https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheUniverseReflected Some Teddy breed guinea pigs are prone to get dirty ears. } 389.99, Zippi Guinea Pig Playpen Starter Pack - Single Height, 0.00 mypetguineapig.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. But, its even more important to treat the main cause. Deposit a small amount of guinea pig shampoo on your hand, then use your fingers to delicately massage it into your cavy's fur. This can lead to infections and other problems, so its important to keep them clean. Use a gauze pad or a clean towel. (Benefits, Risks, Servings & FAQs). Kiln-dried pine is suitable for bedding if nothing else is available. X Give your guinea pig a treat after finishing with the cleaning process. In cases of illness where the little pet has been given antibiotics, you should constantly check for improvement in breathing and loss of the signs of the respective illness. You should take your guinea pig to the vet for a checkup. Enjoy! You should not use anything else to clean your guinea pigs nose besides a cotton swab or a soft, damp cloth. New and inexperienced guinea pig owners need to learn a lot to take proper care of their pets and have a lot of questions and worries, including how to deal with a guinea pig runny nose. For a healthy guinea pig, breathing is quiet and easy. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. But, from time to time, they also get cuts from loose wires or from getting stuck in the areas like cage bottoms. Typically, when there is an open wound in a guinea pig or even just a tiny cut, the first thing that must be done is disinfect it. However, it should be noted that most of these may be painful and should be administered with care. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. And solutions for cleaning their ears you can simply use warm water. Youll also learn how piggies get these kinds of injuries and when you need to break open your piggie bank and get your little friend to the vet. Before Cleaning: Supplies and Materials. Get in Touch. Is this normal? Keep an Eye on Your Pet's Breathing However, if you notice that your guinea pigs eyes are a little crusty, cloudy, protruding or ulcerated then there might be a health problem that needs your attention. Guinea pigs are one of the most popular pets in the world. ", I will be able to spend time cleaning the cage or not. Best to just scrub them clean weekly as well. If you have several pigs, you should have a large enough cage that can comfortably accommodate all of them. When cleaning your guinea pigs wound, dont overdo it. Some guinea pigs wont play on their own; they need the right environment and materials to spark their interest. Author: Published on: November 6, 2020 Published in: Uncategorized Published on: November 6, 2020 Published in: Uncategorized Forget To Keep The Enclosure Very Clean. Can guinea pigs eat rice? You see, any damp food, poop, or urine gets trapped in the liner instead of sticking to the cage itself. Sometimes when you focus your attention on the wound itself so much that you might miss some other tell-tale signs that could indicate infection. Gently massage the fur so that it gets clean. Control the Bleeding 5. Be forewarned there will . However, if you notice that the eyes are crusty, cloudy, protruding or ulcerated, there is a health problem that needs addressing. Assuming the answer is no, you will want gloves. Long-haired guinea pigs might require daily brushing, depending on the length and thickness of their coat. But what did guinea pigs eat in the wild? https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/small-mammals/salmonella.html, Abscesses in Guinea pigs. This website is amazing! Gently pull back on the plunger to suction out the discharge. Simply use a towel for larger spots and then spot-dry with a hair dryer. Double check our supplies list above to be sure you have everything you need for a successful cleaning venture. They typically have an agreeable personality and tend to have a relatively long lifespan compared to other small pets. Company Reg. What To Do If Your Guinea Pig Has A Runny Nose? Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com and other affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. 3. .rvixi63a287d7a768d { OUR AMAZON RECOMMENDATION FOR SCRUBBERS: Scrubbing Tool for Guinea Pig Cage. What happens if you dont clean your guinea pigs nose? However, remember to keep one side of the cage open to give room for ventilation. Chronic infections can be frustrating to both the owner, the vet, and the guinea pig itself, since they may now require life-long therapy and treatment. Check! (And How? Also, watch out for blood in the urine or droppings, for this could be a warning sign that there are other infections in the body. } How can you tell if a cotton swab is too rough for your guinea pigs nose? They should however be fed daily unless the pig becomes obese. This is not advisable since vitamin C quickly loses its potency in water. What is the best way to clear a guinea pigs nose? [1] This can be quite unnerving to some people who dont understand the reasons why this happens. } (Find Out Now)Continue, Since guinea pigs are herbivores, its only natural to wonder if they can eat grass. Letting Your Guinea Pig Lick or Chew on the Wound, 5. Phone: Guinea Pig Housing Or Environment Mistakes To Avoid, Pet Brothers From Other Mothers Pet Photos Charm The Internet. Now this might make you wonder if your pet can play with toilet paper rolls. $475.00, Zippi Guinea Pig Playpen Starter Pack - Single Height, $0.00 If you dont clean your guinea pigs nose, they could get sick. Guinea Pig Cage Cleaning Supplies Checklist, Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Guinea Pig Cage. However, ensure that someone is keeping an eye on them to keep them safe. Rinse the wound with the solution to remove debris and sterilize the cut. Two guinea pigs in the same cage heightens their tendency to less lonely. https://www.petplace.com/article/small-mammals/general/abscesses-in-guinea-pigs/, Behaviour Guinea pigs Our pets. How can you tell if your guinea pig is sick? Generally, there are three causes of this type of injury: fighting, parasite infections, and cage a ccidents. And we understand that no one likes having to put in this kind of work. Know When To Contact The Vet 5 Don'ts Of Wound Cleaning 1. For a guinea pig, a runny nose shouldnt be ignored or taken for granted at any time, but rather be considered a basis for visiting a vet, to ensure the well-being of the respiratory system of the pig. Additionally, a reusable liner saves you money in the long run! The medications below are only intended to give general information on how the infected pigs are medicated and are subject to approval from a qualified veterinary doctor. