The Importance of Having Your Guinea Pig Groomed
Did You Know?
Guinea pigs, like rabbits, are self-groomers. They are, however, unique in that they secrete a milky white substance from their eyes which they use to clean themselves. While most guinea pigs are pretty low maintenance grooming-wise, others may require a bit more TLC. But whether your piggie has long hair, short hair, or no hair at all, every guinea pig benefits from at least some routine preventative care.
Preventative Care
Nail Trims
Like with most pets, regular nail trims are an important part of piggie care. Excessively long nails can curl into the foot causing pain and possible infection. Younger guinea pigs have short, sharp nails resembling a cat’s, and as they age the nails become thicker, more brittle, and tend to grow more irregularly. Routine nail maintenance helps keep your piggie’s feet healthy and comfortable.
Ear Cleaning
Guinea pigs often have dry ears which can become itchy and uncomfortable. Cleaning your guinea pig’s ears on a regular basis will not only keep them clean, but aid in the prevention of build-up and parasites.
Grease Glands
Guinea pigs have grease glands located just above where the tail would be if they had one. Both sows (females) and boars (males) have this gland, which produces an oily substance used for scent marking. Some guinea pigs have a more active gland then others, which may require regular cleaning of the area to prevent uncomfortable build-up that can lead to infection.
Boar Cleaning
Just for the boys! And fair warning: this one is not for the squeamish….
Boars have their own set of maintenance needs that we refer to as “boar cleaning”. It includes the gentle extraction of the penis to remove smegma build-up and in the case of longhaired boars and their cage mates, to remove any of the stray hairs that commonly get stuck in the sheath. These hairs can become wrapped around the penis if not removed, causing blood circulation to be cut off, so it’s extremely important to check the area regularly.
“Boar glue” is the hardened, rubbery substance sometimes found in the fur of a male piggie or his cage mates. A hormonal boar may become “excited”, resulting in a mess that will often need to be cut out of the fur in order to be removed.
Boars also have a pouch located directly above their anus which can become impacted with smegma and fecal matter. This tends to occur as boars age and they begin to lose elasticity in their perineal muscles. If not removed, the debris can lead to a plethora of issues for your piggie.
Longhaired Guinea Pigs
Longhaired guinea pigs, such as Peruvians and Silkies, will require a bit more preventative maintenance than their shorthaired friends. Daily brushing is mandatory to prevent tangling, but that long hair can harbor a lot more than tangles! If not properly cared for, the coat can quickly become soiled, matted with hay or litter, and become a breeding ground for parasites. It is recommended to keep the hair trimmed, especially around the rear end, to prevent health issues.
Hairless Guinea Pigs
There are two types of “hairless” guinea pigs: the Baldwin and the Skinny Pig. The Baldwin is completely hairless, whereas the more commonly seen Skinny Pig has a patch of hair on its nose and feet. Preventative grooming maintenance is especially crucial for hairless guinea pigs, as they don’t have hair to protect their bodies. Because of this, they are much more susceptible to dry skin and skin infections, are more easily scratched by sharp nails, and more sensitive to temperature change than their furry counterparts.
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As you can see, there’s a lot more to guinea pig grooming care than most people realize! Some of it probably sounds pretty intimidating (and let’s face it- gross), but that’s where we come in!
At Tails on the Rails, we’ve got the knowledge and experience to help you keep your guinea pig looking and feeling their very best. To learn more about the services we offer our piggie friends, please visit our TotR Cavy Coach page!
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Before You Bring Your Guinea Pig For Grooming….
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• Make sure to bring them in a carrier!
A carrier is the safest way to transport your guinea pig to their grooming appointment.
• Put some hay in the carrier!
Providing hay for your piggie to eat can help alleviate stress and allow them to feel more comfortable during their visit.
• Be prepared with any questions/concerns you may have about your guinea pig!
We’re here to help! Any information we can provide to help you better understand and care for your pet- just ask! If we don’t know the answer, we’ll certainly help directly you to someone who might!
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Tails on the Rails LLC 