How to Groom a Guinea Pig

While guinea pigs are generally tidy little animals, they still need some grooming. Grooming your guinea pig on a regular basis is a good opportunity for you to bond with your pet and allows you to check for any signs of illness. Weekly or daily grooming sessions shouldn't take longer than a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

  • Towels
  • Brush for shorthaired guinea pigs, rabbits or cats
  • Metal greyhound comb
  • Scissors
  • Nail clippers for small pets
  • Clean cloth
  • Mineral oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      When you acquire your guinea pig, make an appointment with a veterinarian who specializes in small pets. Ask your vet about problems to look for around the eyes, scent gland, ears and teeth and to show you how to trim the guinea pig̵7;s nails properly. Once you know how to do this, grooming sessions should only take a few minutes.

    • 2

      Place a towel over your lap to protect your clothing.

    • 3

      Pick the guinea pig up with both hands around its chest and gently hold it in your lap.

    • 4

      If it's a shorthaired breed, brush through the fur on the body. If it is a longhaired guinea pig, carefully comb through the fur, removing loose hairs. Shorthaired guinea pigs need grooming once or twice a week while longhaired guinea pigs need grooming every day. If you find a hair knot, cut it away. If a knot or mat has reached the guinea pig̵7;s skin, ask your vet to remove it. It is difficult to remove such mats without hurting the guinea pig, but if you leave it alone, it will get worse and cause the animal pain.

    • 5

      Trim the longest hairs of a longhaired guinea pig with the scissors to a length of about an inch unless you plan to show it. Hold sections of fur in your fingers and snip off the ends. This prevents knots and mats developing and makes grooming easier.

    • 6

      Check each of the guinea pig̵7;s paws and trim the nails with nail clippers for small pets. Wrap the guinea pig in another towel for this procedure.

    • 7

      Examine the guinea pig̵7;s eyes, ears and scent gland. The scent gland is located on the guinea pig's rear end. If you see any redness, swelling or parasites, make an appointment with your vet.

    • 8

      Drip a small amount of mineral oil onto a clean cloth and wipe the guinea pig̵7;s ears once every two weeks. Only clean the external part of the ears. Don̵7;t clean deep inside the ears.