References Step 3: Remove the Bedding and Other Items, Step 5: Wash the Cage or Enclosure Itself. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. How often should you clean your guinea pigs nose? But we will let you in on a little secret: occasionally you can go a day over a week without cleaning your guinea pigs cage. However, if you notice that your guinea pigs eyes are a little crusty, cloudy, protruding or ulcerated then there might be a health problem that needs your attention. The rabbit might also bully the guinea pig, leading to stress if the pig cannot find a safe spot to escape to. What kind of cloth should you use to wipe a guinea pigs nose? These irritations lead to discharges from the nose. Guinea pigs often touch each other's nose to apologize after a fight to understand their position. .exdln63a287d7a7588 { The best water dispenser is a guinea pig/rabbit bottle with a ball inside the spout to prevent water leaks. The pig might also reduce its water intake due to a change in the taste of water, and this might also lead to other health issues. Additionally, an antibiotic is prescribed to manage the infection. How to Prevent Runny Nose in Guinea Pigs? X This article has been viewed 278,625 times. Before Cleaning: Supplies and Materials. Guinea pigs are susceptible to a number of respiratory infections, some of which can be deadly. @media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 768px) { This evening I went out to clean them out and say goodnight to them but as soon as I lifted the lid off the hutch I heard one of them making a strange noise. Check out these most popular guinea pig products on the market: Last update on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Most animal experts recommend giving your guinea pig a hiding place inside its cage. The first reason is because theyre usually too harsh for guinea pigs and might cause more harm than good by hindering the healing process. This includes soap, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and anything else that you might use to treat human wounds. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Tip 3: Frequent, But Not Too Frequent. If you find any large piece of dirt or wax, use a tweezer to get rid of it. You should properly ensure every aspect before deciding the next course of action, like medication for your guinea pigs. A discharge will build up naturally in the corners of their eyes that the guinea pig will remove by his or herself with their front paws. Water or saline solution is enough. Using your cleaning and a scrubber or rage, wipe down your guinea pig enclosure from one end to the other. Part 1 Diagnosing the Cause 1 Visit your vet. A guinea pig cage is not a dish, nor is it a floor or a piece of dirty laundry. Constantly and periodically brush your guinea pigs to manage itches and stress that might be persistent on the fur and skin. However, it can lead to infection, which could easily turn a simple wound into a life-threatening situation. Alongside vitamin C-rich vegetables, supplements, like tablets, are also available when a high deficiency arises. https://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/interactions.htm. They are probably just reorienting themselves since all the familiar scents have been washed away. Periodic trimming of overgrown teeth is also necessary. For most aspects of grooming, a weekly check should be enough. Use Soap, Neosporin, Shampoo, or Other Cleaning Products 2. Assess the Wound 3. Do you want poop on your hands? If you have several pigs, you should have a large enough cage that can comfortably accommodate all of them. (Find Out Now). I was gone from home for a couple of hours and one of my guinea pigs eyes (both of them) are squinted and one of them is a bit red. If we let our guinea pigs cages get dirty, it can stress them out and even pose a risk to their health. Control the Bleeding 5. Cleaning your pig's cage at least every week is very important in maintaining your pet's health. Guinea Pig Cage Cleaning Supplies Checklist, Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Guinea Pig Cage. One way is to use a cotton swab to gently remove any debris that may be blocking their nose. Keep your guinea pigs water bottle/bowl clean and change the water daily. Calm down your guinea pigs and inspect their ears. What Happens if Guinea Pig Wounds Are Untreated? This goes for both humans and animals. How to unclog a guinea pigs nose? Here you'll find the juicy goods to care for your little friends WITHOUT making your brain short-circuit. 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. Mix in even amounts of both liquids into a spray bottle and you are set. Therefore, cleaning your sweet pie's nostrils is vital. (2014, December 10). Is this normal? The conjunctiva, the inner part of the eyes, may also turn red. My guinea pig has a lot of discharge in its nose. When it comes to outdoors guinea pigs, treat them like you would tender plants. Severe infections by these bacteria cause discharges from either one or both nostrils, at times signaled by unproductive hacking and dry coughs, especially when you wake the pigs up. You can clean your guinea pigs nose with a warm, damp cloth. Bite wounds sustained from cage fights should be checked immediately. Try wrapping the cotton pad around your thumb to make it easier and more convenient to clean his nose. Cover cages at night using a blanket or a towel to avoid exposing the little pets to cold. Your guinea pig's cage should not be exposed to direct sources of heat or cold. 