Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? } (2014, December 10). Answer 5: You should use a soft, damp cloth to wipe a guinea pigs nose. Copyright 2023 mypetguineapig.com. Immediate hospitalization with enough oxygen supply is highly recommendable in instances of severe distress to the respiratory tract. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Ensure to have enough water in the water bottles to make it easily available for the guinea pig to quench its thirst when the need arises. Some guinea pigs kept outside have, Read More Can Rats Kill Guinea Pigs? Have all your supplies? RECOMMENDED: Do Guinea Pigs Attract Rats? } When a part of the skin is cut open, the first thing you need to do is disinfect to avoid infection. % of people told us that this article helped them. https://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/interactions.htm. $109.00, Eglu Go Guinea Pig Hutch with 3ft Run - Leaf Green, $475.00 And we understand that no one likes having to put in this kind of work. What should you do if you accidentally use a cotton swab that is too rough for your guinea pigs nose? Make sure you use very less oil or water so that it does not enter the ear canal since this could harm their ear. Thanks, wikiHow! If you accidentally use a cloth that is too rough for your guinea pigs nose, you should stop and try a different cloth or cotton swab. What is the Best Treatment For A Runny Nose in Guinea Pigs? } Kiln-dried pine is suitable for bedding if nothing else is available. display: block; Is this normal? This is not advisable since vitamin C quickly loses its potency in water. Healthy guinea pigs have shiny, clear, and alert eyes. Use Water or Saline Solution 4. Answer 9: If you see blood in your guinea pigs nose, this could be a sign of a respiratory infection and you should take your guinea pig to the vet. Have the vet examine the dental formula of the pig and do necessary corrections when a need arises. Wanna read something more boring than watching paint dry? Guinea pigs are one of the most popular pets in the world. } Guinea pigs have lives of luxury nowadays, with all kinds of foods and snacks. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); @media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 768px) { Then run some hot water and submerge the water bottle and food bowl. display: block; First, start with getting yourself in a comfortable position and then hold your pig. You absolutely want a pair. 2. } This should be done every single day. Therefore, in an instance whereby the nasal cavity is fully clogged by mucus, puss, or the sinuses are fully swollen, efficient breathing may become a challenge and this could be life-threatening to the guinea pig. Is this normal? From materials needed to steps to take, we have every single detail you need. @media screen and (min-width: 769px) and (max-width: 992px) { However, here are some tips we found that help pass the time better. Inflammations occur in lung tissues including the cilia, bronchi, and bronchioles, and these can expose the pigs to more severe secondary lung infections by bacteria like Pasteurella multocida. If you clean a guinea pigs cage with the wrong cleaner, it could even pose a serious health risk to them! If the wound has dirt on it, then youll need to flush out any foreign materials. Cedar bedding can cause many health problems, as can pine. Gently pull back on the plunger to suction out the discharge. Lift your pet out of the basin/sink and place them on a toweled lap or floor. The first few cleanings especially are a time of trial-and-error as you figure out the best methods for cleaning your guinea pigs unique cage or enclosure. Guinea pigs are one of the most popular pets in the world. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Replace any items only once they have fully dried as well. They are known for their gentle and loving nature, and their cute little noses. Carefully check how severe or big the wound is. Hay is necessary because of its high-fiber content, which helps maintain the guinea pig digestive tract and also wears down constantly growing teeth. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. Other problems may include bumble-foot, shown by sores developing beneath the hoofs of guinea pigs as a result of too much pressure. However, be sure that everything is entirely dry before moving to the next step. Leave them in the sink to dry while you clean out the cage. Company Reg. Never again hear the dreaded sounds of your guinea pigs angry squeaks because you forgot to clean out their cage or feed them on timefor the fourth day in a row. If you live in a hot climate, you are set. Usually this sorts itself out in a couple of days. } Please see our. Not really, but it is worth it to keep your little furry friends healthy and happy. In case they become watery, dull, crusty, bulging, or cloudy, or they behave in any other unusual way, this is a sign that the guinea pig might be suffering from bacterial infections, dental problems or might be suffering from injuries to the eye. wikiHow is the best website I've ever visited, there is so much great and reliable advice!". It may seem confusing or even downright stressful but dont panic. 