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Post by Georgina/Sollyrules on Feb 11, 2007 19:31:21 GMT
Should I bath my guinea's atall? If so what water temp would I need and what depth? Should I use any shampoo's or what? Help me!!
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Post by linda on Feb 12, 2007 7:40:17 GMT
Alternatives to Bathing As a general rule, bathing should only be done when necessary. In the case of guinea pigs, "necessary" means: - A medical reason, such as lice, as directed by your veterinarian.
- Shortly before a guinea pig show, if you plan on exhibiting your cavy.
- If your guinea pig manages to get into something particularly smelly or dirty, such as mud.
BathingBaths are typically stressful events for a cavy, and stressed guinea pigs are more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections. Unless your guinea pig simply loves to be bathed (some of them do), you should not do so regularly. Some alternatives to a full bath are presented below: - Powder baths are very popular, and are good for restoring the shine in your guinea pig's coat, as well as removing minor stains and dirty spots. Dusting powders are available for rabbits and guinea pigs, and can pretty much be used interchangeably. Almost all powder bath products are used the same way: you sprinkle the powder onto the hair, and then brush it out completely with a stiff, wire brush. As you brush the powder out, it should pick up any dirt particles and condition the coat.
- For dirty bottoms, hydrogen peroxide is good at removing urine stains.
- For stains in the coat, you can give a "sponge bath", using either a soapy washcloth or a towelette.
HintsIf you do decide to bath your guinea pig, here are some helpful hints: - For a bath, fill a large tupperware container with an inch of water, and place a washcloth on the bottom so that your guinea pig has some traction. The water should be slightly warm, but not hot.
- Small mammals have very sensitive skin, so powerful shampoos can be harmful. Most owners use a baby shampoo for general baths. If you are using a medicated shampoo (for killing parasites), then pick a shampoo that is safe for kittens (not cats, kittens!) or birds. Generally, you should only use a medicated shampoo when instructed by your vet.
- Lather your guinea pig from the rump up to the back of the neck. Do not get any soap around the face. Be careful when rinsing to make sure no soap runs over their head and into their eyes or face.
- Dry them gently with a towel, and then let them air-dry the rest of the way. If you have a heat-lamp, you can place them under it to keep them from getting chills, but you should make sure the heat lamp isn't too hot. As a general rule, it's bad to blow-dry a guinea pig, as the heat from the dryer can burn their skin. Take care to make sure there are absolutely no drafts where they are drying to prevent chills.
- Try to limit the number of baths you give during the winter, as most homes tend to be cooler and more drafty during this time of year.
- Never use a medicated/chemical shampoo on a nursing mother or on babies under two months of age. Also, don't use these shampoos on pregnant sows unless under the direction of your veterinarian. Some owners recommend that no baths be given at all to pregnant or nursing sows. Again, consult your veterinarian.
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Post by Georgina/Sollyrules on Feb 12, 2007 8:38:27 GMT
Wow, thanks linda. That helped ALOT!!
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Post by linda on Feb 12, 2007 10:01:15 GMT
It's ok...
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Post by Georgina/Sollyrules on Feb 12, 2007 12:50:02 GMT
Cool..
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Post by masher on Feb 15, 2007 15:42:10 GMT
Guinea pigs don't strictly need any bathing under normal circumstances But they may need one to get rid of a health problem (mites, fungal) The depth should be up to about the top of the guinea pigs legs. You need to use special shampoo for small animals, never use dog or cat shampoo as it is too strong. You can buy special stuff off the internet, or you can buy stuff to treat skin problems
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Post by Georgina/Sollyrules on Feb 19, 2007 14:12:26 GMT
Cool, thank you Masher. I think ill stick to brushing, give the bathing a miss.
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