how to clean a guinea pigs nose

} You'd have already known what to do with the pig based on the physical examination and its history. 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. Cleaning ears. If they're not, there is an underlying problem. You see, any damp food, poop, or urine gets trapped in the liner instead of sticking to the cage itself. If you think your guinea pig is sick, you should take it to the vet. In cases of extreme sickness, its advisable to hospitalize your pig for intense treatment such as oral or injectable multivitamins until its strong and stable for home care. Wait too long though and your guinea pig will be sad and might even start attracting flies! Vitamin C is essential for the prevention of respiratory complications in guinea pigs. Give your guinea pig a treat after finishing with the cleaning process. Keep Your Piggie Calm 2. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. (And How? Assuming you mean how to clean a guinea pigs nose: Forget To Keep The Enclosure Very Clean. Remove excess food and waste and spot-clean the cage as needed with a wet paper towel. A cavy can catch these parasites from another infected guinea pig. Respiratory stress may cause a sickly feeling to the guinea pig, which in turn leads to loss of appetite. So, when you have two of them (successfully matched) living together, theyre happier. Make sure your guinea pig is comfortable and clean, so it can rest and heal in peace. Using your cleaning and a scrubber or rage, wipe down your guinea pig enclosure from one end to the other. Seriously, cage liners are an absolute godsend when it comes to cleaning a guinea pig cage. They may, however, not be 100% effective, but note that they can help a lot. 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. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/adoption/guinea-pig-care, New at the zoo: Guinea pigs. Once your fur babys wound has been disinfected, its essential that you continue to monitor him for signs of infection. Discharge builds up naturally in the corners of a guinea pig's eyes - just like any other mammal - and the GP will remove this with its paws. Other problems may include bumble-foot, shown by sores developing beneath the hoofs of guinea pigs as a result of too much pressure. Housing both rabbits and guinea pigs together might expose the pigs to Bordatella, since rabbits are natural carriers of the bacteria. Water or saline solution is enough. Below we have put together a complete list of the supplies you will need. How can you tell if a cloth is too rough for your guinea pigs nose? 7 Alarming Reasons Why Guinea Pigs Pee Blood, The Alarming Truth About Washing Guinea Pigs In Dish Soap, Can A Dirty Cage Kill Your Guinea Pig? A guinea pig may, however, develop health problems that need a veterinary doctors attention, or you may sometimes manage the complications without necessarily involving a vet. If you notice rattling, clicking, and wheezing sounds when breathing, these are signs that show your pet might be having respiratory distress. Your vet will be able to prescribe the appropriate treatment. Your email address will not be published. Guinea pigs are prone to getting respiratory infections, so keeping their nose clean is important. Always have someone supervising your guinea pigs. We suggest placing a washcloth or small towel on the bottom of the p But where do guinea pigs get these parasites? Good news: there are no specific guinea pig cage cleaning gloves you need to buy at a premium price. It simply cuts back on waste, which we are a fan of. It doesnt take much for a guinea pig to get injured. When the water gets dirty, and still, your guinea pig bottom needs to get clean, then repeat the above process. Overcrowding can easily be a means of transmitting respiratory viruses, since the stress weakens their immune systems, and makes them vulnerable to infections. Guinea pigs aren't big fans of change. Yes, its true! Guinea Pig Feeding Mistakes To Avoid 1. 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. I can't stand the smell of vinegar. They stare at you, other people, other animals, food and objects in their environment. Out! The choice of supplements should be advised by the vet. how to clean a guinea pigs nose. Persistent cough and shortness of breath may indicate an asthmatic infection which is responsible for the difficulty in breathing. Its advisable to immediately see the vet. Smithsonians National Zoo. Untreated wood is best, as plastic can be swallowed and cause harm to your pet. He spends hours on Instagram browsing guinea pigs, wombats, hedgehogs, and Dungeons & Dragons. Rinse the wound with the solution to remove debris and sterilize the cut. } Congratulations to our Photo Competition Winner - @fur&feathers. (11 Ways To Find Out Now), Can Rats Kill Guinea Pigs? The pigs nose may turn red and sore as a result of itching and scratching due to contact with allergens. