Archive for Freddie

It’s done the trick

I’ll be the first to admit this but ever since Fred had his first bath, he has completely stopped scratching. Well, not completely of course, but you catch my drift.

The shampoo had initially got rid of the flaky skin, but it found its way back a few days after. I thought it was going to be a reoccurring problem – which a bath could not solve – and so would have to go to the vets. However, as if by magic, the flakiness went away and his back end has not been bothering him since.

Now, I don’t know if it was a case of because he was stratching constantly, it resulted in dry skin, or he actually had mites/fleas/etc and the shampoo killed them off. Whatever it was it didn’t spread to George, who he shares a cage with. Maybe he just needed a good old wash and that was my prompt.

I’ve learnt a lesson, though, I shall wash my piggies about twice a year now, certainly no more than three – don’t want their skin to dry out and subsequently cause flaky skin.

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All grown up

Now I realise that piggies are born far more advanced than many other animals. They have a coat, can see straight away and are fairly independent from the word “go”, really. However, it still amazes me how fast they grow and develop.

Only this week I have noticed how adult looking Freddie now is. He seemed to have stayed baby like for ages, but ever since he hit his first birthday this week, he seems to have lost his chubbiness around the face and body. He’s still adorable but different. I actually didn’t think he’d ever lose that piggie fat considering Arch lost his ages ago.

Miss Elly has also had a major growth spurt this week. She’s around five months old now, but has just got huge in length. In fact, the only way you can tell she’s the baby is by her little face, which doesn’t seem to be as long as the others.

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George’s teeth

As George is at the good, old age of six now, I have expected more problems with his health. The most recent concern was his teeth. He keeps chattering them a lot more than he used to and, for once, it’s not because he’s near his arch enemy that is Arch. On top of the chattering, I realised Mr George couldn’t bite into his carrot, merely scrapping it as it rested against a solid something.

So, as is always the way, I took him down to the vets – I really should set up a standing order with them. I asked for them to cut his teeth down a bit. They had done this only five months ago and I, and most likely he, noticed the difference immediately.

The vet also explained that Mr George’s teeth could be overgrown at the back, causing his teeth to dig into his tongue and consequently he wouldn’t be able to grip or bite into solids properly. I understood this to mean that the four teeth might not necessarily grow directly above or below each other. This could mean that some sides do not get worn down as much as others and can result in a sharp edge, which can cut into the tongue, and cause difficulties with eating.

The vet told me that in order to file down the edges, Georgey would need to go under anaesthetic. But the vet also informed me that we didn’t even know if that was causing the problem. As I am fully aware of the risks of anaesthetic, I decided to just opt to have his teeth clipped.

A week on and he’s got a healthy appetite, but he just takes his time eating – unlucky when he lives with Fred! He’s still underweight, but I think he always will be. I’ll just have to make sure I keep cutting up his carrots, other fruit and veg into tiny pieces, and check that Fredster doesn’t get it all first.

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Freddie’s first bath

Although I’m aware of many who recommend it, I have to admit I don’t bathe my guinea pigs. I can see the benefits of bathing them on a regular basis, but I’ve only ever done it when a piggie has diarrhoea. I find them to be very clean animals anyway and as their hutch is cleaned out regularly, I find my piggies don’t have any problems as a direct result of not having a regular bath.

Anyhow, last weekend I decided to give Fred his first bath. I’ve noticed he’s been itching his back end more than usual, and on closer inspection found there was a lot of flaky skin. As I’ve never actually come across this before, I decided to give him a bath, knowing that it wouldn’t do any harm.

I used the special, mild shampoo designed specifically for small pets. And I’m pleased to report that Fredster seemed to rather enjoy it. I combed his fur through afterwards, thinking that if it is some little insects causing the flaky skin then I can get shot of them, too. I towel dried him and used a hair dryer, on the lowest setting, of course, and positioned the dryer about half a metre away from his big body.

After making sure he was thoroughly dry, I put him back in his hutch. Two days on and he’s still smelling gorgeous and his coat has got a great shine to it. And he’s stopped stratching as much, which, in turn, has helped the flaky skin.

I might just follow this advice and start bathing them on a regular basis, alhough I don’t think all the piggies will be as surprisingly laid-back as Fredster!

Tips on how to bathe your guinea pig safely follow:

Jackie’s Guinea Piggies

Thistle Cavies Includes other piggy tips

Coldal Guinea Pigs Includes other piggy tips

Note: How often you bathe them is up to you – a lot of advice varies – but don’t overdo it.

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