Guinea Pig is one the easy to take care of and the smallest pets anyone can own. The reason why Guinea pigs are affordable and easy to be taken care of is because of their minimal maintenance. As the other pets such as dogs or cats, they need more care and high maintenance.
But in the case of Guinea Pig, you do not need to go out of your way to keep everything in place. Although grooming is an essential part and every pet needs to be groomed. But if you own a guinea pig you do not need to worry much about this one thing. Because Guinea Pigs are the cleanest pets that exist on this planet, which needs minimal grooming.
On the other hand, the one thing you need to worry about while having this pet is the living space. Because it is the smallest creation and it needs some extra space to move freely. So, you must have a larger cage for your Guinea Pig.
A cage for two will be ideal for your new pet since it provides an extra space for your pig to live and enjoy.
Besides grooming it is also essential to figure out where your new friend will be going to stay. While you own a Guinea Pig at home you need to take extra care of grooming and keeping your pet clean.
So, here is a step-by-step guideline that will help you learn all about the grooming of a Guinea Pig.
Bathing
It is one of the amazing and cleanest creatures, which does not require bathing. Yes, you heard it right, Guinea Pigs do not need baths as they are naturally clean. Unless an accident happens or the consultant recommends you to bath your pet. Another main reason that why they do not need a bath is because they are the smallest creatures. So, you can simply clean them with wipes or a wet towel.
But in the case when it is necessary to give a Guinea pig a bath you need to follow a proper guideline and some extra care. Use lukewarm water and gently shampoo your Guinea pig. Do not be harsh while bathing it. Once the bath is completed pat dry Guinea pig with a dry towel.
Brushing
Brushing is an essential step of grooming as it prevents the hair to shed off. Brushing your guinea Pig depends on the nature of the guinea pig you own. Whether you own a guinea pig with long hair or the one with short hair.
If your guinea Pig is short-haired then using your fingers to brush through its hair is enough. Using soft hands, you can brush the hair of your pet. But if you do not want to use your finger then using is soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush is recommended.
Similarly, for a guinea pig with long hair, you can use a soft brush for regular brushing. Brushing once after every two weeks is ideal for a Guinea Pig. Brushing too often or too much can cause excess hair shedding.
Nail Trimming
Nail Trimming is also very important when it comes to grooming. The nails of guinea pigs grow faster than any other pet. You need to trim them almost after every week, to avoid any kind of infection. Nail trimming also prevents you to get scratch by your pet and thus protects you from infections. Thus, it is an important step of grooming for your guinea pig, which you cannot neglect.
Ear Care
While we are talking about the grooming of guinea pigs, one must keep an eye on eye care as well. It is also essential in grooming the pig. If you will not regularly clean the ears of guinea pig then there are more chances of getting mite inside the ear wax.
Thus, to avoid this big issue you must regularly clean the ear and keep a check on cleaning this organ. However, if the color of the ear wax seems different than the usual must consult a doctor for proper guidance.
Dental Care
The teeth of Guinea pigs grow faster than other pet animals. You must examine the teeth of your pet weekly to avoid any kind of mismanagement. A weekly track can help you prevent misalignment of the teeth. It is also good for the dental health of your pet. Thus, keep a regular check on your pet’s dental hygiene and growth.
Conclusion
Grooming is an essential part of owning a pet. Similarly, your Guinea Pig needs proper grooming to live a healthy life. Although the grooming of this pet is not complicated and it is easier as compared to the other pets. But you have to follow a proper step-by-step guide to keep your pet fresh and healthy. Thus, described above are some essential steps involved in the grooming of a Guinea Pig.