Last Updated on February 25, 2023 by ellen
Can you bathe guinea pigs? Learn more about whether you need to bathe a guinea pig and how to give a guinea pig a bath.
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Table of Contents
Can You Bathe Guinea Pigs?
So, can you give guinea pigs baths? Guinea pigs are clean animals and generally don’t need regular baths. However, there are a few circumstances where you may need or want to bathe your guinea pig.
For example, if your guinea pig has been exposed to something dirty or has gotten very muddy, a bath can help remove any dirt, grime, or other debris. Try to spot clean with a damp cloth instead if possible.
If your guinea pig is suffering from an infestation of fleas, bathing can also help get rid of the pests. Speak to your vet to see if bathing is necessary in this case. A healthy guinea pig should not smell bad.
When it comes time to bathe your guinea pig, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. First, use only lukewarm water – never hot or cold. You’ll also want to use a gentle, unscented soap. Baby shampoo is a good option.
Avoid scented soap, as the scent can overwhelm your guinea pig and may cause skin irritation. They have very sensitive skin, and soaps can lead to skin problems. Washing too frequently can remove the natural oils from their skin.
How to shampoo guinea pig fur
Start by filling a sink or small tub with warm water to give your guinea pig a bath. Gently lower your guinea pig into the water and use your hands to wet their fur. Remember, prey animals startle very easily.
Many guinea pigs enjoy bathing. But, some guinea pigs don’t like it at all. Be sure to hold your guinea pig’s body gently but firmly.
Apply a very little shampoo, and then use your hands to work it into a lather while you gently massage. You only need a few drops. Avoid getting soap in your guinea pig’s eyes, nose, or mouth while giving them a bath.
Once the fur is lathered, rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Use a soft towel to dry your guinea pig off, and then put them back in their cage.
If you’re uncomfortable bathing your guinea pig, you can take them to a groomer or exotic vet that offers this service. Please call ahead and ask about their policies and procedures first.
Do guinea pigs stink?
No, a healthy guinea pig does not stink. They are generally considered one of the cleanest pets you can have.
However, a few things can lead to a stinky pig. For example, if they are not groomed regularly, a guinea pig’s fur or hair can become matted and oily, leading to an unpleasant odor.
If your guinea pig is not eating a healthy diet, this can also cause them to start smelling bad. Additionally, if your guinea pig is not getting enough exercise, they may produce more urine, leading to an ammonia smell.
If you think your guinea pig is starting to stink, you should look at their diet and exercise habits. If they are not eating a healthy diet or getting enough exercise, change their routine.
Additionally, groom them regularly and check for any mats or tangles in their fur. If you still have trouble with odor, talk to your vet about other possible causes and treatment options.
Can you use dust baths for guinea pigs?
Do guinea pigs need sand baths? I’m not sure where this idea came from, but no. It will irritate their upper respiratory system and make them sick.
Should I use a hair dryer to dry off my guinea pig?
No, you should not use a hair dryer to dry your guinea pig. Hair dryers can be too hot for guinea pigs and may cause burns.
Instead, simply towel dry your guinea pig as much as possible, and then place them in their cage where they can finish drying off on their own. Towel drying is the best option. Make sure they are completely dry when you give a guinea pig a bath.
If you’re worried about your guinea pig getting cold, you can place a small space heater near their cage to help warm the air. Keep an eye on the heater and ensure it doesn’t get too close to the cage.
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What is the best guinea pig shampoo?
The best guinea pig shampoo is a gentle, unscented shampoo. This small critter shampoo is the best option.
Avoid using any kind of scented shampoo, as the scent can be overwhelming for your guinea pig and may cause irritation. You can also ask your vet for recommendations on which shampoo to use.
Generally speaking, a small animal shampoo will work for bathing your guinea pig. Never use dish soap for bathing your pet guinea pig.
All you need to clean your piggy is plain warm water. If they are really dirty for some reason, you can try a homemade guinea pig shampoo made of 1/2 cup of warm water and two tablespoons of fractionated coconut oil. Get it here.
How do you take care of long haired guinea pigs?
If you have a long haired guinea pig, you’ll need to take special care to prevent mats and tangles in their fur. Be sure to brush their fur regularly, using a soft bristled brush. This will help get rid of loose fur and surface dirt.
You may also need to trim their fur occasionally to keep it from getting too long. If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, you can take your guinea pig to a groomer or vet offering this service. Please call ahead and ask about their policies and procedures first.
Can I use human shampoo on my guinea pig?
No, you should not use human shampoo on your guinea pig. Human shampoos are too harsh for guinea pig’s sensitive skin and may irritate them.
Instead, use a gentle, unscented shampoo explicitly made for guinea pigs to give them a bath. Baby shampoo is a good option as a guinea pig safe shampoo. You can also ask your vet for recommendations on which shampoo to use.
Be sure to get all the shampoo out of their fur after bath time. Not rinsing all the soap off can lead to itchy skin. Guinea pigs have very sensitive skin.
This small critter shampoo is the best option.
Pay special attention to their ears
They are incredibly delicate. Avoid getting water or shampoo in their eyes, nose, and ears. You can use a damp washcloth.
They can easily get a fungal infection if their ears are not completely dry. That’s why giving a guinea pig a bath is not recommended unless necessary.
How to keep your guinea pig calm during bath time
One way to calm your guinea pig during bath time is to place a dry towel over them. This will help them feel more secure and less scared. You can also try talking to them in a soft, soothing voice.
Another way to calm your guinea pig is to give them a treat before and after their bath. This will help them associate bath time with something positive.
Finally, ensure the water is not too hot or cold to damage your guinea pig’s skin. Guinea pigs can be very sensitive to temperature changes. Use lukewarm water and test it with your elbow before placing your guinea pig in the bath.
Then, gently wrap them in a clean towel to dry off and warm up.
This small critter shampoo is the best option.. You may also want a guinea pig brush to keep your guinea pig’s fur tangle free.
I hope I’ve given you some ideas to help keep your guinea pigs clean.
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- How to make your guinea pig love you
Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.