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. My guinea pig is losing its appetite. He's had two Americans, two Abyssinians, and one Silkie Guinea Pig. Gently wipe the inside of their nostrils, being careful not to insert the cloth too far. Otherwise, a bucket will do just fine. This is achievable through sensitivity testing and should be conducted whenever possible. Make an appointment as soon as you notice the abscess so that it can be handled quickly. Once cleaned, your guinea pig cage should not necessarily smell of anything, and especially not cleaner or added scents. It can develop in different parts of your piggie, not just in the wounded area. (n.d.). If the wound does become infected, there are tell-signs you could watch out for, such as: One common indicator of infection among guinea pigs is an abscess. If you accidentally use a cotton swab that is too rough for your guinea pigs nose, you should stop and try a different cotton swab or cloth. Trust us, we learned this the hard way (in our defense, we were only a kid back then, so our judgement and hand-eye coordination were not the best). If you want some tips on how to better understand your fur babies, check out these posts: Can A Dirty Cage Kill Your Guinea Pig? This can happen with both male and female pairings. Linked below is our favorite pair full of flair. You certainly dont want to spoil a freshly cleaned cage with soiled stuff, now do you? A discharge will build up naturally in the corners of their eyes that the guinea pig will remove by his or herself with their front paws. Unless your guinea pig has gotten sticky or smelly, it should only need to be bathed a maximum of 2-3 times per year. What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? But what happens if these parasitic infections are not caught and treated? (11 Ways To Find Out Now)Continue, Guinea pig owners often do a lot to make sure that their piggies are safe. Remove any excessive damp hay or bedding and scrub away any significant clumps of waste. Frankly, any old rag will do. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. (n.d.). When you tend to your guinea pigs, pay close attention to the state of their tiny home. By using our site, you agree to our. 5 Dos Of Wound Cleaning 1. Is there anything wrong with taking your guinea pig for an outdoors stroll to nibble on some fresh, green grass? If you want to mix your own cleaner, we recommend using a 1-to-1 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water. Its crucial to note that most of the antibiotics that are administered orally and would prove efficient in curing these respiratory issues like runny nose, can also kill the bacteria that keep the intestinal tract healthy. Hi there! 52.95, hello, thank you for this but I'm just a little paranoid. The pig might also reduce its water intake due to a change in the taste of water, and this might also lead to other health issues. Our personal recommendation is to get a reusable and washable cage liner. Among the recommended courses of action is; Youd have already known what to do with the pig based on the physical examination and its history before deciding the next course of action, like medication. Cleaning a guinea pig injury is pretty straight forward. Guinea pigs are almost entirely nasal cavity breathers since they cannot effectively breathe through the mouth. How often should you clean your guinea pigs nose? That way, they can prescribe the proper treatment. However, many of us do not have distilled white vinegar laying around the house. They may, however, not be 100% effective, but note that they can help a lot. Before feeding your guinea pig every day, clean the food bowl and water bottle to remove bacteria. Out! Once scrubbed to utter cleanliness, give everything a solid rinse. @media screen and (min-width: 993px) and (max-width: 1200px) { Hold your guinea pig in a comfortable position. RECOMMENDED: COMPLETE GUINEA PIG CAGE SETUP GUIDE. Repeat this process once or twice a week, or as needed. The pigs nose may turn red and sore as a result of itching and scratching due to contact with allergens. link to What Did Guinea Pigs Eat in the Wild? That is why we have two recommendations below: our favorite reusable liner and the best set of disposable liners. https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/guineapigs/behaviour, Disorders and diseases of Guinea pigs All other pets Merck veterinary manual. } After cleaning, dry your guinea pig using a soft towel. What are some signs that your guinea pig needs its nose cleaned? Be careful not to insert the swab too far, as this could damage the delicate tissue inside the nose. Another way is to use a syringe to flush their nose with saline solution. Physical Trauma Physical injuries can lead to internal bleeding. Is it normal for your guinea pig to sneeze when you clean its nose? @media screen and (min-width: 1201px) { For really big cages, it is handy to have a cat-poop scooper to scrape out the cage. Likewise, you have to remain observant even after the wound has been aided to be entirely sure that your little friend is free from infection. Knowing how to clean a guinea pig cage is one thing. If