Can You Clean Piggies Ears With A White Vinegar/ Water Solution?

[Sian25]

I clean my dogs ears with white vinegar and water half and half mixture. Can you do the same for guinea pigs?

 

[Sian25]

Also is half and half water/white vinegar okay?

 

[Deleted member 114675]

I wouldn't - I think they need something much gentler

 

[Sian25]

Okay, I usually use coconut oil?

 

[VickiA]

I've no idea as I've never had to clean ears. I seem to recall something about olive oil but I'd defer to others on this.

 

[Sian25]

@VickiA I thought you were meant to clean ears as a regular thing?

 

[VickiA]

Interesting point @Sian25 . I do check them regularly and they never look like they need cleaning to me. I understood that if they had a build up of wax (and I've never noticed one) that was something for the vets to treat. I occasionally wipe the outer ear with a damp cotton wool pad or an unscented pet wipe if they look grubby (but by and large they don't). Not sure if my piggies are the exception (as they don't have issues with their grease glands either).

I'm now going to sit back and wait for other views!

 

[7squeakers.]

It's okay to clean the outer ear with a cotton bud. But you should never try to clean the inner ear unless it is really necessary, i.e there are mites in the ear or excessive wax. Even then, you should be VERY careful. If your pig's ears ever get that bad, your vet will probably give you some kind of liquid ear cleaner to drip into the ear, so you don't have to poke about in it with a cotton bud.

 

[Sian25]

Thanks @7squeakers. I'll leave cleaning them from now on then.. I don't know where I got the the info from but I've just always thought it was meant to be done routinely so I've always cleaned their ears when I clean their grease glands