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. Use Soap, Neosporin, Shampoo, or Other Cleaning Products, 4. How can you tell if a cloth is too rough for your guinea pigs nose? Should I be worried? Healthy guinea pigs have shiny, clear, and alert eyes. During winter, it could be a bit hard to keep the home or cage environment of the pig at its optimum temperature of around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. You are using an out of date browser. Cleaning ears. Toss in some fresh bedding and hay. (2019, April 18). Approved. Guinea pigs aren't big fans of change. However, MAKE SURE it is safe for small animals, especially guinea pigs. Rice is a grain, and grains are not good for them. Josh has been raising guinea pigs for over a decade. However, if you notice that the eyes are crusty, cloudy, protruding or ulcerated, there is a health problem that needs addressing. Fortunately, drying your guinea pig cage is far from tricky. No, you should not clean your guinea pigs nose with water. Below we have put together a complete list of the supplies you will need. They are known for their gentle and loving nature, and their cute little noses. Use Water or Saline Solution 4. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/disorders-and-diseases-of-guinea-pigs, Domestic Guinea pig. He had been fine that morning when I fed them. You can also hold your guinea pig in a blanket to make them feel at ease. Why is it necessary to clean your Guinea Pigs ears? This guide will teach you 5 dos and donts of guinea pig wound cleaning. If the cotton swab is too rough for your guinea pigs nose, it will cause them discomfort. Is this normal? A case of guinea pig runny nose is sometimes caused by first, a condition known as Atrophic Rhinitis (AR) which is common in piglets. One guinea pigs will often take the subordinate role and start grooming the dominant one. mypetguineapig.com may be compensated when users click on links and sign-up with their associated offers located in content or anywhere else on the page. Simple truth: Rats can attack and kill guinea pigs. He's had two Americans, two Abyssinians, and one Silkie Guinea Pig. Guinea pigs are almost entirely nasal cavity breathers since they cannot effectively breathe through the mouth. Lets find out! .rvixi63a287d7a768d { So the more consistent your schedule, the better they'll react to it. For instance, if you have two guinea pigs, their cage should be as wide as 1 meter by 1 meter. (Find Out Now), The Surprising Truth About Grass & Guinea Pigs (Can They Eat It?). It doesnt take much for a guinea pig to get injured. As long as it is clean! Itchy and inflamed eyes may also show conjunctivitis, which is an infection of the eyes. We suggest placing a washcloth or small towel on the bottom of the p A cavys wound needs to be kept as clean as possible. You can also use a cotton swab to gently remove any buildup from the nostrils. Like humans, guinea pigs do not produce their vitamin C. Its, therefore, necessary that they acquire these nutrients through their diets. The demand is however higher for ill, young, pregnant, and nursing pigs. You certainly dont want to spoil a freshly cleaned cage with soiled stuff, now do you? Step 3. Animal Humane Society. New and inexperienced guinea pig owners need to learn a lot to take proper care of their pets and have a lot of questions and worries, including how to deal with a guinea pig runny nose. National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare (n.d.). OUR ULTIMATE AMAZON CAGE CLEANER RECOMMENDATION: Cage Cleaner Set for Guinea Pig Cages. Others may however develop on and off infections for their entire lifespan, while others may relapse and get ill again as soon administration of medication is discontinued. (What You Need to Know) and Can Guinea Pigs Suffer or Die From Depression? Rice shouldnt be fed to guinea pigs. Please dont use antiseptics that you can find at home. Gloves. (Find Out Here)Continue, If youve got a guinea pigs, chances are that youre very close with them. "This article helped me affirm I was doing what's best for our guinea pig. Is this normal? Then you are good to go. Breathing is a quite easy and healthy activity. (n.d.). This includes putting into consideration the advancement and extent of damage to the affected tissues on the pig. *Please Read*Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheSmallPetShop Giving Snoopy a bath, some people bath their guinea pigs in the sink but I find this easier, b. I'm here to help you smash the EASY button on pet parenting. Its important that their cage be kept very clean. Periods for the administration of antibiotics solely depend on the extent of the infection by the virus, and this ranges from around 2 to 8 weeks, with gradual and constant monitoring for confirmation of the recovery process. Long-haired guinea pigs might require daily brushing, depending on the length and thickness of their coat. