How to Bathe a Pet Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs make great pets. Generally, it is not necessary to bathe a guinea pig because they do not have bad odors and they keep themselves clean. However, there may be a time when you do need to bathe your guinea pig, such as if they have an accident in the cage or the carrier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Use a mild shampoo, such as shampoo for rabbits or baby shampoo. Only use a little bit.
2. Wet the guinea pig with warm tap water. Once the guinea pig is wet, gently massage the shampoo into the hair lightly using your fingertips. Be careful not to get the shampoo in the guinea pig's eyes.
3. Rinse the shampoo from the guinea pig. Use a cup to slowly pour water over the guinea pig. A water sprayer might startle the guinea pig.
4. Make sure the guinea pig is calm and relaxed during the entire bath. If the guinea pig becomes very scared or stressed, stop the bath and allow it time to relax. Stress can be harmful to a guinea pig.
5. Wrap the guinea pig in a towel until it is thoroughly dry. Assuring the guinea pig is completely dry will also assure that it does not get cold. Guinea pigs will get sick if left wet and cold.
6. Reward the guinea pig that did well in the bathtub. Give it a carrot stick or guinea pig snack. It is always good to reward good behavior because it could lead to repeat good behavior.

Tips & Warnings

• Never dunk a guinea pig under the water. They do not know how to hold their breath or close their eyes under water.