How to Shower a Long-Haired Guinea Pig

Long-haired guinea pigs need regular brushing and combing but are unlikely to often need washing, an event guinea pigs rarely enjoy. The odd occasion may arise when you should wash the guinea pig, perhaps if it has gotten something sticky in its fur. If the fur isn̵7;t trimmed, it may become soaked with urine around the guinea pig̵7;s rear. In such cases, using a shower attachment might be less stressful for the animal than giving it a bath.

Things You'll Need

  • Dishpan
  • Shampoo for small animals
  • Towels
  • Hairdryer
  • Comb
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Assemble what you need in the shower room. The basics are a dishpan, a shampoo specifically for small animals--check the label to ensure it is suitable for guinea pigs--and several towels.

    • 2

      Place your guinea pig in the dishpan and place the dishpan near the shower attachment. The dishpan stops the guinea pig scurrying off while you are washing it. If your guinea pig is very placid and has had showers before, you could just place it near the shower.

    • 3

      Unhook the shower attachment and run the water into the drain, adjusting the temperature until it comes out tepid not hot.

    • 4

      Dampen the guinea pig's fur by directing the spray at its back and sides. Avoid wetting its face. If the showerhead isn̵7;t detachable, you can move the guinea pig in and out of the spray as necessary.

    • 5

      Turn off the water and gently rub a little shampoo into the guinea pig̵7;s fur, being very carefully to avoid getting suds into its eyes, nose, ears or mouth.

    • 6

      Turn the shower back on and rinse the guinea pig thoroughly.

    • 7

      Pat the guinea pig dry with towels. Keep it in a warm room until it is completely dry. A hairdryer with a ̶0;cool̶1; setting speeds up the drying process. Comb the fur carefully to prevent tangles developing.

    • 8

      Return the guinea pig to its enclosure and repeat the procedure for its companions.