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/disorders-and-diseases-of-guinea-pigs, Domestic Guinea pig. } Common signs and symptoms of allergies are shown by a stuffy and runny nose. Gently massage the fur so that it gets clean. My mission is to teach others useful tips and tricks about these cute creatures. On suspicion of dental disorders or overgrown tooth roots, its crucial to have an x-ray diagnosis done on the skull of the pig, to make informed decisions on the next step to take. Poke Around in the Wound 3. Male guinea pigs need special grooming known as boar cleaning. To finish, dry the cage, replace its contents, and return your guinea pig to its home. Mr. Spaghett demonstrates how to do this process we perform monthly. Guinea pigs can play with toilet paper rolls. After all, why would they want to hang out in their cage while you are turning it topsy-turvy? Try wrapping the cotton pad around your thumb to make it easier and more convenient to clean his nose. For really big cages, it is handy to have a cat-poop scooper to scrape out the cage. This can lead to infections and other problems, so its important to keep them clean. Answer 15: If your guinea pig is in pain when you touch its nose, this could be a sign of an infection or injury. Not only does a good cage liner help with odor control between cleanings, it also speeds up the cleaning process. Why Do Guinea Pigs Twitch? Piggies are social animals. Once the cotton pad is soiled, switch it out for a fresh one and repeat this step until their nose is entirely clear of dirt. Mix in even amounts of both liquids into a spray bottle and you are set. display: block; Part 1 Diagnosing the Cause 1 Visit your vet. If the discharge is excessive or contains blood, this could be a sign of a respiratory infection and you should take your guinea pig to the vet. (10 Surprising Reasons). These vegetables and fruits help the guinea pigs a lot when they are sick, by providing the body with the necessary nutrients for recovery. Check with your vet for any illness-specific cleaning instructions to ensure a smooth and effective cleaning effort. } The danger lies in the contamination that results in disease-causing microbes such as several bacteria and fungi entering the bloodstream through the cut. That is why we have two recommendations below: our favorite reusable liner and the best set of disposable liners. Repeat this process once or twice a week, or as needed. } 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? You can also use a Q-tip to clean their nose, but be sure not to insert it too far into the nostril. 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. Other dental complications such as fractured teeth and teeth that are too long are common for guinea pigs and are easy to spot. Then you are good to go. I mean, theres so much of it around, right? They should however be fed daily unless the pig becomes obese. Assess the Wound 3. Allow the disinfectant to sit on the surface for 10 minutes so that it has time to work, killing bacteria and other harmful elements. In those cases, we do recommend using a scrubbing tool (we have our recommended one linked below!). The first reason is because theyre usually too harsh for guinea pigs and might cause more harm than good by hindering the healing process. What Is the Proper Way of Cleaning a Guinea Pig's Wound? This is attainable using a home nebulization unit or could be performed at the hospital. Use a gauze pad or a clean towel. } Scoop out any soiled bedding and replace it with dry, fresh bedding. Are there any other abrasions? 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. Answer 1: The best way to clear a guinea pigs nose is to use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away any discharge. Start by wetting a cotton ball or soft cloth with warm water. 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. For your guinea pig, allergy shots are highly recommended. One guinea pigs will often take the subordinate role and start grooming the dominant one. In the case of guinea pigs, their very small size makes them more vulnerable. 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. Usually this sorts itself out in a couple of days. You can clean your guinea pigs nose with a warm, damp cloth. 389.99, Zippi Guinea Pig Playpen Starter Pack - Single Height, 0.00 Additionally, a reusable liner saves you money in the long run! display: block; From Amazon recommendations to products you might already have at home, this list has everything covered. 2. Simply use a towel for larger spots and then spot-dry with a hair dryer. Compared to pets such as cats and dogs, theres a very limited number of antibiotics that are safe for the treatment of respiratory issues in guinea pigs. The medications below are only intended to give general information on how the infected pigs are medicated and are subject to approval from a qualified veterinary doctor. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Healthy guinea pigs have shiny, clear, and alert eyes. Guinea pig lungs are sensitive, and they can even have asthma! Fleece is usually better for this task than shavings or paper bedding. Frankly, any old rag will do. Merck Veterinary Manual. 2 Refill food and water. When cleaning your guinea pigs wound, dont overdo it. You can clean your guinea pig's nose with a warm, damp cloth. Cleaning Your Guinea Pig's Cage on a Daily Basis 1 Spot-clean the cage. Does this method apply to my hamster's cage too? If your cavy has wounds on its skin, rule out bites and infection and check for any part of the cage or object that might have hurt them. } .rvixi63a287d7a768d { % of people told us that this article helped them. So the more consistent your schedule, the better they'll react to it. Rice is also inedible to guinea pigs because it must, Read More Is Rice Safe For Guinea Pigs To Eat? Its natural for guinea pigs to try to lick on, or even nibble on, an injury. Thisll be easy if you. In these cases, you can simply pick up an affordable cleaner from your favorite pet brand. If you notice that your guinea pig is overgrooming or scratching excessively, it may be a sign of parasites in the skin and should be checked by a veterinarian. