Grooming and bathing

Cavy Angels Guinea Pig Rescue recommends that you bath your guinea pig/s ones every few months. Bathing helps to keep your guinea pigs coat in tip top condition helping to remove any excess hair is also a good way to help prevent skin problems.

 

Shorthair

Shorthair guinea pigs don’t need be bathed as often as long haired guinea pigs. Once every three months, give or take, will help keep their coat nice and healthy.

We recommend you brush your shorthaired guinea pigs once a week this helps to remove old fur and keep their coat looking healthy.  

Longhair

Longhair guinea pigs should be bathed and groomed much more regular than shorthaired guinea pigs.

Bathing once every month or two and brushed every few days will prevent matting.

We also recommend you cut or trim the on a regular basis.

Tip: Cutting/trimming of the guinea pigs back side can help keep them clean and more manageable.

Shampoos

This is a list of some of the Shampoos that Cavy Angel's Guinea Pig Rescue recommends.

  • Any of the Fido's range
  • Baby Shampoo
  • Small animal Shampoo
  • Malaseb

 

 

Toe nail clipping

Nail trimming can be a difficult experience for a first time guinea pig owner but if you take your time and do not rush this will make the experience much better for yourself and your guinea pig and with time and practice you will find it getting easier and easier to do. 

Click here for a good guide on toe nail clipping.

 

How do I bath my guinea pigs?

First you need a large bucket, baby bath etc, Some people use their hand basins to bathe their guinea pigs.

Fill the guinea pigs bath so it is about 5 to 8cm deep with mild warm water. Place the guinea pig in the water keeping one of your arms under the guinea pig  this will help make him/her feel more safe.

When he/she is wet from neck down take him/her out of the water and onto a clean towel now lather him/her up with your guinea pig's shampoo then place him/her back into the water leaving one arm underneath the guinea pig and with your other arm rub the coat to rinse out all the shampoo or gently hold his/her body under a slow flowing tap. Make sure to rinse out all the shampoo.

Now take him/her out of the water and wrap him/her up in a clean towel and gently rub him/her dry or place your guinea pig on a towel on a table or stool and use a blow dryer on low to dry your guinea pig's coat.

 

Notes:

Try bath your guinea pig/s during the hottest part of the day because guinea pigs can easily catch a cold and remember to keep your guinea pig/s head above water at all time.