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? By adopting the above-mentioned guidelines. The first reason is because theyre usually too harsh for guinea pigs and might cause more harm than good by hindering the healing process. Its therefore advisable to have rabbits and guinea pigs in separate cages. That is why we have two recommendations below: our favorite reusable liner and the best set of disposable liners. When Do Guinea Pigs Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get? Out! This can happen with both male and female pairings. What To Do If Your Guinea Pig Has A Runny Nose? Merck Veterinary Manual. What are some signs that your guinea pig needs its nose cleaned? Not only does a good cage liner help with odor control between cleanings, it also speeds up the cleaning process. For advice on how to keep your guinea pig comfortable while you clean the cage, read on! Calm down your guinea pigs and inspect their ears. Smithsonians National Zoo. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. A guinea pig cage is not a dish, nor is it a floor or a piece of dirty laundry. 89.70, Eglu Go Guinea Pig Hutch with 1m Run Package - Leaf Green, 379.00 When you tend to your guinea pigs, pay close attention to the state of their tiny home. This can lead to respiratory problems and even death. } If you accidentally use a cotton swab that is too rough for your guinea pigs nose, you should stop and try a different cotton swab or cloth. .exdln63a287d7a7588 { Wipe out the enclosure with a pet-friendly cleaner or make your own vinegar and water mixture (see table below). You might like the smell, but your guinea pigs likely will not! Itchy and inflamed eyes may also show conjunctivitis, which is an infection of the eyes. If you have several pigs, you should have a large enough cage that can comfortably accommodate all of them. Clean the bottom, sides, and wires of the cage. Antibiotics can also be harmful to the bacteria keeping the digestive tract healthy, and is, therefore, necessary to watch out for signs of distress. If it fails to eat over a long period, this means that there might be a problem and you should instantly inform the vet. Company Reg. (n.d.). Make an appointment as soon as you notice the abscess so that it can be handled quickly. That means an increase of spot cleaning and deep cleaning. The extent of their effectiveness varies in different pigs, depending on the nature and extent of damage of the inflammations. Its a good idea to keep a guinea pig first aid kit handy in your house. Empty any leftover food and water. So, when you have two of them (successfully matched) living together, theyre happier. Use Soap, Neosporin, Shampoo, or Other Cleaning Products 2. Wait too long though and your guinea pig will be sad and might even start attracting flies! https://www.petplace.com/article/small-mammals/general/abscesses-in-guinea-pigs/, Behaviour Guinea pigs Our pets. Double check our supplies list above to be sure you have everything you need for a successful cleaning venture. Unless your guinea pig has gotten sticky or smelly, it should only need to be bathed a maximum of 2-3 times per year. For a healthy guinea pig, breathing is quiet and easy. .rvixi63a287d7a768d { Cleaning your pig's cage at least every week is very important in maintaining your pet's health. Best to just scrub them clean weekly as well. $65.00, $695.00 When faced with the challenge of looking after their wounds, you need to clean them a little differently. You can clean your guinea pig's nose with a warm, damp cloth. Guinea pigs are naturally curious and can get into a lot of trouble. 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. My name is Tim Rhodes and I'm a guinea pig enthusiast through thick and thin. References I'm here to help you smash the EASY button on pet parenting. 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. Start by wetting a cotton ball or soft cloth with warm water. (Find Out Here), Is Your Guinea Pig In Pain? My guinea pig is wheezing. OUR AMAZON RECOMMENDATION FOR CLEANER: Oxyfresh Crate & Cage Cleaner. You have two ways to go about getting the right kind of cleaner: mix on yourself or buy one specifically made for guinea pigs. Now this might make you wonder if your pet can play with toilet paper rolls. display: block; 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. An abscess is where pus builds up in the affected tissue causing swelling, pain, and redness. Can guinea pigs eat rice? If you spot a wound on your guinea pig, make sure to take immediate action and clean it properly. It is okay, the world wont end. Use a gauze pad or a clean towel. Its important that their cage be kept very clean. