Bathing And Grooming?

[juniper89]

Rosalind is 2 years old. As you may remember, my 2-month-old was in need of a cagemate, and Rosalind was nearby and in need of a new home. As you can see, she has quite a bit of hair. I read somewhere that sometimes guinea pigs with longer hair need a bit more maintenance (like they need to be trimmed in particular areas so they don't get urine or poo caught in their coat). I needed some confirmation on that. I know she will definitely need a bath. Should I make a run to the pet store to get a particular product, or do you all have any recommendations? Any help will be appreciated.

You all have been very helpful to me for the past week and a half! Thank you very much for all the advice!

 

[autumne]

I recommend "Squeaky Clean Critter Shampoo". I saw you live in the U.S., as do I, and it's available at places like Target and Walmart. I hope this helps! (P.S., she is sooo cute!)

 

[Wiebke]

Rosalind is 2 years old. As you may remember, my 2-month-old was in need of a cagemate, and Rosalind was nearby and in need of a new home. As you can see, she has quite a bit of hair. I read somewhere that sometimes guinea pigs with longer hair need a bit more maintenance (like they need to be trimmed in particular areas so they don't get urine or poo caught in their coat). I needed some confirmation on that. I know she will definitely need a bath. Should I make a run to the pet store to get a particular product, or do you all have any recommendations? Any help will be appreciated.

You all have been very helpful to me for the past week and a half! Thank you very much for all the advice!

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Hi! We recommend to keep the hairs around the genitals, the back legs and the back end cut short where they can be peed on and mat quickly. Ideally, you cut the hair short wherever it gets on the floor on her sides and belly to prevent her from stepping on it. That avoids the worst of the matting.

Give your girl one or two short haircuts during the hot summer months. She will be very relieved not having to lug the equivalent of a ski suit on a tropical beach around! By autumn the hair will have grown back.

With these precautions, most guinea pigs do not need more than the occasional bum bath with hand warm water if they are really soiled and/or unable to keep their bits clean themselves. Too much shampoo can be bad for the skin.
Most of our forum members only bathe for medical reasons or if a guinea pig is VERY filthy; there has been a marked shift in attitudes over the last years. Bathing is very stressful for most piggies, with some notable exceptions, but these are a small minority and by no means representative of the overwhelming majority.

Our bathing guide is currently somewhat outdated and in need of an overhaul, but the tips in our boar care guide also apply to sows. Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths

If you wish to use shampoo, please consider the ones from US based Wee Companions shop; you will not only get a product that is specifically engineered for guinea pig skin, but will also support a good guinea pig rescue!
Wee Companions Small Animal Adoption, Inc. - Animal Accessories

 

[Betsy]

In the summer I give Betsy a grade 4 with the pet clippers! She appears to be very odd first of all as I am used to seeing her with lots of hair but she also looks like she feels so much cooler!

 

[beckyxxx]

I found a good product for my long haired Guinea pig from pets at home, it’s a waterless shampoo foam, which you put through soiled fur and it doesn’t require rinsing, I find this takes the stress out of bathing and it really works to get the coat nice and clean

 

[Incredipigs]

I give my long haired piggie (Reggie) a bath and haircut about once a month I don't use any shampoo, just warm water