Is your guinea pig getting a little smelly? Maybe it's time to give him a bath. Not sure where to start? Don't worry - this article will walk you through the dos and don'ts of washing it!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part One: Prepare the bathroom
Step 1. Calm your guinea pig before washing it
They usually don't like water and may get anxious or frightened if you throw them straight into the tub. Be nice to your pig, pet it and talk to it before taking it to where you will wash it.
- If you have more than one, wash them individually. It will get longer but it will be safer. You may not be able to look at all pigs at the same time if you wash them together, which could put them at risk of getting hurt.
- If your guinea pig is scared of water, there are a few possible options. You can buy a special powder for these animals and give them a dry bath. You can find it in pet stores. After applying some to the coat, scrub the pig then brush it.
- If your pig has only a couple of stains (on the bottom for example) you can use a damp cloth to clean it up. Blot until dry before returning to the cage.
Step 2. Find the right shampoo
Guinea pigs have delicate skin, if you use the wrong cleanser you could irritate them or even make them sick. You should only use a shampoo specifically designed for pigs, rabbits or kittens (the same type of detergent in short.) Do not use one for children or other animals that would be too aggressive. You can purchase the correct cleaner at your pet store.
If you are unsure of the type of shampoo or are concerned that your pig's skin is particularly sensitive, call your vet. He will certainly be able to recommend something to you
Step 3. Choose the right tub
There are many possible options, for example the sink, the bathtub or a bucket. Whichever you choose, make sure the sides are high enough to prevent the piglet from jumping out.
- Using the Tub or Sink: If you decide to wash your guinea pig in the sink or tub, close the lid. Place a towel on the bottom so that the pet has a place to hang on (porcelain and paws don't get along.)
- Use a Bucket: If you choose the bucket, place it where you can still get wet without problems (on a folded towel or inside the tub or shower.) Always place a towel in the bottom of the bucket to give it a grip.
Step 4. Take your pig to the tub (or where you will wash it
) Remember to caress him gently to calm him down. You can also carry it in a small box but be sure not to use it to bring it back to the cage as well unless you clean it first - it will make the piggy dirty again after bathing.
Have some rewards on hand. They will help calm his nerves and make the experience better for the pet
Method 2 of 3: Part Two: Wash Your Pig
Step 1. Put water in the place where you wash it (by definition 'tub'
) You should only put in a couple of centimeters. The water must not be hot so as not to damage the pig's skin, preferably lukewarm.
Step 2. Place your guinea pig gently in the center of the tub
Let it adapt to its humid environment. Never leave it alone once you put it in the water as it could harm itself.
Step 3. Pour lukewarm water on the pet until his body is all wet
Avoid eyes, nose and ears. You can use a small cup or turn the tap on to a gentle stream by holding it under the jet.
If the pig's face is particularly dirty, you can gently wipe it with a damp cloth but never wipe it directly under water so as not to cause him to panic or worse make him drown
Step 4. Shampoo him
You should pour some shampoo on the pet's back. Scrub the fur and skin starting from the back and working your way up to the head (but without washing it.) Continue to rub it until it creates a nice lather on the coat and belly.
The coat will become sticky and the shampoo should bubble
Step 5. Rinse
Pour lukewarm water on the pig or keep it under a gentle stream at all times. Make sure all the foam is gone and the shampoo has been rinsed off well (dry shampoo may irritate his skin.)
Method 3 of 3: Part Three: Dry the Pig
Step 1. Place it in a towel
Wrap it so that the fabric absorbs most of the moisture. Don't be alarmed if it trembles - it's natural and will stop as soon as it dries.
When the towel is completely wet, arrange it in a new, dry one until it is only slightly damp and no longer wet
Step 2. Brush the fur
This is very important if you have a long-haired pig. You will need to make sure there are no knots because the knotted hair is difficult to untangle and often needs to be trimmed.
Step 3. Clean your eyes, nose and ears
You have to be nice and only do it if they are particularly dirty. Use a damp cloth or cotton to remove any dirt that has collected in these three parts of the muzzle.
Don't press too hard when you touch his eyes. He wouldn't like it
Step 4. Use a hair dryer to dry it completely
Put it on the lowest temperature and lowest speed. Don't hold it too close to the pig. Keep brushing it while you dry it.
Step 5. Clean his cage. Once washed, your guinea pig should return to its clean cage. Before putting it back in, find someone to entrust it to to play with or put it in a box (from which it cannot escape.) Clean the cage and put the pig back inside.
Step 6. Give him a small reward when finished
After all, he just had a pretty strong experience.
Advice
- When brushing him, use a light brush and be gentle so as not to hurt his back.
- Your little pigs will be happy to have a cage to return to, so if it's dirty, clean it!
- Make it feel safe when you wash it.
- Bathe him only once or twice a month to prevent dry skin but when it's very hot in the summer, you can increase it two to four times a month (one bath per week).
- If your friend is dirty behind his ears, carefully trim the hair in that area and if necessary, wash his bottom thoroughly on a regular basis.
Warnings
- Be gentle when you dry it. Guinea pigs have brittle bones.
- Always check them out - pigs are renowned for attempting to fly out of tanks!
- Don't bathe him unless he's really dirty or stinks. Pig skin is not suitable for washing often. Normally a good brushing together with a clean cage is enough to keep it fresh and soft.