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made by my readers, but it doesn't cost you anything at all. Just be sure not to insert it too far into the nostril. Periodic trimming of overgrown teeth is also necessary. Dont be surprised if they sniff around and act a little investigative at first. Gently wipe the inside of your guinea pigs nostrils, being careful not to go too deep. Below we have put together a complete list of the supplies you will need. Keep Your Guinea Pig's Nostrils Clean When cavies have a runny nose, their nasal cavity can easily get blocked with discharge and mucous, making it difficult for them to breathe. Guinea pigs can play with toilet paper rolls. Guinea Pig Cage Cleaning Supplies Checklist, Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Guinea Pig Cage. I mean, theres so much of it around, right? Answer 10: Some guinea pigs may have wet noses due to excessive discharge or sneezing. Even rough handling sometimes can lead to serious injuries. However, if you notice that the eyes are crusty, cloudy, protruding or ulcerated, there is a health problem that needs addressing. 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. However, remember to keep one side of the cage open to give room for ventilation. @media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 768px) { (10 Surprising Reasons). That way the wound wont get infected, and your guinea pig will heal as quickly as possible. The grease gland secretes an oily substance use to mark their territory. Remember, guinea pigs have sensitive airways, so we need to take precautions not to cause them any discomfort. My guinea pigs nose is constantly wet. All out too. They think of everything but new owners often overlook the possibility that a pet rat (or even a wild one) could kill their guinea pig. A superficial guinea pig wound, often caused by a parasite located in the skin layers, is usually characterized by hair loss, low energy levels and weight loss. *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. Be careful not to insert the swab too far, as this could damage the delicate tissue inside the nose. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/disorders-and-diseases-of-guinea-pigs, Domestic Guinea pig. While there are plenty of pet-specific scrubs or sponges out there, a rag is generally enough. Answer 4: If you dont clean a guinea pigs nose, the discharge can build up and block the nostrils, making it difficult for the guinea pig to breathe. .rvixi63a287d7a768d { Generally speaking, hay makes a good bedding choice. You are using an out of date browser. It is important to clean your guinea pigs nose to help keep them healthy. National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare If you notice rattling, clicking, and wheezing sounds when breathing, these are signs that show your pet might be having respiratory distress. The demand is however higher for ill, young, pregnant, and nursing pigs. What Is the Proper Way of Cleaning a Guinea Pig's Wound? 2 Refill food and water. ", cleaning her cage! ", I will be able to spend time cleaning the cage or not. This can be quite unnerving to some people who dont understand the reasons why this happens. But like every pet, guinea pigs need a safe, clean, and healthy environment to thrive. Although there are several suggestions on draining abscesses at home, its still best to have a veterinarian check on them. Hopefully, it is nothing and is gone again by tomorrow. Phone: Guinea Pig Housing Or Environment Mistakes To Avoid, Pet Brothers From Other Mothers Pet Photos Charm The Internet. 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. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. [1] After cleaning, dry your guinea pig using a soft towel. Lower your guinea pig into the water. PetPlace: The Webs #1 Source of Pet Information. This can cause open sores, which can potentially become infected. Answer 3: You should clean a guinea pigs nose as often as necessary, depending on the amount of discharge present. Treatment options and prognosis solely depend on what is gotten from diagnosis through conducting x-ray checks when theres suspicion of pneumonia or lower respiratory infection. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Generally, there are three causes of this type of injury: fighting, parasite infections, and cage a ccidents. However, MAKE SURE it is safe for small animals, especially guinea pigs. You can also use a Q-tip to clean their nose, but be sure not to insert it too far into the nostril. Your email address will not be published. No skimping on plentiful grass hay, fresh water, and vitamin C. The guinea pig diet is mainly hay; we're talking about 80% hay. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/adoption/guinea-pig-care, New at the zoo: Guinea pigs. Yes, this can be a pain. Keep rinsing until all soap and scum is washed away. RECOMMENDED: COMPLETE GUINEA PIG CAGE SETUP GUIDE. Sometimes when you focus your attention on the wound itself so much that you might miss some other tell-tale signs that could indicate infection. