how to clean a guinea pigs nose

When your guinea pig has been thoroughly shampooed, rinse it twice or thrice using a gentle flow of warm water. While there are plenty of pet-specific scrubs or sponges out there, a rag is generally enough. 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. It doesnt take much for a guinea pig to get injured. When Do Guinea Pigs Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get? So, sterilize the wound before infection can occur. When a part of the skin is cut open, the first thing you need to do is disinfect to avoid infection. @media screen and (max-width: 767px) { It may not display this or other websites correctly. When guinea pigs touch each other nose and look into each other's eyes, it reflects the affection and love between two bonded guinea pigs. Cover cages at night using a blanket or a towel to avoid exposing the little pets to cold. Yes, it is normal for your guinea pig to sneeze when you clean its nose. Otherwise, a bucket will do just fine. Hi there! This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Since so much cold air slips through the frames in windows and doors, the air around gets so cold that the pig might catch a cold, and this may pose a threat to respiratory health if the pig. .exdln63a287d7a7588 { Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. (What You Need to Know) and Can Guinea Pigs Suffer or Die From Depression? Answer 14: Yes, you should be worried if your guinea pig is losing its appetite. Answer 15: If your guinea pig is in pain when you touch its nose, this could be a sign of an infection or injury. Discharge builds up naturally in the corners of a guinea pig's eyes - just like any other mammal - and the GP will remove this with its paws. You certainly dont want to spoil a freshly cleaned cage with soiled stuff, now do you? For example, if your guinea pig has crusty eyes and a runny nose then this could be indicative of a respiratory infection or allergy, and a trip to the vet is needed. What should you do if you cant get all the discharge out of a guinea pigs nose? Once youve finished cleaning, give your guinea pig a treat to let them know theyve been a good sport! And the remaining can be cleaned up using wet buds in the bottom to top motion. Dont be surprised if they sniff around and act a little investigative at first. The pigs may however choose to eat less or softer food, lose weight, and or salivate due to other health conditions. But did you know that those same cute little noses need to be cleaned on a regular basis? Why Do Guinea Pigs Twitch? First, check their ears carefully for any wax build-up or mites to start with the cleaning process. If the injuries are minor, then its best to keep it clean and dry. He's had two Americans, two Abyssinians, and one Silkie Guinea Pig. Zippi Tunnel Single with Hutch to Run Connection Kit, $0.00 ClickHEREfor a peek at my disclosure. That is why we have two recommendations below: our favorite reusable liner and the best set of disposable liners. Cleaning your guinea pigs cage is the perfect chance to give them some quality floor time. Infections can also occur due to dental disease that results from overgrown tooth roots that affect the sinuses, therefore leading to upper respiratory infections. They are known for their gentle and loving nature, and their cute little noses. Kiln-dried pine is suitable for bedding if nothing else is available. But where do guinea pigs get these parasites? Tip 3: Frequent, But Not Too Frequent. But like every pet, guinea pigs need a safe, clean, and healthy environment to thrive. Please dont use antiseptics that you can find at home. He spends hours on Instagram browsing guinea pigs, wombats, hedgehogs, and Dungeons & Dragons. Sometimes they stare because theyre sick,, Read More 9 Simple Reasons Why Guinea Pigs Stare (What You Need To Know)Continue, Pet parents need to give their guinea pigs opportunities to play. Remember to constantly replace the carpeting around the guinea pigs cage, or shampoo it thoroughly to avoid instances of a dusty environment to the pig. .rvixi63a287d7a768d { The extent of their effectiveness varies in different pigs, depending on the nature and extent of damage of the inflammations. BioWeb Home. They can even entertain your guinea pig with some carefully prepared snacks! Its important that their cage be kept very clean. Since there are no tests that predict the advancement of upper respiratory complications into more severe illnesses like pneumonia, its necessary to diagnose the extent of the damage caused by the bacteria to evaluate the possible step to take. } Fleece is usually better for this task than shavings or paper bedding. Answer 7: If you cant get all the discharge out of a guinea pigs nose, you can try using a syringe to suction it out. .rvixi63a287d7a768d { They are probably just reorienting themselves since all the familiar scents have been washed away. For a healthy guinea pig, breathing is quiet and easy. 7 Alarming Reasons Why Guinea Pigs Pee Blood, The Alarming Truth About Washing Guinea Pigs In Dish Soap, Can A Dirty Cage Kill Your Guinea Pig? In this sense, cleaning your guinea pigs wound may seem to be a piece of cake. Its highly advisable to watch the guinea pigs activities, especially after being given any medication as most antibiotics may cause diarrhea to develop. For instance, it could be an old toy or wire inside the cage with sharp edges. You can also use a Q-tip to clean their nose, but be sure not to insert it too far into the nostril. The sensitivity of the pig to the antibiotics should also be put into consideration, to avoid the introduction of new allergens to the system of the already ailing pig. Home nebulization using normal saline can also help in air humidification to avoid a runny nose. