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How To Bathe A Guinea Pig Without Shampoo

Have you ever wondered how to bathe a guinea pig without shampoo? Well, I am going to help you with this article. 

Nothing beats a refreshing bath. That feeling that we’ve cleaned our bodies and washed off all those dirt.

how to bathe a guinea pig without shampoo

But have you ever wondered how your pets would react or feel when they too take a bath?

how to bathe a guinea pig without shampoo

If you are a new pet owner, at some point in pet parenthood, you’ll have to learn how to bathe guinea pigs? You’ll wonder if you should use shampoo or not.

Well, I have a piece of good news for you that you can cleanse your guinea pig without shampoo. This will save your pet from the adverse effects of the chemicals in shampoos and also be cost-effective.  

 

Bathing Your Guinea Pigs Without Using A Shampoo

Guinea pigs are known to be clean animals, but even though they may seem clean, they still need to take a bath when their fur turns sticky.

Don’t you worry first-time pet owners, as we’ve come up with the complete step-by-step instructions on how to bathe a guinea pig without shampoo?

Bathing Your Guinea Pigs Without Using A Shampoo

You will need to prepare a few things before you start bathing them. Here are the things that you will use:

 

#1. Water

Who doesn’t use water when taking a bath? Of course, we all do.

But when it comes to bathing your guinea pig, just getting water from your faucet is not enough.

It is essential to check the temperature of the water first. Everyone has a preference in the temperature of the bathing water.

Some don’t want too cold, not too hot bathing water, which goes the same with your precious little guinea pigs.

Ensuring the temperature will also provide a comfortable bathing experience for your guinea pigs.

 

#2. Bathtub or a bowl

Imagine how cute they will look in a little bathtub. They will look adorable.

But in case you don’t have one, a bowl would do just fine.

If you have a shorter guinea pig, you will also need smaller bowls to clean them off and a bigger one for long legs or bodies.

Bathing Your Guinea Pigs Without Using A Shampoo

If you are a first-time owner, it is recommended to place a bowl in a bathtub to limit their space and prevent them from escaping bath time.

You can do this until you get used to bathing them, and comfortable for you two.

 

#3. Towel

A towel is essential for drying off. Your bath towel is not the right type of bath towel for your pet. You will need a smaller one that could cover them just enough.

Having a big towel could weigh your guinea pig down, so it’s a big NO.

A cloth with fiber will also do as an alternative, be mindful that it has to be proportional to your guinea pig’s size.

 

#4. Shampoo alternative

As we’ve mentioned above, we will not use shampoos. At least the commercially sold ones, you can use some shampoo alternatives to bathe your guinea pigs. These alternatives could be easily found inside your house!

Here are the things you will need:

  • ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup of liquid detergent
  • ½ cup of water
  • 1 empty plastic bottle with a cap
  • 2 tbsp. of sweet almond oil
  • 8 drops of essential oil

 

All you have to do is combine the cider vinegar, liquid detergent, and water inside the empty plastic bottle.

Shake till mixed very well, then add the sweet almond oil and the essential oil. Shake it thoroughly, then let it sit overnight before you use it.

 

#5. Pet wipes

Instead of using some shampoo alternative, pet wipes could also be used. You can clean off the dirt present on their fur by wiping them with pet wipes.

This method can just be used when your pet is not overly dirty. More dirt means he needs to take a bath.

 

#6. Brush

Brushes could get rid of the dirt that is hiding behind their fur. If not removed, this could cause the manifestation of ticks on their skin and may irritate them. 

 

How to Bathe Your Guinea Pig?

Cleaning a guinea pig may be a hassle with all those jumping and escaping, especially if you don’t know how to bathe him properly.

So follow this step-by-step guide and learn how to cleanse your guinea pig.

How to Bathe Your Guinea Pig

 

Step #1. Calming

If you are a first-timer, it’s understandable to be nervous about bathing your guinea pig. 

First and foremost, you have to calm yourself. Guinea pigs tend to pick up emotions, so it is best to stay calm when bathing them.

Next is to calm your guinea pig. It sure isn’t very comforting to be placed in a bowl with water, so it is best to calm them.

Use a soothing voice and talk to them. Wash them one at a time slowly so they will get used to the temperature of the water.

 

Step #2. Use cloth or brush

To remove the dirt on their fur, you will have to use a cloth or a brush. There might be some dirt hiding on their coat, so you will have to wipe or brush them off to get it removed.

To do this, submerge the cloth or brush in warm water and brush their fur gently.

 

Step #3. Rinsing

Lower your guinea pig and let them settle in the water. Make sure that the water is at their belly level to avoid accidental drowning.

Scoop the water and gently wet their fur. Be cautious that you avoid their eyes, ears, nose, and mouth in soaking them.

 

Step #4. Apply shampoo

You can use the shampoo alternative or skip this step. Their skin is sensitive so take note of your force when shampooing them.

Citrus Magic Foaming Pet Cleanser, 8-Ounce

 

Step #5. Rinse parts

After applying the shampoo, rinse them off by scooping clean water and gently pouring it on your guinea pig.

Make sure to remove all the residue altogether so that there will be no irritation to their fur or skin.

 

Step #6. Drying

With a clean towel, wrap them up. The towel will absorb the moisture which will keep them dry.

Use a soft drying towel and wipe their fur dry. Do not scrub the towel, and their fur may fall out if you do this.

After drying them off, brush their fur to prevent any tangles. Your pet will love this part as my Ginger did.

Touching their skin is the same as petting them, so it will serve as you grooming and petting them and also bonding with them all at the same time.

 

Conclusion

Bathing your guinea pig keeps him clean and healthy. It removes the dust and possible germs stuck in the skin. This article shares step by step process of giving a bath to your guinea pig. 

But there are various things that you should consider to keep your guinea pig safe from drowning and other accidents. If you don’t want to use shampoo, you can use alternative materials but you should know how to bathe a guinea pig without shampoo. 

I hope the information from this article will help you take better care of your guinea pig. If you have any experience or tips to share, you are welcome.

Thank you for reading! 

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