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:
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.