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/new-zoo-guinea-pigs, Salmonella from small mammals | Healthy pets, healthy people | CDC. (Find Out Now), The Surprising Truth About Grass & Guinea Pigs (Can They Eat It?). Even rough handling sometimes can lead to serious injuries. Some guinea pigs may need their noses cleaned daily, while others may only need it done every few days. 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. Yes, it is normal for your guinea pig to sneeze when you clean its nose. 5 Dos Of Wound Cleaning 1. @media screen and (min-width: 769px) and (max-width: 992px) { Check on the bleeding afterward. Rice shouldnt be fed to guinea pigs. Mycoplasma and Pasteurella pneumonia are infections that occur in the lower respiratory tract and the lungs. This doesnt however mean that all orally administered antibiotics pose a danger to the tracts health and normal functioning. 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. The demand is however higher for ill, young, pregnant, and nursing pigs. } However, MAKE SURE it is safe for small animals, especially guinea pigs. You will absolutely thank us for this. Answer 2: It is important to clean a guinea pigs nose because buildup can block the nostrils and make it difficult for the guinea pig to breathe. You have successfully cleaned your guinea pigs enclosure! 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. This includes soap, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and anything else that you might use to treat human wounds. Is it still bleeding? (Find Out Here), Is Your Guinea Pig In Pain? Check out what you can learn from this. Our personal recommendation is to get a reusable and washable cage liner. Its important that their cage be kept very clean. Answer 12: If you think your guinea pig has a cold, it is important to take it to the vet. When a part of the skin is cut open, the first thing you need to do is disinfect to avoid infection. The information on this website should not be take as a substitute for professional advice. Some signs that your guinea pig is sick include if it has a runny nose, if it is sneezing more than usual, if it has a loss of appetite, or if it is lethargic. Answer 13: Wheezing is not a normal symptom in guinea pigs and could be a sign of a respiratory infection. Wash your hands and apply antihistamine before handling the guinea pigs, to avoid the risk of transmitting allergens to the cages and exposing the guinea pigs to its dangers. Its therefore advisable to give enough air space, and clean bedding for the pig to avoid this problem. Trustworthy Source Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Some guinea pigs wont play on their own; they need the right environment and materials to spark their interest. Stock Availability page for more information. If bleeding is still in progress, apply pressure on the affected area. @media screen and (min-width: 1201px) { Although there are several suggestions on draining abscesses at home, its still best to have a veterinarian check on them. What should you do if you accidentally use a cloth that is too rough for your guinea pigs nose? We will tell you in advance and in all honesty, this can be a messy process. How often should you clean a guinea pigs nose? Moldy and dusty hay and litter around the guinea pigs cage could be responsible for the introduction of environmental allergens and irritants that may pose a threat to its health. If this occurs, separate the two cavies as quickly as possible to avoid future injuries. 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. Can guinea pigs eat rice? OUR ULTIMATE AMAZON CAGE CLEANER RECOMMENDATION: Cage Cleaner Set for Guinea Pig Cages. Is this normal? Some guinea pigs runny nose will become completely clear and be free of bacterial respiratory infections only by responding to antibiotic treatment and therapy. Keep an Eye on Your Pet's Breathing If your pet's hiding place can be washed, it's a good idea to rinse it off as well. They are probably just reorienting themselves since all the familiar scents have been washed away. If you have any favorite products or methods that make cleaning easier, we would love to hear about them as well! This often occurs when we are confident that the wounds have been treated. 52.95, hello, thank you for this but I'm just a little paranoid. Cage liner? Damp corners are breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria and germs! 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? A healthy guinea pig requires about 10-30 mg of vitamin C per day. Do weekly health checks to. This can be quite unnerving to some people who dont understand the reasons why this happens. Its advisable to fill the hay racks in the open air space and make sure to put only the required amount, to avoid dust accumulation in the cage. Continuous monitoring of the pigs activity, Frequent follow-ups by a veterinary doctor. Just leave your guinea pig cage out to air-dry for an hour or so and you are good to go. *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. My guinea pig is sneezing a lot. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? If it fails to eat over a long period, this means that there might be a problem and you should instantly inform the vet. When faced with the challenge of looking after their wounds, you need to clean them a little differently. My guinea pig is wheezing. 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