Bathing and Grooming
Guinea-pigs generally keep themselves clean, but occasionally they will need a bath (such as if they have mites or other skin conditions or if there fur is just getting dirty) Avoid over bathing as this can make their skin dry and flaky.
Longhair guinea-pigs need bathing more often than shorthair guinea-pigs.
Longhair guinea-pigs need bathing more often than shorthair guinea-pigs.
You will need...
- Your guinea-pig
- A large bowl (e.g a washing up bowl)
- Small Animal Shampoo
- A towel
- A cup
- A grooming brush
Step 1
Using your hands, gently get your guinea-pig wet, tipping water straight onto them could shock them and that is very dangerous for guinea-pigs.Once they are quite wet, you can use the cup with water in it to wash them as they will have got more used to the water. Never make the water deep because although guinea-pigs can swim they do not like it! Avoid getting their face, eyes, nose and mouth wet.
Step 2
Put a small amount of shampoo on your guinea-pigs back and using your hands lather it up into foam and spread it around your guinea-pigs body, gently pulling it through their hair to clean it.
Step 3
Wash the shampoo off using the cup and water. Make sure all the shampoo is off your guinea-pig because it can irritate their skin if shampoo is left on.
Step 4
Once all the shampoo is removed, gently towel dry your guinea-pigs fur. If your guinea-pig lives outside, do not put your guinea-pig back outside until he or she is completley dry otherwise they will get cold. My guinea-pigs have some fleece beds, and after they've had a bath I put them in their bed and sit with them after their bath to keep them warm whilst they dry. Don't forget to give your guinea-pig some tasty snacks after they've had their bath!
If your guinea-pig shows any distress whilst you are bathing them do not bath them!
If your guinea-pig shows any distress whilst you are bathing them do not bath them!