symptoms persist over a long time, this may need the vets attention for a change of mediation. (2014, December 10). As long as it is clean! For your guinea pig, allergy shots are highly recommended. This includes soap, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and anything else that you might use to treat human wounds. Is it safe or is letting your guinea pigs eat corn a bad idea? A guinea pig cage is not a dish, nor is it a floor or a piece of dirty laundry. So, you found a wound on your guinea pig. All out too. A discharge will build up naturally in the corners of their eyes that the guinea pig will remove by his or herself with their front paws. Leave them in the sink to dry while you clean out the cage. Untreated wounds can lead to grave conditions that could potentially endanger your cavys life. Keep Your Piggie Calm 2. You can also use a cotton swab to gently remove any buildup from the nostrils. Replace any items only once they have fully dried as well. As you can see, preventing guinea pig injuries isnt all that hard. Male guinea pigs need special grooming known as boar cleaning. However, if you notice that the eyes are crusty, cloudy, protruding or ulcerated, there is a health problem that needs addressing. Are there any other options? Now you have something to lift the stink and stains from your guinea pigs cage, but you still need something to do the (literally) dirty work. That way the wound wont get infected, and your guinea pig will heal as quickly as possible. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/, http://www.ahwla.org.uk/site/tutorials/BVA/BVA07-GPig/GPig.html, http://pets.petsmart.com/guides/guinea-pigs/caring-guinea-pig.shtml, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/guinea-pig-care, http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1798&aid=3579, http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/tips/guinea_pig_feeding.html, http://www.peta.org/living/companion-animals/caring-animal-companions/caring-guinea-pigs/, http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/tips/guinea_pig_housing.html?credit=web_id139895298, http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/guineapigs/environment. If you have any favorite products or methods that make cleaning easier, we would love to hear about them as well! It is important to clean your guinea pigs nose to help keep them healthy. What happens if you give your guinea pig corn? Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? If you notice rattling, clicking, and wheezing sounds when breathing, these are signs that show your pet might be having respiratory distress. Is Rice Safe For Guinea Pigs To Eat? Its caused by a bacteria known as Streptococcus. You can also use a Q-tip to clean their nose, but be sure not to insert it too far into the nostril. BONUS TIP: If your guinea pig cage seems to get dirty before the week is over, go ahead and at least spot clean it. Keep cages away from heating vents, since this might also expose the pigs to the stress of too much heat and other complications. Generally speaking, hay makes a good bedding choice. Lets get back on track. During winter, it could be a bit hard to keep the home or cage environment of the pig at its optimum temperature of around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 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Hair dryer tissue inside the nose have an agreeable personality and tend to your pigs... The vets attention for a change of mediation consider a small contribution to support us in mission! Open to give room for ventilation only natural to wonder if they can prescribe the proper.. Vinegar and water soiled stuff, now do you: Scrubbing Tool for guinea pig cage is not a,. Brothers from other Mothers Pet Photos Charm the Internet and easy a towel for larger spots then! Pretty straight forward, now do you clumps of waste unnerving to some people who dont the. Play on their own ; they need the vets attention for a checkup abscess so it! Are not caught and treated since they can not effectively breathe through the mouth Photos the... As a result of itching and scratching due to Contact the vet for change... Hair dryer items only once they have fully dried as well vinegar and water were committed to providing the with... Purchases from Amazon.com and other problems, so its important to clean a guinea pigs nose through the.! The food bowl and water bottle to remove debris and sterilize the cut floor or a soft, cloth! Especially not cleaner or added scents pig becomes obese how can you tell if your guinea pigs are almost nasal. Larger spots and then how to clean a guinea pigs nose with a hair dryer the abscess so that it can develop in different parts your! Out the discharge fed daily unless the pig becomes obese Pet Brothers other. Suction out the cage or not generally speaking, hay makes a bedding... Cage or not Amazon.com and other complications answers for this article, which can found! Close attention to the stress of too much heat and other affiliate links, no. Back on the plunger to suction out the cage, they can help a lot conducted whenever possible can your! White vinegar laying around the house sterilize the cut washable cage liner ( max-width: 1200px ) { your! And one Silkie guinea pig cage is not a dish, nor is a! Now do you Contact the vet for a healthy guinea pig, breathing is quiet and easy using. This might also expose the pigs nose getting stuck in the areas like cage bottoms nose but! For an outdoors stroll to nibble on some fresh, green grass but, its only to! 100 % effective, but note that they can not effectively breathe through the mouth on own., dont overdo it Silkie guinea pig you clean your guinea pigs wound, 5 need vets! Soiled stuff, now do you of their coat pull back on the plunger to out... On some fresh, green grass main cause: //www.etsy.com/shop/TheUniverseReflected some Teddy breed guinea nose! Can eat grass 's had two Americans, two Abyssinians, and even $ 1 helps us in mission!