Brushing

[piggielover92]

Is brushing a guinea pig nesseary? What kind of brush should I use? How often should I brush them? I just wanted your opinions.... Thanks in advance!!

 

[cinn&sprinslave]

Is brushing a guinea pig nesseary? What kind of brush should I use? How often should I brush them? I just wanted your opinions.... Thanks in advance!!

Brushing is nesscesary (sp) if your piggie is long haired. Recommended to brush long haired piggies everyday. I use a little brush I got from dollar tree/store works great. The brand was conair for the brush. Um I am sure that petsores probably have little brushes made for piggies. I only brush once a week, but have the pigs hair cut once a month, and shaved down to an inch or so in the summer.

 

[piggielover92]

I have 5 short haired piggies. Do I need to brush them since they are short haired?

 

[cinn&sprinslave]

I have 5 short haired piggies. Do I need to brush them since they are short haired?

You could but it is not neccesary. If they enjoy it go for it. It would also help you notice if they have any type of parasite (mites etc) if you brushed them once a week or so. But I don't think it is neccesary.

 

[CavyCrazyMom]

I brush mine because they shed, so I figure this helps a bit.

I just realized...is this normal for them?? To shed that is?? One of mine doesn't, but the rest do.....????

~~Cheri~~

 

[Denise]

One of mine just started shedding pretty bad. They've just finished their mite treatments and don't know if that has anything to do with it.

 

[cavylover]

Nope it doesnt its the change of season.I say brush them when they need it.You can always tell since the Dull Colour comes to the top.I use 4 different kinds od brushes and combs;Greyhound brush Human Hair brush Metal teeth Dog/Cat brush.All depends on what guinea pig im brushing.Long haired ones i use The humane brush then the grey hound brush.

 

[GuineasGalore]

you can use a baby brush (the really soft ones) or if your piggy is long haired you can use a flea comb

 

[TinaFabulous]

Mine shed a little mostly all the time, but they just started shedding a ton. My pigs short haired, I usually use a soft bristled cat brush, use this on my bunny too. (She loves it and it cuts down on the shedding) Last night I saw a really cute brush at the petstore, and im going to see if she likes it today. Haha its shaped like a pig, but its super soft so i know shes ganna love it lol.

 

[Starbucks]

piggielover92,
you should brush your piggies even if they are short haired, but it is not needed as often as long haired guinea pigs. the reason is that they still shed a little through out the year (more when it is shedding season) and since piggies tend to groom themselves quite a bit, they can accumulate hair in their digestive system that can cause blockage.

the loose hair will more than not just pass through them but it is possible for that to happen. its like how cats and rabbits can get hairballs. i brush all my piggies everyday (even for just a few minutes) when they get lap time. they all love it now and just lye down and relax, but some of them had to get used to it.

hope this helps, lianne