Long-haired guinea pigs - brush and comb out any mats every day. If you are having a hard time coping with the long coat, the hair can be trimmed (simply trim the longer hair so it is not dragging on the ground - you may want to see a groomer for advice).

As with short-haired cavies, the long-haired varieties will need to be brushed and inspected for lice. 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.

+If your guinea pig manages to get into something particularly smelly or dirty, such as mud.

Bathing is quite stressful for guinea pigs, and most guinea pigs rarely need bathing, if ever.

Otherwise, unless your guinea pig's fur gets badly soiled (e.g. with urine or feces or some other messy thing your guinea pig has gotten into) baths are probably not even necessary, especially if you regularly brush your guinea pigs.

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.
Source(s):
http://exoticpets.about.com/od/guineapigs/a/gpgrooming_2.htm

http://www.aracnet.com/~seagull/Guineas/care.html


Permalink | Report