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/disorders-and-diseases-of-guinea-pigs, Domestic Guinea pig. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. When it comes to pet first aid, doing it right can save you from worrying and additional expenses to the vet. Try wrapping the cotton pad around your thumb to make it easier and more convenient to clean his nose. They are known for their gentle and loving nature, and their cute little noses. If you think your guinea pig is sick, you should take it to the vet. If they're not, there is an underlying problem. If this occurs, separate the two cavies as quickly as possible to avoid future injuries. If you have any additional cage-cleaning tips or tricks to share, please let us know in the comments below. Generally speaking, hay makes a good bedding choice. BONUS TIP: If your guinea pig cage seems to get dirty before the week is over, go ahead and at least spot clean it. Gently pull back on the plunger to suction out the discharge. What Is the Proper Way of Cleaning a Guinea Pig's Wound? (2019, April 18). So lets dig into how to clean your guinea pigs cage quickly, effectively, and safely. and Why Do Guinea Pigs Twitch? You need a clear idea of how manageable the cuts are. So, when you have two of them (successfully matched) living together, theyre happier. } Your email address will not be published. } 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. Thats all there is to it! When I'm not writing, I enjoy kickboxing and work as an animal trainer. ", 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. Such kits usually include probiotics, saline solution, critical care feed, and other necessary items that can help your piggie when youre unable to get them to vet right away. Josh has been raising guinea pigs for over a decade. Generally, these cleaners are the best option for making the job fast and easy while providing excellent amounts of odor control. Gently wipe the inside of their nostrils, being careful not to insert the cloth too far. How Often Should I Clean My Guinea Pig Cage? display: block; Piggies are social animals. However, if you notice that the eyes are crusty, cloudy, protruding or ulcerated, there is a health problem that needs addressing. RECOMMENDED: Do Guinea Pigs Attract Rats? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Step 2. Cleaning ears. When first aid is required, there are specific things you should do to make sure the injury is properly treated. Now, that does not mean you need to go out and buy guinea-pig specific products, but it does mean we need to consider what we use in our guinea pig's living environment. Its advisable to immediately see the vet. Deposit a small amount of guinea pig shampoo on your hand, then use your fingers to delicately massage it into your cavy's fur. A cavy can catch these parasites from another infected guinea pig. Once your fur babys wound has been disinfected, its essential that you continue to monitor him for signs of infection. I have a total of three guinea pigs and have had them for about a year now and they have been fine and healthy. I have a 30 x 20" guinea pig cage with upper kitchen area, would that be suitable for 1 guinea pig? https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/new-zoo-guinea-pigs, Salmonella from small mammals | Healthy pets, healthy people | CDC. When the water gets dirty, and still, your guinea pig bottom needs to get clean, then repeat the above process. Since vitamin C tablets are soluble in water, people often make the mistake of dissolving them then giving the solution to the guinea pig. Approved. 2. You might like the smell, but your guinea pigs likely will not! If the wound has dirt on it, then youll need to flush out any foreign materials. Otherwise, it can lead to infections that could endanger the life of your cavies. Another way is to use a syringe to flush their nose with saline solution. They stare at you, other people, other animals, food and objects in their environment. Its caused by a variety of irritants and two common bacteria, namely Bordetella brondiseptica, and Pasteurella multocida. