Care of guinea pigs

With proper feeding and maintenance, guinea pig care will not cause problems. First of all, the owner should know how to take care of teeth, eyes, guinea pigs hair. But since guinea pigs are very clean, then most of the hygiene procedures they perform themselves. The exception is long-haired pigs, which must be combed regularly. Also, additional dental care may be required if the guinea pig has an incorrect bite. Also, the owners should know whether it is possible to bathe guinea pig and how to do it correctly.

Care of guinea pigs hair

The condition of the coat largely depends on the feeding and health of the animal. Every 3-4 days, it is necessary to inspect guinea pigs for fleas, worm eaters and other parasites, and pay attention to the skin. Shorthair and woolly guinea pigs do not need to be combed often, but sometimes you can comb the animal and wipe it with a dry cloth. When guinea pig sheds, then comb it 1-2 times a week. Long-haired guinea pigs are combed more often, at least once a week, and if the wool gets lost in the knuckles, they are neatly cut off. Cut guinea pigs is recommended in the summer period, and also during the feeding of babies it is possible to cut the area around the nipples. But it is extremely rare to wash guinea pigs, only if a strong need arises.

How to wash guinea pig?

For swimming, you need to use a very mild shampoo. In the bathroom or basin, you need to collect water at room temperature, so that the depth is about 3 cm. During bathing, make sure that water does not get on the head and especially in the ears. Do not water the pig directly from the tap or shower. Also, you can not leave the guinea pig swim, especially without supervision. After bathing guinea pig should be well dried by a hair dryer and placed in a clean cage. It must be remembered that guinea pigs are very susceptible to colds, so non-observance of precautions during bathing can be detrimental to the animal. The days after washing the pig should be carefully guarded against subcooling and drafts, the temperature in the room should be at least 18 ° C.

Teeth care for guinea pigs

Teeth of guinea pigs grow throughout life. When properly fed, they stitch and do not require additional care. Therefore, in the diet should always be present solid food, and it is also recommended to give the pig a bite of safe solid objects. If the occlusion is incorrect, the incisors do not stitch on their own, therefore every 2-3 months you should contact the veterinarian for a shortening of the teeth. If the mumps exhibit interest in food, but there is a refusal, while salivation is observed, then this is a clear sign of problems with the teeth that need to be eliminated.

Care of the eyes of guinea pigs

The eyes of guinea pigs should be clean, without crusts or purulent discharge. If changes are observed, redness or swelling, then the mumps should be shown to the vet. Alloculations are removed with a soft paper towel.

Care for claws of guinea pigs

1-2 times per year the guinea pigs are clipped. It needs to be done very Carefully not to cut excess and keep the right angle of claw growth. It is best to do this procedure for the first time under the supervision of a specialist, so as not to damage the animal. You can cut off only that part of the claw in which there are no blood vessels. This is clearly seen if the claws of the guinea pig are not pigmented, but with pigmented claws you need to be careful and cut off little by little. If, however, cut the excess and the blood goes, then you need to treat the wound.

To properly care for guinea pig do not need to spend a lot of time and money, but the more time you spend communicating with your pet, the happier and happier will be his life.