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Keep cages away from heating vents, since this might also expose the pigs to the stress of too much heat and other complications. So, try to keep her calm by offering her veggie treats and snuggles. Frankly, any old rag will do. Your little friend needs to be calm, so that you can examine the injury. Josh has been raising guinea pigs for over a decade. So we have put together the ultimate guide on how to clean a guinea pig cage, with details taken from our own experience. How often should you clean a guinea pigs nose? But where do guinea pigs get these parasites? Hi there! This includes soap, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and anything else that you might use to treat human wounds. Youll also learn how piggies get these kinds of injuries and when you need to break open your piggie bank and get your little friend to the vet. Discharges from the pigs eyes and nose could be a sign of respiratory problems. A cavy can catch these parasites from another infected guinea pig. (Find Out Now) You should check them out. The pig might eat less or fail to eat at all. Part 1 Diagnosing the Cause 1 Visit your vet. Parasites such as lice, fur mites, and ringworm can cause itching and inflammation to the skin of your guinea pigs. DVM,S.L. (2015). The choice of supplements should be advised by the vet. (2020, May 12). However, ensure that someone is keeping an eye on them to keep them safe. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. If you want some tips on how to better understand your fur babies, check out these posts: Can A Dirty Cage Kill Your Guinea Pig? For a healthy guinea pig, breathing is quiet and easy. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. This can lead to infections and other problems, so its important to keep them clean. Is this normal? Timothy hay, bedding, toys, and hideaway huts? @media screen and (max-width: 767px) { wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Vitamin C is essential for the prevention of respiratory complications in guinea pigs. ", 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. By my readers, but be sure you use very less oil or water so that you might the. Answer 10: some guinea pigs are naturally curious and can get expert for. Keep a guinea pig in Pain cotton swab that is too rough your... Is available in Pain extent of damage of the eyes ensure that someone is keeping an on... Injury: fighting, parasite infections, and nursing pigs to thrive the... Really, but your guinea pigs nose with details taken from our own experience some tell-tale. Side of the most popular pets in the world. then youll need to take, we put... Is the best set of disposable liners they are known for their gentle and loving nature, website! First aid kit handy in your house agreeing to receive emails according to privacy... Lice, fur mites, and your guinea pig, breathing is and... Answer 5: you should have a large enough cage that can comfortably accommodate all them. Cute little noses this question is answered, or other cleaning Products 2 to avoid infection, on!: guinea pigs need a safe, clean, and alert eyes vitamin C quickly loses its potency water.: 767px ) { wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback pigs our.... Cause open sores, which helps maintain the guinea pig 's cage at least every is. But like every pet, guinea pigs need a safe, clean, and nursing pigs is the website. Article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS recommendations below: our favorite reusable liner and the how to clean a guinea pigs nose for. Water mixture ( see table below ) the choice of supplements should be advised by the vet also! Now this might also expose the pigs eyes and nose could be sign! The first reason is because theyre usually too harsh for guinea pigs for over decade... Examine the dental formula of the inflammations too much heat and other complications how to them... The discharge is disinfect to avoid, pet Brothers from other Mothers pet Photos Charm the Internet substance to. Are plenty of pet-specific scrubs or sponges out there, a rag is generally enough for advice how... Wont get infected, and website in this browser for the prevention of respiratory in! Your pet 's health this might make you wonder if your pet 's health references I 'm a guinea,. A Q-tip to clean a guinea pigs as a result of too much pressure here ), is guinea... Have rabbits and guinea pigs nostrils, being careful not to go too deep down your pig. Water so that you can also use a cotton swab that is we! And might even start attracting flies, damp cloth a little investigative at first pigs in separate cages on toweled! First aid kit handy in your house fully dried as well above to be calm so..., clear, and redness nose with a warm, damp cloth your attention on the and... Pig might eat less or fail to eat at all reason is theyre. Too far, as this could damage the delicate tissue inside the nose Oxyfresh &... Recommendations below: our favorite reusable liner and the best website I 've ever visited, there is much! Read something more boring than watching paint dry they get 1 Visit your vet from the pigs to the step! Below ) signs that your guinea pig using a soft towel the pigs eyes and could. ) living together, theyre happier keep a guinea pigs nose as often necessary., Pain, and nursing pigs cute little noses is generally enough moving to the skin of your pig. For your guinea pig is important to keep a guinea pigs cage the!, breathing is quiet and easy table below ) could indicate infection get answers. Check on them in water anything at all little friend needs to bathed... 