Grooming

Short-haired VS Long-haired

Short-haired breeds like the American and Abyssinian have a smooth, short coat. These breeds are popular due to their friendly nature and ease of care in terms of grooming.

Long-haired breeds, like the Peruvian and Silkie, require more dedicated grooming. Their long, flowing hair will need to be brushed out daily or they can develop painful mats. They will also need to get their hair trimmed every 3-4 months, either at home or with an experiences groomer.

There are also unique and hairless breeds like the Skinny, which requires special skin care similar to hairless cats and dogs, and the Texel, with its dense, fuzzy coat. Skinny pigs, which are mostly hairless except for some fur on their nose and feet, have difficulty regulating their body temperature. They should be kept out of direct sunlight, away from vents or fans, off of tile/marble/granite surfaces, and the temperature of their rooms closely monitored. Texels are bred for their natural long curly coats which are gorgeous but can be time consuming to maintain. They overheat easily and also need to be brushed daily and get their fur trimmed every 3-4 months.

BRUSHING

Short-haired guinea pigs need just occasional grooming with a soft brush once a week or so. Long-haired guinea pigs need daily brushing to prevent tangles, and keeps their coat healthy and free of debris.

We recommend: “Oxbow Enriched Life Wood Small Animal Brush & Comb“, “Small Pet Select Hair Buster Comb“, “Small Animal Grooming Kit“.

A guinea pig with overgrown nails. Trimming nails is crucial to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort, mobility issues, and infections.

NAIL TRIMS

Trim, or file, your guinea pigs nails once a month. You will need a pair of small animal nail clippers and styptic powder to stop any accidental bleeding. Make sure to identify the quick (the pink part inside the nail) and trim just the tip, avoiding the quick to prevent bleeding. If you accidentally cut the quick, apply styptic powder to stop the bleeding.

We recommend: “Pet Nail Clippers” and “Kwik Stop Styptic Powder“.

PRO TIP: offer treats during and after nail trims and grooming sessions.

BATHING

Guinea pigs generally do not require frequent baths as they are self-cleaning animals. Bathing your guinea pig too often can lead to skin irritation and dryness, stripping their skin of natural oils. Over-bathing can also stress your guinea pig, potentially leading to health issues. Only bathe them when necessary and always use gentle products designed for small animals.

There are times when a bath is necessary, such as when their fur becomes soiled, they develop an odor, there is an infection or severe infestations of mites or lice.

Consult with a veterinarian if you you are unsure if your guinea pig needs a bath.