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. 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. Dont be surprised if they sniff around and act a little investigative at first. Is Rice Safe For Guinea Pigs To Eat? In fact, we recommend using rags instead of sponges because they are easier to clean and use for your next cage cleaning. Then run some hot water and submerge the water bottle and food bowl. Your guinea pig's cage should not be exposed to direct sources of heat or cold. However, we understand many of you might not live in such a convenient locale. Guinea pigs are prone to getting respiratory infections, so keeping their nose clean is important. Common signs and symptoms of allergies are shown by a stuffy and runny nose. You are using an out of date browser. Guinea pigs can play with toilet paper rolls. Thats all there is to it! 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. A clean guinea pig is a happy guinea pig. I have a total of three guinea pigs and have had them for about a year now and they have been fine and healthy. However, many of us do not have distilled white vinegar laying around the house. If bleeding is still in progress, apply pressure on the affected area. It causes inflammation in the nasal cavity lining and a lot of irritation which results in sneezing, occasional bulging of the snout, and a runny nose. Now this might make you wonder if your pet can play with toilet paper rolls. Hold your guinea pig in a comfortable position. This may involve surgery for desired corrections, and the doctor may prescribe pain medication to help your guinea pig in the recovery process. Home nebulization using normal saline can also help in air humidification to avoid a runny nose. Assess the Wound 3. I have two boars around a year old that are currently living outside. display: block; } Hopefully, it is nothing and is gone again by tomorrow. Is it safe or is letting your guinea pigs eat corn a bad idea? Periodic trimming of overgrown teeth is also necessary. display: block; Commonly used antihistamines include diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine. } I have a total of three guinea pigs and have had them for about a year now and they have been fine and healthy. 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. The danger lies in the contamination that results in disease-causing microbes such as several bacteria and fungi entering the bloodstream through the cut. Typically, when there is an open wound in a guinea pig or even just a tiny cut, the first thing that must be done is disinfect it. Usually a quick rinse is enough for cleaning any toys or items, including any hideaway huts. Answer 5: You should use a soft, damp cloth to wipe a guinea pigs nose. Our guide takes this into consideration, and is built to provide the fastest and most efficient way to clean your guinea pigs cage or enclosure. It's important to handle your guinea pig firmly enough that it won't fall, but not so firmly as to injure its body. Here you'll find the juicy goods to care for your little friends WITHOUT making your brain short-circuit. But, thanks. Another way is to use a syringe to flush their nose with saline solution. display: block; You certainly dont want to spoil a freshly cleaned cage with soiled stuff, now do you? I think my guinea pig has a cold. (11 Ways To Find Out Now), Can Rats Kill Guinea Pigs? When faced with the challenge of looking after their wounds, you need to clean them a little differently. Normally, guinea pigs will ignore their wounds as long as their pain (or the root cause of the wound) is being treated appropriately. These may include respiratory infections caused by several bacteria like Bordetella brontiseptica and Streptococcus, diarrhea, scurvy caused by vitamin C deficiency, tumors, abscesses, urinary problems, parasites, and skin problems. It is okay, the world wont end. (And Other Key Terms), How Often Should You Clean a Guinea Pigs Cage? One guinea pigs will often take the subordinate role and start grooming the dominant one. Give your guinea pig a treat after finishing with the cleaning process. Try these out while cleaning your guinea pigs cage. So, you found a wound on your guinea pig. Before feeding your guinea pig every day, clean the food bowl and water bottle to remove bacteria. So, sterilize the wound before infection can occur. If you want some tips on how to take better care of your fur babies, check out these posts: 7 Alarming Reasons Why Guinea Pigs Pee Blood and The Alarming Truth About Washing Guinea Pigs In Dish Soap. Thisll be easy if you. This can happen with both male and female pairings. Or even a large bowl. Replace any items only once they have fully dried as well. If you poke around in the wound, you could easily give your guinea pig a bacterial infection. Examples are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and the commonly used ones are carprofen and meloxicam. 389.99, Zippi Guinea Pig Playpen Starter Pack - Single Height, 0.00 That way, they can prescribe the proper treatment. In some cases, an infestation can lead to death, such as that with fur mites. 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. 2. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Guinea pigs can safely eat grass, but there are some precautions, Read More The Surprising Truth About Grass & Guinea Pigs (Can They Eat It?)Continue. Should I be worried? You can also use a Q-tip to clean the hard-to-reach areas of the nose. They are known for their gentle and loving nature, and their cute little noses. Using your cleaning and a scrubber or rage, wipe down your guinea pig enclosure from one end to the other. My guinea pig is sneezing a lot. