Bathing / Shampoo's?

[Angelgal]

Now I don't have a guinea pig at this time but I plan to again in the future. When I did have my previous pig, bathing was never something that occured much, maybe once or twice in her lifetime.

However I was reading up on a topic when I saw shampoo's mentioned. I was wondering about a certain brand of shampoo and if it would be small animal (cavy) appropriate. I wasn't able to find an answer in my search around the forums or GuineaLynx.

These are the shampoo's used at the groomers I worked at, and that I use on my pup and horse because of the sensitive skin factors (my dog especially) and the fact they are very mild and pH balanced specifically for sensitive skin (with no spoap/detergents). Reading the information on their site it does say it's safe to use on other animals like horses, ferrets etc. as well as providing some other good information in ther FAQ

Would any these shampoo's (and hypo-allergenic/fragerance free grooming wipes) be cavy appropriate? It lists the ingredients on each individual page ... earthbath - Totally Natural Pet Care

Thanks in advance.

[hueyeats]

Wow... they do sound good.

Still needs input from other more experienced members though....

[Slave to the Wheek]

Earthbath claims all it's products are safe for kittens, cats except the Orange Peel. earthbath - Totally Natural Pet Care Since any shampoo safe for cats/kittens is Guinea Pig safe, you should be just fine. I actually had to go to their website to get that info though, since their bottles don't say anything and usually just show pictures of dogs on them. I used to get so frustrated trying to find cat or bunny or small animal shampoo.

Bathing a guinea pig is definitely an art not a science and there are lots of great ways folks do it. My most successful, is to fill the bathroom sink first with water that is 101 degrees (GP body temp is higher than ours. I find that if the water is warm enough, they don't freak out as bad and tend to sit more while you wash) and then add the soap to the water. I put a washcloth in the bottom and let them put their butt and back feet in the water and let them keep their front feet on my hand while I wash with the other. The first couple of baths I put them in the water and just sort of let them soak in the soapy water rather than 'scrub' so that it's a relaxing experience.

I also find that it's important to make the bathroom really quiet and to speak super softly while they are in the water. If the fan is running or your talking loud enough to echo in the bath it just makes it harder for them to calm down.

Of course, it's vital to keep water out of the ears so I just use a wet cloth to wipe their faces and ears and just wash from shoulders back.

When I rinse, I turn the water on very low and nice and warm and slowly put them butt first under the running water. Once my boys got used to baths (after about 3 or 4) they now find that to be their favorite part! OMG they just relax and sit in my hands and let the warm water roll over them.

[MapleOwl18]

My techniques, about the same. The only difference is that I use the kitchen sink, because its easier to plug and about the right depth.

I also found it helps put a small hand towel on the bottom of the sink to keep them from slipping.

Good luck

[sophistacavy]

I don't know about those products, but I would definetely ask Ly&Pigs before taking action. Send her a PM maybe? Include a link to this thread in there.

Also, I was under the impression that guinea pigs weren't supposed to be bathed unless they "got into something" and were actually dirty. Unless their cage is filthy and you have to bathe the piggies so you don't put "dirty" pigs back into a clean cage, then why do we need to bathe them? Someone please explain L0L! I'm confused.

Won't it strip the natural oils from their coat even if there isn't any soap/detergents in it? And what about conditioner?

I just thought you could let them play in shallow water.....?_?

[Ly&Pigs]

Pigs really don't need bathed often. Maybe 3-4 times a year at most and that's if they are really dirty. I have had my CoCo for almost 4 years and she has yet to have a bath.

I really don't know much about these products.

[Slave to the Wheek]

Originally Posted by sophistacavy

Also, I was under the impression that guinea pigs weren't supposed to be bathed unless they "got into something" and were actually dirty. Unless their cage is filthy and you have to bathe the piggies so you don't put "dirty" pigs back into a clean cage, then why do we need to bathe them? Someone please explain L0L! I'm confused.

Won't it strip the natural oils from their coat even if there isn't any soap/detergents in it? And what about conditioner?

I just thought you could let them play in shallow water.....?_?

That's probably true if you keep your guinea pigs outside, since keeping a thick layer of oils is valuable for insulation on both dogs and other animals. I know some people don't believe in bathing dogs either.

If you don't use a proper shampoo you CAN strip the natural oils. However, any shampoo that is safe for bunnies or cats/kittens is safe for guinea pigs because cats groom themselves like guinea pigs. Dog shampoo is unsafe for them because they are not as careful about ingredients with dogs, because they don't groom themselves. My boars get a lots of baths sometimes, depending on what's happening. I have children visit often who are allergy prone, so my boys all get a fresh bath when they come, plus long haired pigs tend to collect hay powder and bedding fluff deep in their coats. In addition after a haircut, they get a bath to make sure I get the itchy hair bits off their skin for the same reason the barber does it for you.

My boys get baths as often as twice a month..but sometimes they go several months. They actually have come to relax and enjoy them. Much like my puppy, who used to freak out, but with consistency and slow going he jumps into the shower now and when that warm water hits his back he streeettches all out to enjoy it. As long as you take your time, hold them for a bit when they start to lose it before putting them back in, and do your best to make them feel secure they learn that it's okay and they won't get overwhelmed.

Too much water (anything past their underbelly) is usually when my boys would panic, so I only put it to their belly. I keep it warm and let them relax before I start working on the soap part.

It's safe for them to be bathed. Some pigs don't need it much though. My short haired pig has had far fewer baths than the long hairs. But when my brush starts coming back with grime on it...I know he's overdue.

[sophistacavy]

Thank you who answered!

But indoor pets have natural oils too, don't they? It would just be uncomfortable to have dry skin with all that hair, wouldn't it?

[Slave to the Wheek]

Originally Posted by sophistacavy

Thank you who answered!

But indoor pets have natural oils too, don't they? It would just be uncomfortable to have dry skin with all that hair, wouldn't it?

LOL..yea.good point...but if you use appropriate shampoo, they don't get flaky dry skin. I think I made it all confusing the way I presented it.

What I was trying to say that some people say that outdoor animals need the build-up of natural oils..you know..thick layers of build-up for insulation. For example, Labradors who do a lot of water work during duck hunting season are a good example of a dog who might need extra help in the insulation department. Personally I dispute that because in my own experience any dog I know who doesn't get regular grooming and bi-weekly baths seem to have so much more skin problems than those who don't. So to me it's not a fair trade-off --But..that's another thread.

When you give any pet a bath in the appropriate shampoo, they will still have their natural oils, as appropriate shampoo with not strip them of it. That's the whole point that Earthbath is going for with their products.

It's the same reason you don't use Tide, Cheers, or Dawn for your own hair. It's all about using appropriate products and not going overboard.