How to Bathe a Guinea Pig

While experts differ in opinion on the necessity of bathing guinea pigs, they all agree a clean, parasite-free coat is essential to overall health. If you choose to bathe your pet, a few simple steps can make bath time a less stressful experience. With practice, bath time can become an enjoyable treat for both piggy and parent.

Things You'll Need

• Old towels
• Small plastic tub
• Bathtub
• Plastic cup
• Pet shampoo
• Hair dryer

Instructions

Preparation

1. Spread out two old towels. Place one on the floor, next to the bathtub, and the other on the bathroom counter or closed toilet lid.

2. Place a hair dryer near the second towel. Ensure it is safely away from water and that an electrical outlet is available nearby.

3. Fill a small plastic tub slightly larger than your piggy with two inches of warm (not hot!) water. Add a small hand towel or wash cloth to the bottom of the tub. It provides traction so a frightened piggy is less likely to slip and harm himself.

4. Place the plastic tub into an empty bathtub. If your pet panics, she cannot harm herself in a long fall off a counter top.

5. Get mellow. Spend some time petting and talking to your piggy. Guinea pigs are skittish by nature, so a calm, relaxed owner makes them feel more secure about bath time.

Bath Time

1. Hold your guinea pig firmly (but gently) and lower him into the plastic tub. Speak to him in soothing tones, and pet him gently if you are able. After two minutes, if he or she is still in a panic, remove the guinea pig from the water and skip to step five. If he calms down, proceed with step two.

2. Use the cup to gather some water. Slowly pour it over your piggy's back, avoiding the face and ears. Speak soothingly in a reassuring tone and pet often.

3. Pour a small amount of pet shampoo onto her back, and lather well. Remember to avoid her face and ears. Work the shampoo into the fur on her underside. Carefully scrub the grease gland, which is located where a tail might grow if guinea pigs had such things. If allowed, gently lather legs and feet.

4. Fill the cup with clean water from the tap. Rinse your piggy while speaking in a quiet voice. Remember his underside, and repeat as needed until rinsed well.

5. Lift your piggy out of the plastic tub and place her atop the towel on the floor. Wrap the guinea pig loosely with the towel, ruffling the fur to wick off excess water. Hold your guinea pig close to your body, and speak softly.

6. Remove the wet towel and place on the second, dry towel. Again, cover the body to keep warm. Turn on the blow dryer. If he tolerates the noise, skip to step seven. If he panics, turn the hair dryer off and finish drying by ruffling with a warm, dry towel. This will take some time. Unless the weather is very hot, you must be certain he is dry before returning him to his cage.

7. Exposing one body part at a time, and constantly monitoring the heat upon the skin, use the blow dryer to gently dry the fur.

Tips & Warnings

• For boars with active grease glands, a drop or two of dish soap can better clean the area. To avoid dry skin, be certain you rinse well.

• Remain patient. Allow your piggy to adjust to bathing at his own pace. Some guinea pigs learn to love bath time and enjoy playing in a regular bathtub. Some even swim.

• Bath water should never be higher than your pet's shoulders.

• If your piggy panics, rinse off the soap and discontinue the bath immediately. Most guinea pigs require several tries before tolerating a full bath.