Q&A for How to Bathe a Guinea Pig

Place fleece in your lap and use this to keep your lap from getting soiled while holding it. After returning your pet to the enclosure, shake the feces into the toilet or garbage, and wash your hands afterward. Wash fleece with unscented laundry detergent. Guinea pigs are producers of a significant amount of fecal waste and don't go very long between eliminations.

Guinea pigs can carry ringworm and also can get mange, as well as lose fur if they don't get enough vitamin C. If your guinea pig is losing fur you should take them to a veterinarian who sees guinea pigs.

Never use wire brushes. Small, gentle, plastic-tipped brushes are good for piggies.

Dry her with a towel thoroughly and keep her indoors for the day.

Do not use a heating pad -- the pigs have sensitive skin and that can easily burn them or make them feel uncomfortable.

Take him to the vet! I cannot stress that enough! Guinea pigs are very delicate animals, and get hurt very easily.

You do not need to use the hair dryer, a towel works just fine. Giving your guinea pig lots of treats might help him feel more relaxed however, especially if you have to use a hair dryer.

Guinea pigs have very sensitive skin that can easily become irritated. Using dog shampoo is risky, considering it could have an anti-flea remedy in it, so don't risk it.

You need to dry your guinea pig using either a towel or the lowest setting on your hair dryer.

Human lice cannot be given to guinea pigs, and vice versa. But if you think your guinea pig does have lice, you will need to purchase lice critter powder from your local vet clinic.

You can consider dry-cleaning her, which is basically wiping her over with a damp cloth. Consider dry shampoos designed for small critters, or even a spray.

Your guinea pig will require veterinary care for their bumble-foot. If not, it can get a lot worse and painful for your guinea pig. Your doctor might administer you with medication to soak your guinea pig's foot in. A common home-remedy that is said to work is to soak your guinea pig's foot (and foot only) in salty water.

If you don't intend on keeping the babies, then don't risk it. Breeding risks the health of your guinea pig, and shouldn't be done for fun.

Not much! Guinea pigs cannot help themselves - when they need to go, they need to go!

Stroke him gently and talk to him. If he doesn't want to get in the water, add warm water to a cloth and pat the guinea pig gently with it.

Yes, but it's strongly suggested not to bathe a pregnant guinea pig unless the vet has suggested you to do so for medical reasons. Her stress levels will rise, putting pressure on both her and her babies.

You should use warm water.

They tend to live around 4-8 years, but the exact amount depends a lot on how well the owner cares for it.

No. Dish soap is specifically designed for, of course, dishes and to cut grease. Using dish soap for guinea pigs will irritate their skin and dry it out, thus leading to a very uncomfortable guinea pig. You should purchase a specialized brand for guinea pigs.

You could. You do not have to unless the guinea pig is a long haired guinea pig, and you can also use guinea pig or rabbit brushes, which can be found at pet stores or online.

If you have carrots you have treats.

Please decide whether it's absolutely necessary to bathe your guinea pig. If not, then you'll be wasting water, money, time and effort on bathing them when it doesn't need it. It's understandable that proper guinea pig shampoo can be expensive, so compare pricing. The vet clinic might charge more for their shampoo, while the pet shop might be more affordable, and vice-versa. Another last resort option would be to buy baby shampoo, which can come up cheaper. However, restrain from this unless absolutely necessary.

At least once a week. Guinea pigs make a lot of mess, so it wouldn't be out of the blue if you had to clean twice a week. Spot-cleaning daily might also have to be an option for you. It's up to the bedding you use and housing set-up of your cavy.

That's normal and expected after you dry him off with a towel.

You should use shampoo made specifically for guinea pigs or small animals. Never use shampoo made for dogs, cats, or humans, as it can dry out their skin, which can lead to skin problems.

No, you should see a vet. She could have a skin infection off some kind, which could be confirmed through a vet visit.

Your veterinarian can suggest you a specific brand that should be used to bathe your guinea pig. However, Critter Care shampoo is probably the type you are looking for. Most shampoos designed for guinea pig are effective.

The water should roughly only come up above their paws. Shallow water is required, as guinea pigs can get stressed in deep-level water and cannot swim for long periods. Having the water at a shallow level reduces risks.

That means he's scared. Try not to chase them around too much; that'll stress them out. Bribe them with treats and veggies.

It is scared or it is not use to you. Try bribing them with treats. It'll get more stressed if you chase it more.