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Suds Up!
Guinea pigs are
typically very clean animals but there are times in which your
guinea pig needs to be bathed and a regular bath 3-4 times a
year will keep their skin and hair healthy. Prepare your bath
area beforehand with all the supplies you will need at arms
length, talk to your guinea pig softly and calmly throughout
bath time, and end bath time with a treat. Remember safety is
important so keep your bathing area low to the ground to avoid
falls and use a shampoo made for Pets. If your Pet appears at all stressed stop and ask your veterinarian to do the bath.
Ideally, your Pet learned that bath time is a positive experience as a baby. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. But don't despair! There are many creative ways you can help your Pet adjust to bathing.
| If at any point your guinea pig wants to move away during training LET HIM! |
This can not be a forced activity; it has to be on their terms. Try some of the tips below to make things a little easier and less scary for all of you!
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Throw treats in the sink and a dry tub to help your guinea pig learn they are great places to be!
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Feed meals
in the location you will bathe
for a few days (sink or tub).
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Let the water drip from the faucet while your Pet eats.
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Water should be a comfortable temperature. No one wants to be bathed in ice cold water but hot water could seriously injure your Pet.
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When your Pet is hungry take a cup and pour a tiny bit of water over their feet while giving lots of tasty treats.
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Practice daily!
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Give a massage but don't pour water any where else on your Pet unless he is clearly relaxed.
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Use a damp cloth for the face.
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You may not get to soap for a week or two! Don't rush it.
- Gather all bath items BEFORE you put your Pet in and place him in an easy to reach spot.
- Keep the first few baths as short as possible.
- If your guinea pig is very relaxed with all of the above you can try a small bit of standing water, but NEVER leave your Pet unattended near or in standing water.
Take your time while training your Pet to LOVE bath time. Proceed slowly and watch your Pets bodily language. If your Pet stops accepting treats you have moved too quickly. Find a happy note to end on and try again later.
Why do you have to brush my hair?
The question heard from Pets all around the world. Brushing can be an enjoyable time for you and your guinea pig and it gives you both an opportunity to cuddle!
All grooming should begin slowly. Never rush and be patient. Start with a tired and relaxed Pet and look for a soft bristled brush to gently brush your Pets mane. Keep treats by your side and alternate treats with brushing as your Pet allows. Keep sessions short and sweet until your Pet looks forward to this relaxing time with you.
Who doesn't love a nice manicure?
Every
creature on earth requires some method of grooming to maintain
optimal physical and mental health. Guinea pigs are no exception. In addition to making Pets more huggable, grooming can be quality time together and reinforces the human leadership role.
Although nail trimming may never make David Lettermen's "Top Ten List of Favorite Things" for your guinea pig it doesn't need to be a dreaded event for you both. Remember Dr. Rolan Tripp's Rule of Thumb, "When it comes to nail trimming it doesn't have to hurt to be good!"
Nail trimming can be a stressful experience but it
doesn't have to be if you start preparing for this task early in
the life of your guinea pig. Always work quickly and enlist the help of
another person to hold your Pet while you cut their nails. Keep
styptic powder or cornstarch handy in case you accidentally cut into the quick. Keeping your guinea pigs nails short will keep the quick
from getting long and will allow you to avoid problems
associated with nails that are too long.
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Before you trim a single nail, introduce your guinea pig to daily paw holding and gentle massage.
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 Start
when your guinea
pig is sleepy or
very relaxed.
Give treats to
make it a fun
experience.
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Over time, you
will be able to
wiggle each
nail.
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Avoid
associating nail
trims with pain.
Take just the
tip off of the
nail.
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In the beginning
only trim one
nail each day.
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Use a nail file
on one toe nail
each day as
well. Make sure
you praise your
guinea pig and
offer treats for
cooperation. If
your Pet
resists, stop,
and start
another day
going more
slowly.
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If you accidentally cut or file too much of the nail, you will have a hard time convincing your guinea pig to allow you to do this again. The quick is the pink, living tissue inside the nail closet to the paw. It HURTS your guinea pig if you cut it.
Have you been practicing gentling exercises with your Pet? If so, it will make trimming the nails so much easier. |
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