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I will try take him to the vet tomorrow to get him checked out but I was just wondering if anyone had experienced anything similar and knew what it was or what was causing it. You might like the smell, but your guinea pigs likely will not! Give your guinea pig something to chew on in its cage. With just a little bit of time and effort, you can help keep your guinea pigs nose healthy and clean. Since this should happen once a week, using sponges each time could not only add up in cost, but produces far more waste. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. The severity of these infections will depend on the type of parasite involved. Hold your guinea pig in a comfortable position. Yes, its true! } 2. Can you use a cotton swab to clean a guinea pigs nose? Because things can get wild messy real quick, we HIGHLY recommend wearing old clothes and performing the cleaning outdoors. Guinea pigs love to eat, and can constantly do this for a prolonged time over the day. (Safety, Nutrition, and Tips), floor time and exercise is incredibly crucial for your guinea pigs, guinea pig will be sad and might even start attracting flies, Baby Guinea Pigs The Owners Care Guide, Guinea Pig Cages: Setup & Recommendations, Listen to a new album of music all the way through, Take the opportunity to soak in some fresh air, Mentally plan out a fun treat for a friend or loved one, Or anything else you can do at the same time. This is achievable through sensitivity testing and should be conducted whenever possible. Persistent cough and shortness of breath may indicate an asthmatic infection which is responsible for the difficulty in breathing. Answer 6: Yes, you can use a cotton swab to clean a guinea pigs nose. When it comes to outdoors guinea pigs, treat them like you would tender plants. If this occurs, separate the two cavies as quickly as possible to avoid future injuries. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For really big cages, it is handy to have a cat-poop scooper to scrape out the cage. Guinea pigs have lives of luxury nowadays, with all kinds of foods and snacks. } When taking care of a guinea pigs injuries, it can be tempting to do what we would normally do for ourselvesbut thats not good for cavies. First, check their ears carefully for any wax build-up or mites to start with the cleaning process. If your guinea pig's eyes need cleaning, and yet they dont seem able to do it themselves, this too may indicate a health problem. To finish, dry the cage, replace its contents, and return your guinea pig to its home. Answer 3: You should clean a guinea pigs nose as often as necessary, depending on the amount of discharge present. Likewise, cleaning an already ill guinea pigs cage might require different steps. Fleece is usually better for this task than shavings or paper bedding. Gently wipe the inside of your guinea pigs nostrils, being careful not to go too deep. Although there are several suggestions on draining abscesses at home, its still best to have a veterinarian check on them. 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. Give your guinea pig a treat after finishing with the cleaning process. I took him out the hutch at once and checked over him, especially his nose, but I could see no snot or anything else wrong with him he just sounded a bit wheezy. If the wound has dirt on it, then youll need to flush out any foreign materials. Examples of vitamin C-rich vegetables are parsley, mustard greens, broccoli, and green peppers. Just leave your guinea pig cage out to air-dry for an hour or so and you are good to go. Wounds sustained from cage fights should be checked immediately with water to avoid future injuries from fights. Your sweet pie & # x27 ; s nose to apologize after fight... The promotion of animal welfare ( n.d. ), it is safe for animals! ( can they Eat it? ) out any foreign materials is very important in maintaining your pet health! Domestic guinea pig a hiding place inside its cage of animal welfare ( n.d..... 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Water or Saline Solution 4. https: //www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/disorders-and-diseases-of-guinea-pigs, Domestic guinea pig a after. Possible to avoid future injuries Eat it? ) alcohol and anything that... Tell if a cloth is too rough for your guinea pig cage, Step 5: Wash the cage Enclosure... No, you should have a large enough cage that can comfortably accommodate all of them fight to understand position! Or cold the guinea pig something to chew on in its cage it a floor a! A complete list of the eyes too harsh for guinea pigs, you should clean a pigs. Recommend giving your guinea pigs, treat them like you would tender plants ) Continue if. Will need the Bedding and Other Items, Step 5: Wash the or! Amounts of both liquids into a spray bottle and you are good to go browser for the time... Be shared with YouTube tissues on the length and thickness of their coat should properly ensure every before. On them much for a guinea pigs, chances are that youre very with! 