Bath Time?

[ali's_pigs123]

I know it is a little early to be thinking about this. (It snowed here in Boston yesterday), but how do you bathe a pig?

How often?

I am asking because spring and summer, are just around the corner. That means hot waether!

[Sammy and Peanut]

Yu shouldn't bathe a guinea pig too often, because their skin will get dry. I bathe Peanut once a month. You make sure the water is nice and warm in the sink, and hold him under the water, making sure his face doesn't get wet. Then I put him on a towel on the counter and scrub him with baby shampoo. You can also use shampoo especially made for guinea pigs and other small animals. After that I rinse it off, and dry him with a towel. If it is too cold I put him against a hairdryer on low 6-8 inches away.

After his bath, I spray him with this stuff that makes him smell good and brush his hair with a slicker. If he is nervous I give him wood to chew on. You can also bathe them in the winter and fall. Hope I helped!

[PrincessAngel]

You should bathe your pig less than once a month like maybe once or twice a year. Just fill the sink or tub with warm water scrub some pig shampoo then rinse and towel dry and if your pig will let you a blowdryer on low heat. It should take about 15-20min for the whole process.

[Ly&Pigs]

New members should utilize our forum search feature especially for commonly asked questions.

[chexxy]

Originally Posted by Sammy and Peanut

Yu shouldn't bathe a guinea pig too often, because their skin will get dry. I bathe Peanut once a month. You make sure the water is nice and warm in the sink, and hold him under the water, making sure his face doesn't get wet. Then I put him on a towel on the counter and scrub him with baby shampoo. You can also use shampoo especially made for guinea pigs and other small animals. After that I rinse it off, and dry him with a towel. If it is too cold I put him against a hairdryer on low 6-8 inches away.

After his bath, I spray him with this stuff that makes him smell good and brush his hair with a slicker. If he is nervous I give him wood to chew on. You can also bathe them in the winter and fall. Hope I helped!

Thats alittle to often for baths! Only 3-4 times a year. And you should always use shampoo used for small animals, but no medications or anyhting! Baby shampoo is not very good! 4-Paws Bunny Bath is great!

[pig-in-paradise]

I have never bathed a guinea pig, but I do have 3 kids. So I'm wondering if maybe putting a washcloth or small towel on the bottom of the sink would be useful. Might make him/her a little more sure footed and less scared.

[Wheek Weak]

Originally Posted by Sammy and Peanut

Yu shouldn't bathe a guinea pig too often, because their skin will get dry. I bathe Peanut once a month.

Pigs should only be bathed when necessary, i.e.; dirty bum, medical reasons, etc.

Then I put him on a towel on the counter and scrub him with baby shampoo.

Do not use baby shampoo, any type of human shampoo/soap, or medicated shampoo.

You can also use shampoo especially made for guinea pigs and other small animals.

Not all products that are advertised as safe for guinea pigs actually are. After all...pet stores will tell you that mixed pellets, exercise balls, leashes, and small cages are safe for guinea pigs. A non-medicated kitten or bunny shampoo is normally considered safe.

After his bath, I spray him with this stuff that makes him smell good and brush his hair with a slicker.

Please don't spray your guinea pig with anything. Many products contain chemicals that may not be safe. Also, guinea pigs have sensitive respiratory systems. You don't want to take a chance on forcing them to breathe unknown substances.

If he is nervous I give him wood to chew on.

It would be safer (less of a choking hazard) to give them something nutritious, such as a piece of corn husk, green pepper, broccoli, etc.

You can also bathe them in the winter and fall.

Only if you can insure that they will stay warm, and not be exposed to any drafts or chills until they are dry.

[Sammy and Peanut]

Wow. I should learn not to trust these websites that claim they are Pros. That is what they told me on someone's freewebs. And, insted of typing "I spray him with this stuff", I meant to type, "I spray the cage with this stuff to make it smell good". I haven't used the spray on him. I wanted to make sure it was ok first. As for giving him wood to chew on, why would this be a problem? I put a small block on the side of the sink for him to chew on when he gets nervous. Sorry for the wrong info!

[Honey_Bunny]

what i do when i bathe honey: i first fill the bathtub to about an inch. Then i take a small Dixie cup or something like that and rinse her down but avoid the face! Then if you have guinea pig shampoo, gently scrub some into her/his fur. Then rinse her/him down until no shampoo is left. Then get lots of rag towels and bundle her/him up in some. Then put her/him in a small basket or box and then place her/him in a warm room to dry off. You can also speed up the drying process but running another towel through her fur. Hope that helps!

[Percy's Mom]

The wood chew is fine. It is a good opportunity to get something nutritious into your pig though if he will munch on a slice of pepper, or even a treat like a piece of apple. As far as sprays go, I would avoid them altogether. Like Wheek Weak said, cavies have very sensitive respiratory systems, and spraying something on the cage can be as bad as spraying it on your pig.

Originally Posted by Honey Bunny

You can also speed up the drying process but running another towel through her fur.

Another option is to cuddle your pig and use a hair dryer on the lowest setting. You want to keep the dryer about a foot away from the pig and keep the air moving, so you don't burn your pig.