Worried About Bath Accident

[Laura0709]

hello,

Just wondering what others think about this and whether I'm worrying unnecessarily.
I bathed my girl Mouse earlier, I rinsed her with a jug of warm water whilst I held her with my other hand. Something spooked her while I did it and she wriggled backwards and put her head up within a second, and so some water inevitably went over her face and some went up her nose as I could hear it. She then thrashed about a bit and put her face in the water that was still in the process of draining down the sink. I removed her from the sink as quickly as possible and let her calm down before rinsing the rest of the shampoo off.
Should I be worried she got water up her nose? I'm sure she blew any water out of her nose, but she got in such a wriggly state I can't be sure.

She is an outdoor piggie, but as its so cold here I've set up an indoor enclosure for the night to be absolutely sure she is completely dry before going out.
How do other people get around this issue at bath time?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi! Please keep bathing to a minimum; make sure that your girl is dry if you don't heat overnight. Often a bum bath is enough. I would also not use a sink in the kitchen or bathroom for bathing; accidents during blind wiggles and freak jumps can (and do sadly) happen once a piggy panics, as you have experienced.

Please keep a close eye on your girl in the coming days and weeks in case water has gone down into the lungs where there is the risk that it could start pneumonia.

Here are our bathing tips: How To Bathe Guinea Pigs - Including Ears & Grease Glands

 

[Laura0709]

Thanks Wiebke,

She is on a lice n easy treatment so unfortunately has another one next week. Would you recommend washing up bowls instead for bathing? I thought the bathroom sink would be easier but it was a lot more difficult this time.

Thanks for the link and I will keep a very close eye on her

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks Wiebke,

She is on a lice n easy treatment so unfortunately has another one next week. Would you recommend washing up bowls instead for bathing? I thought the bathroom sink would be easier but it was a lot more difficult this time.

Thanks for the link and I will keep a very close eye on her

Please use a washing-up bowl with water that comes only up to her belly to prevent more accidents. Rather than spooking her by rinsing with water that may be too hot or cold, or just startling her, try to trickle the water rather than pour it by using your hand to break any strong stream that could startle her. Place a rag at the bottom for better grip for her feet.

All the best!

 

[Cookie&Cream]

I use a washing up bowl with the tiniest amount of water, then I use a jug to pour water on mine, I always avoid the head by quite a bit just incase!

 

[Poppy'sMum]

Washing up bowl on the floor (Put a towel underneath for grip) & a clean flannel at the bottom of the bowl so she doesn't slip

 

[Laura0709]

Thanks everyone! Washing up bowl it is for next time along with the other ideas, won't be using a sink again that's for sure