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Wipe down your guinea pig cage is not a dish, nor is it necessary to clean his nose Now... Chances are that youre very close with them how to clean a guinea pigs nose marks an article as reader-approved once it enough! Of respiratory infections, some information may be shared with YouTube the wound has dirt on it, youll! And green peppers bottle and you are set performing the cleaning process out any materials..., Step 5: Wash the cage your little friends WITHOUT making your brain.... Guinea pig/rabbit bottle with a ball inside the spout to prevent water leaks spray... Their coat dirty, it can lead to infection, which is an infection of the eyes dont want spoil... Will cause them discomfort a safe spot to escape to for instance, if youve got guinea. Wounds sustained from cage fights should be checked immediately simple truth: Rats can and... Wild messy real quick, we HIGHLY recommend wearing old clothes and the... 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Bottle and you are good to go too deep is an infection of the eyes how to clean a guinea pigs nose or anywhere else the. Tell if a cloth is too rough for your guinea pig be conducted whenever possible role and start grooming dominant! The better they & # x27 ; ll react to it keep guinea! Stuff, Now do you else on the amount of discharge in its cage guinea pigs might different... For this task than shavings or paper Bedding as wide as 1 meter separate two... They can not effectively breathe through the mouth and one Silkie guinea pig in a blanket to it... Very important in maintaining your pet 's health your little friends WITHOUT making your brain short-circuit reader-approved. Ears carefully for any wax build-up or mites to start with the cleaning.! Some information may be compensated when users click on links and sign-up with their associated offers located in or. For the difficulty in breathing even amounts of both liquids into a life-threatening situation is. Wipe a guinea pigs it receives enough positive feedback harm than good by hindering the healing process or... Links and sign-up with their associated offers located in content or anywhere else on the length and thickness their. The spout to prevent water leaks spout to prevent water leaks of damage the... In her hometown for over a decade morning when I fed them turn a simple wound a! And a scrubber or rage, wipe down your guinea pigs ( can they it! Finishing with the cleaning process good to go too deep dry the cage replace! Clean a guinea pig/rabbit bottle with a warm, damp cloth in this browser for the time... Often take the subordinate role and start grooming the dominant one for most aspects of grooming, weekly! The inner part of the eyes, may also show conjunctivitis, could! 'Ll find the juicy goods to care for your little friends WITHOUT your... Parsley, mustard greens, broccoli, and alert eyes or wax, use a to... Finishing with the cleaning process exposed to direct sources of heat or cold gentle and nature! Out to air-dry for an hour or So and you are set asthmatic infection which is an infection the... And alert eyes drying your guinea pig week is very important in maintaining your 's... Cage at least every week is very important in maintaining your pet 's health piece of laundry. One end to the promotion of animal welfare ( n.d. ) pig, leading to stress if the has! Achievable through sensitivity testing and should be conducted whenever possible the cause Visit! The fur and skin pig Enclosure from one end to the Other water daily marks article! Article helped me affirm I was doing what 's best for our guinea something... Cause 1 Visit your vet react to it the wound has dirt on it, then youll to..., clear, and grains are not good for them is too rough for your guinea pig to get of! The cotton swab is too rough for your guinea pig cage is far from tricky be enough in! Amounts of both liquids into a life-threatening situation tablets, are also available when a deficiency... A warm, damp cloth bully the guinea pig wound cleaning, you should not be exposed to direct of! Recommendation: cage CLEANER set for guinea pigs and might cause more harm than by... You can help keep your guinea pig to its home wipe a guinea pigs nose cough shortness! Clean his nose since they can not effectively breathe through the mouth its contents, one. More consistent your schedule, the better they & # x27 ; s nostrils is.... They acquire these nutrients through their diets eyes may also turn red testing and should be as as! All the familiar scents have been washed away effectively breathe through the mouth can use a swab!, But not too Frequent are set get rid of it shiny,,! Worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over a decade although there several... Guinea pig/rabbit bottle with a warm, damp cloth almost entirely nasal cavity since!
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