Buying a Guinea Pig - Grooming

Supplies needed:

Nail clippers - small animal, can range any where from $2 to $7 or more.

Brush - small animal, from $3 to $5 and higher

Shampoo - $4 to $8 and more

Ear cleaner - around $4

Scissors - anywhere from $2 to $10

Grooming is essential to owning a guinea pig. Improper care can lead to a decline in your little friend's health. So first things first, you need to make sure you have all of the required supplies listed above.

Basic grooming for short-haired guinea pigs does not really need anymore than gentle brushing with a soft-bristled pet brush. Normal stroking will remove loose hair. Try dampening your hands while brushing so that the loose hair will stick to your hands. Always remember to check their nose, ears, little bottoms are clean, free of discharge, scabbing, etc, and if necessary, wipe gently with a damp cloth. If left for too long without being properly groomed it can lead to serious health problems.

Basic grooming for rough haired guineas, like short-haired piggy's, only need minimal grooming. A soft-bristled brush will suffice.

Basic grooming for long-haired guinea pigs requires regular combing with a wide-toothed comb to tease out knots and tangles. Trimming and shampooing are also required as the hair is easily dirtied while the piggy is roaming about.

How often should my guinea pig be shampooed?

An often debated question but you should definitely shampoo your pig whenever it is required, though no more often than 3 month intervals. This will prevent their natural oils from being dried out and causing irritation. Guinea pigs, especially short-haired breeds, are mostly successful at keeping themselves neat and tidy. Keep in mind that if your piggy is undergoing treatment shampoos, shampooing them more often may be necessary.

Why should I trim my piggy's hair?

If you have a long-haired piggy, you have probably noticed how quickly their coats tend to get damp, tangled, and matted if you do not keep it trimmed short. Make sure you trim your piggy's hair regularly to avoid making him or her uncomfortable. You should try to trim your piggy's hair every 3 months before you shampoo them. Do I need to trim just the bottom, or do I need to cut all of his hair? Mostly this is at your own discretion. For health and hygienic reasons, a small trim around the bottom area is all that is needed, though sometimes if you trim her whole coat your piggy will be more energetic. A good pair of scissors for trimming, an apron, to prevent the loose strands from sticking to your clothes, a wide-toothed comb for tangles, a spray bottle of water, to dampen the hair and make it easier to trim, treats, to keep your piggy busy while you groom him or her, and a long sleeved top to prevent uncomfortable nibbling from your little friend are all the things you need to groom your long-haired guinea.

*Note: If your piggy is making a huge fuss while you trim them, do not panic. This is natural because they do not enjoy being trimmed. Just be as gentle as you can during the process and when you are finished let him settle down.

Why do I need to trim my guinea's nails?

There are quite a few reasons to trim your piggy's nails.

1 - You do not want them to get caught on something while they are running around and cause injury

2 - If a guinea's nails grow too long they can curl under and grow into the soft padding of their paw, this can be extremely painful and easily get infected.

3 - You furry little friend will feel much better with trimmed nails, they will be much more comfortable running around.

4 Your piggy can grow 'spurs'. Spurs are a sort of hardened nail growth from the side of her paw that can also curl under their foot if not clipped. They can be painlessly clipped off when you trim your guinea's nails to prevent them from catching or tearing. However, if you are not 100% certain it is a spur do not clip it. Consult a vet so that you do not injure your pet.

Remember to check your guinea's nails every week or so, just to keep an eye on them. It usually works out to where you should only have to trim them every month to a month and a half. All you need is a small nail clipper like the kind used for small dogs and cats, a hand towel to wrap around your piggy in case they like to squirm, and another set of hands to help hold your guinea while you clip their nails.

Gwen Garrett is a Guinea Pig enthusiast. She has owned at least one piggy since she was five years old! To find out more about Guinea Pigs click here Guinea Pig Guides Subscribe to out Mini Course to access our forum!