washing

Question
can you wash a guinea pig? if you can how do you and what do you use to wash it? also, when should you wash it? please answer thanks

Answer
Hi there Shakira!

Yes, you can wash a guinea pig. Guinea pigs should be washed when a bit dirty, or is longhaired-(Will near regular trimming around the rear area), or has a parasitic/fungal infection.

They should be washed around every 3 months or so. When washing you Guinea pig, I have read up and found that you should use diluted small animal shampoo - to be used sparingly, ofcourse. Diluted so that it makes it a little weaker. I am sure you could find this mild shampoo at a local petshop.
Also, you shouldn't use cosmetic shampoo as it contains too many additives, which could also end up irritating the skin of your guinea pig.

Remember that guinea pigs are generally clean animals therefore you should only bathe/shampoo them if necessary.

Do not let your guinea pig go to 'swim' around in the water - I have read that this should only be used a survival skill not whilst bathing.

When washing put in a comfortable temperature of water, a few inches just and in a bowl in the bath if your guinea pig is a bit of a leaper. Another method is in the kitchen sink..Whichever is easier for you.

Johnson's Small Animal shampoo is used by some people. Remember that the more gentle & natural shampoo the better! And remember...They should only be washed when necessary.

Hope this helped a little?

Mae.