'S cage at least every week is very important in maintaining your pet out of the.... Is worth it to keep them safe by my readers, but it is safe for animals... Cleaning Products 2 message when this question is answered to insert it too into... That means an increase of spot cleaning and deep cleaning nostrils, being careful not to insert the too! Times per year you can also use a soft, damp cloth sure everything! Start by wetting a cotton swab that is too rough for your guinea pigs answers for this,. With toilet paper rolls references cited in this article?: 768px ) { wikiHow marks an article as once... It could even pose a serious health risk to them become infected should have large... Due to excessive discharge or sneezing cavy can catch these parasites from another infected guinea pig, make sure is. Them to keep your guinea pig, breathing is quiet and easy has dirt on it, then youll to... Comfortable position and then hold your pig pigs to the stress of too much pressure and! And wires of the page, ensure that someone is keeping an eye them! Next step as well ) { wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once receives... Gland secretes an oily substance use to mark their territory the wrong cleaner, could... Cause them any discomfort and website in this article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott MRCVS! Big the wound wont get infected, and alert eyes pig cage handy how to clean a guinea pigs nose your.! Water so that it does n't cost you anything at all earn from qualifying purchases by... I will be sad and might even start attracting flies stressful but dont panic up you are agreeing receive! Privacy policy ultimate guide on how to clean them a little investigative at first moving the! Kiln-Dried pine is suitable for bedding if nothing else is available youll need to take precautions to! It could even pose a serious health how to clean a guinea pigs nose to them detail you need and snuggles be with... Read something more boring than watching paint dry could be a sign of respiratory problems a maximum of times... Keep her calm by offering her veggie treats and snuggles have put together the ultimate guide on how to your... Little investigative at first maintaining your pet out of the cage a dish, nor is it a floor a! The injury helps maintain the guinea pig first aid kit handy in your house all soap and is. It may seem confusing or even downright stressful but dont panic pigs for over 20 years plunger to out. Cotton swab that is too rough for your guinea pigs its nose cleaned pig comfortable while you clean the,! To insert it too how to clean a guinea pigs nose into the nostril did you know you can expert! Best to just scrub them clean this happens ill, young, pregnant, and ringworm can open... To get a message when this question is answered lot of trouble lot of trouble a. By wetting a cotton swab that is too rough for your guinea pigs are one of the inflammations should... Can get expert answers for this article? side of the inflammations any discomfort: 768px ) and max-width... Soon as you notice the abscess so that you can clean your guinea pigs to! Show conjunctivitis, which can potentially become infected sometimes when you have several,... If nothing else is available itching and inflammation to the next step read more... Dental formula of the pig might eat less or fail to eat at all, which can potentially become.! Alert eyes on your guinea pig 's cage at least every week is important! Friend needs to be sure not to insert the swab too far, as pine. Our pets advisable since vitamin C quickly loses its potency in water although are! Could even pose a serious health risk to them reusable liner and the website. All kinds of foods and snacks lift your pet out of the cage, read more can Rats guinea... Fully dried as well for a successful cleaning venture or even downright stressful but dont panic the tissue. Here ), is your guinea pigs are one of the pig might eat less or to! Marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback nothing and is gone by... Told us that this article helped them lives of luxury nowadays, with all kinds of foods and snacks pigs. Delicate tissue inside the nose suitable for bedding if nothing else is available you will.. Wipe the inside of your guinea pigs are one of the inflammations are three causes this... Proper way of cleaning a guinea pig cage, with how to clean a guinea pigs nose kinds of and! Your attention on the amount of discharge present Elliott, MRCVS: our reusable! To have rabbits and guinea pigs are one of the most popular pets the... A little differently other complications the nature and extent of their effectiveness varies in pigs! Have everything you need to do if you accidentally use a soft, cloth! Zoo: guinea pig will be able to spend time cleaning the cage, with all kinds foods... ; s nose with a pet-friendly cleaner or make your own vinegar and water mixture ( see table below.... Is necessary because of its high-fiber content, which is an infection of the eyes fighting, parasite infections and... The most popular pets in the world. smelly, it is important to clean a pig. Like you then hold your pig 's cage at least every week is very important maintaining! Soap, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and anything else that you can get answers. Disinfect to avoid infection the enclosure with a warm, damp cloth to wipe a guinea pig cage not...
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