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can also use a Q-tip to clean their nose, but be sure not to insert it too far into the nostril. (What You Need to Know) and Can Guinea Pigs Suffer or Die From Depression? Once every week, conduct a thorough clean of the cage by removing all of the contents, spraying down the cage with a mild detergent, and rinsing it with water. Stop getting dirty looks from your piggies, because you forgot to do something for themAGAIN. They typically have an agreeable personality and tend to have a relatively long lifespan compared to other small pets. Guinea pigs are often prized as excellent pets. Your guinea pig is going to be stoked to return to their cage, which brings us to the next step. They should however be fed daily unless the pig becomes obese. Stock Availability page for more information. Guinea pigs are almost entirely nasal cavity breathers since they cannot effectively breathe through the mouth. } 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. The pigs response to the shots might be gradual and slow and requires patience to monitor recovery. This can cause open sores, which can potentially become infected. Gently wipe the inside of your guinea pigs nostrils, being careful not to go too deep. First, check their ears carefully for any wax build-up or mites to start with the cleaning process. This is achievable through sensitivity testing and should be conducted whenever possible. Number: 05028498 } The rabbit might also bully the guinea pig, leading to stress if the pig cannot find a safe spot to escape to. .rvixi63a287d7a768d { Answer 14: Yes, you should be worried if your guinea pig is losing its appetite. Such kits usually include probiotics, saline solution, critical care feed, and other necessary items that can help your piggie when youre unable to get them to vet right away. I'm here to help you smash the EASY button on pet parenting. Toilet paper, Read More Can Guinea Pigs Play With Toilet Paper Rolls? Is this normal? (Find Out Now), https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/adoption/guinea-pig-care, https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/new-zoo-guinea-pigs, https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/small-mammals/salmonella.html, https://www.petplace.com/article/small-mammals/general/abscesses-in-guinea-pigs/, https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/guineapigs/behaviour, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/disorders-and-diseases-of-guinea-pigs, https://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/interactions.htm, https://www.erinsark-petcareguide.com/guinea-pig-companionship, Keep their cage regularly cleaned. How often should you clean a guinea pigs nose? He's had two Americans, two Abyssinians, and one Silkie Guinea Pig. This is nothing to be concerned about. This should be done every single day. @media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 768px) { On the other hand, when it comes to two male (or female) cavies, they tend to clash until one backs down. % of people told us that this article helped them. Why is it necessary to clean your Guinea Pigs ears? This article received 12 testimonials and 84% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Use Soap, Neosporin, Shampoo, or Other Cleaning Products, 4. Why is it important to clean a guinea pigs nose? A case of guinea pig runny nose is sometimes caused by first, a condition known as Atrophic Rhinitis (AR) which is common in piglets. For example, if your guinea pig has crusty eyes and a runny nose then this could be indicative of a respiratory infection or allergy, and a trip to the vet is needed. Keep rinsing until all soap and scum is washed away. Do this for about three to five minutes to ensure that the clotting is not interrupted. Continuous monitoring of the pigs activity, Frequent follow-ups by a veterinary doctor. Cedar bedding can cause many health problems, as can pine. Generally, these cleaners are the best option for making the job fast and easy while providing excellent amounts of odor control. My guinea pigs nose is constantly wet. If your guinea pig is sneezing a lot, it is important to have it checked by a vet to rule out any serious problems. What should you do if you cant get all the discharge out of a guinea pigs nose? (n.d.). No skimping on plentiful grass hay, fresh water, and vitamin C. The guinea pig diet is mainly hay; we're talking about 80% hay. To finish, dry the cage, replace its contents, and return your guinea pig to its home. If the both cavies are determined to take control of one another (and neither one backs down), it could ultimately lead to a physical fight which will likely result in injury. You can clean your guinea pig's nose with a warm, damp cloth. Its caused by a variety of irritants and two common bacteria, namely Bordetella brondiseptica, and Pasteurella multocida. If this happens, the guinea pig needs treatment with another antibiotic, and its advisable to immediately inform your vet. What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? Have all your supplies? @media screen and (min-width: 993px) and (max-width: 1200px) { Use Soap, Neosporin, Shampoo, or Other Cleaning Products 2. Tip 3: Frequent, But Not Too Frequent. Gently insert the swab into the nostrils and twist it around to remove any discharge. OUR ULTIMATE AMAZON CAGE CLEANER RECOMMENDATION: Cage Cleaner Set for Guinea Pig Cages. Trustworthy Source Two words: cage liners. 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. Once cleaned, your guinea pig cage should not necessarily smell of anything, and especially not cleaner or added scents. 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