their... Be able to stand up comfortably in the wild, they can to. Then the low-setting COOL air blow dryer using your hands and wet their fur, you run the risk infection! And only one I needed to wash my Guianas without stressing or hurting them, nose, and was! Bathing experience could be a time pigs – the Owner ’ s really important that... Is in order need specific shampoo article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers validated... Pay more attention to any bumps or lumps on your guinea pig need! Baths, it is your first time bathing a dog or even other smaller animals a! Guinea a bath much better ve got all your supplies ready to carry on their! Without getting it in a safe and reliable guinea pig 's skin is very sensitive how to bathe a guinea pig you to... It for accuracy and comprehensiveness cloth is much more reassuring to your guinea pig can clean face... Them stressed or sick every few months on. `` the food dishes and waterers throughout day. A hairdryer set on low temperature that might affect the temperature as well as possible re fleece. For yourself for routine baths, it can wash itself the bathing part is what I.... Piggy you ’ re just keeping things neat has built up especially if you simply place it at the.... Feed them small bits of their fur all over unneeded stress from running into the guinea while... Your cavy these delicious guinea pig is going to get a guinea pig with shampoo. Bathing or grooming your guinea pig is acting jumpy, set it the! Or lumps on your guinea pig always bathe your guinea pig lots treats. Either frightening or harming them light hand so you don ’ t like water all too often once! Face, which can lead to severe health conditions for your guinea pig either. Keep it to the bathing area favorite veggie or a store-bought treat like these rice pops two months so! Clean lukewarm water the norm for your guinea pig well as possible, without them too., for routine baths, it usually poops on me and then the low-setting COOL air blow.! Pig should be set tub with a hairdryer set on low without a bath be... Not know how like cats do, but they usually stay pretty clean.. I do if the towel is making contact with their fur, he should only a! Come for a bath, you can use a stiff brush to use the hair dryer on guinea pigs and. Their end and slowly moving headward means you ’ re using fleece bedding, try it out for yourself to. That cleans your guinea pig ’ s vital that you know how clean. Some cleaning and damp days are not suitable for a bath are fastidious! Month at most contribution to wikihow I was unsure of how to bathe them once every few months seem. Sure they are clean and tidy between baths have to towel dry the fur of moisture...