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); For deeper stains and messes, use undiluted vinegar, but make sure to clean off well afterward! Baytril For Guinea Pigs (Side Effects, Efficacy, Dosage & FAQs), Signs Your Guinea Pig Hates You (10 Different Ways to Tell), Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnip Greens? Do this for about three to five minutes to ensure that the clotting is not interrupted. But damp hay can harbor fungal growth, and dry, dusty hay could cause respiratory problems. .exdln63a287d7a7588 { But what did guinea pigs eat in the wild? (Safety, Nutrition, and Tips). Step 3. Author: Published on: November 6, 2020 Published in: Uncategorized Published on: November 6, 2020 Published in: Uncategorized (Benefits, Risks, Servings & FAQs). What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? Commonly used antihistamines include diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine. To finish, dry the cage, replace its contents, and return your guinea pig to its home. Its therefore advisable to have rabbits and guinea pigs in separate cages. Then run some hot water and submerge the water bottle and food bowl. Cage liner? On the other hand, when it comes to two male (or female) cavies, they tend to clash until one backs down. Is Rice Safe For Guinea Pigs To Eat? Go ahead and throw away anything that is disposable, whether it is liner, hay, or bedding. Simple truth: Rats can attack and kill guinea pigs. This doesnt however mean that all orally administered antibiotics pose a danger to the tracts health and normal functioning. In cases of extreme sickness, its advisable to hospitalize your pig for intense treatment such as oral or injectable multivitamins until its strong and stable for home care. In these circumstances a trip to the vet is needed. Fill the syringe with warm water and insert the tip into the nostril. You can also use a Q-tip to clean the hard-to-reach areas of the nose. Gently wipe the inside of your guinea pigs nostrils, being careful not to go too deep. } The pig might eat less or fail to eat at all. In fact, we recommend using rags instead of sponges because they are easier to clean and use for your next cage cleaning. Seriously, cage liners are an absolute godsend when it comes to cleaning a guinea pig cage. However, remember to keep one side of the cage open to give room for ventilation. @media screen and (min-width: 1201px) { Yes, its true! Lower your guinea pig into the water. In that case, just keep a closer eye on him for a few days. Ask your vet for advice. X If you live in a hot climate, you are set. PetPlace: The Webs #1 Source of Pet Information. So, try to keep her calm by offering her veggie treats and snuggles. Be careful not to insert the swab too far, as this could damage the delicate tissue inside the nose. Cedar bedding can cause many health problems, as can pine. If you're unsure how to clean your guinea pig's cage, perform a spot clean daily by removing excess food and wiping the cage with a paper towel. If the both cavies are determined to take control of one another (and neither one backs down), it could ultimately lead to a physical fight which will likely result in injury. From Amazon recommendations to products you might already have at home, this list has everything covered. Trustworthy Source Once every week, conduct a thorough clean of the cage by removing all of the contents, spraying down the cage with a mild detergent, and rinsing it with water. If you poke around in the wound, you could easily give your guinea pig a bacterial infection. This can lead to respiratory problems and even death. Replace any items only once they have fully dried as well. Even rough handling sometimes can lead to serious injuries. Here are some tips on how to clean your guinea pigs nose: 1. Letting Your Guinea Pig Lick or Chew on the Wound, 5. Last Updated: December 17, 2022 379.00, 389.99 Linked below is our favorite pair full of flair. How to use this code: This link cantains your affiliate code and can be placed anywhere a normal tag could be placed. The danger lies in the contamination that results in disease-causing microbes such as several bacteria and fungi entering the bloodstream through the cut. 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. Fortunately, drying your guinea pig cage is far from tricky. Eye Cleaning How To Clean Your Guinea Pigs' Eyes Usually, your guinea pigs' eyes will be bright and shiny. Answer 1: The best way to clear a guinea pigs nose is to use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away any discharge. If the nose is constantly wet, this could be a sign of a respiratory infection and you should take your guinea pig to the vet. It is okay, the world wont end. ", I will be able to spend time cleaning the cage or not. But, thanks. Mycoplasma pneumonia is majorly caused by a slow-growing bacterium known as Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Clean-a-Guinea-Pig-Cage-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-Guinea-Pig-Cage-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Clean-a-Guinea-Pig-Cage-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid200199-v4-728px-Clean-a-Guinea-Pig-Cage-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"