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06 Dec 2014
Grooming Long Haired Guinea Pigs
Posted By : Guest Filed Under : Guinea Pigs | Pet Care
Why Do You Need to Groom Your Guinea Pigs and How Often? Long haired guinea pigs offer a convenient hiding place for mites and other parasites. It’s just so easy to snuggle into their hair and so difficult for other guinea pigs to take care of these pests. Besides mites and lice, long haired guinea pigs battle with knotted fur which can become dangerous for them. And, with all that hair, it’s easy for all sorts of dirt and debris to remain on your piggy. And that never smells good.



Your long haired guinea pigs need your help with a monthly bath and grooming session. If you notice that your piggy needs it more often, then do it. Don’t forget that you may need to pull out the comb or scissors a little more frequently if you spot tangles and troubles.

How Do You Give a Guinea Pig a Grooming Bath?

The short answer to this is… very carefully. It’s important to bear in mind that you should only ever bathe your guinea pigs if absolutely necessary. Not only is your guinea pig likely to resist this process the first few times, you don’t want to let him slip out of your hands. For a start, make sure you’ve secured any escape routes and that you’re working as close to the ground as you can. If your piggy doesn’t mind her bath, you can stand at the sink and countertop, but avoid this the first time you attempt it.

Make sure you’ve gathered together your supplies before beginning – and an extra helper if you need one. You’ll want to shampoo and towel dry your guinea pig just as you would do your child, slowly and delicately. But beyond that, here are a few special tips to make it an easier process:
  • Make sure that every hair is wet, lifting layers as you work. Shampoo cannot lather on dry hair.
  • Use shampoo that’s made for guinea pigs – never your own.
  • After towel-drying your guinea pig, lift and secure upper layers of hair with children’s hair clips so you can comb lower layers.
  • Never aim a hair dryer directly at your guinea pig. Always use your hand to diffuse the heat. If it’s too hot for you, it’s way too hot for your piggy.
  • A little piece of parsley or your pet’s favourite treat will go a long way.
Above all, remember to be patient. Don’t try to rush a bath between other commitments. It’ll be a terrible experience for both of you.

Top Tips to Take Away:
  • Long haired guinea pigs are not able to groom themselves, but they certainly need it.
  • You’ll need to help your pets to bathe. Once a month should be enough.
  • If you do notice mites, lice or other parasites, make sure you get treatment quickly. Not only are these pests irritating, they are likely to spread to everyone in your home.
  • Secure all escape routes before bathing your pet and bribe her with treats if it’s easier on both of you.
  • Don’t let your guinea pig get cold after bathing. Towel dry and keep warm and take great care if you use a hairdryer.
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