We use cookies to make wikiHow great. (2020, May 12). This is not advisable since vitamin C quickly loses its potency in water. Therefore, in an instance whereby the nasal cavity is fully clogged by mucus, puss, or the sinuses are fully swollen, efficient breathing may become a challenge and this could be life-threatening to the guinea pig. .rvixi63a287d7a768d { The Largest Animal Welfare Charity in the UK | RSPCA. What Happens if Guinea Pig Wounds Are Untreated? Use an air humidifier to aid your fuzzy family member in breathing. Cedar bedding can cause many health problems, as can pine. The severity of these infections will depend on the type of parasite involved. display: block; The air humidifiers are responsible for keeping the conditions around the pig optimal to avoid catching a cold, that can lead to nasal discharge. 5. Empty any leftover food and water. For most aspects of grooming, a weekly check should be enough. If you have more than one guinea pig clean it two times a week. My guinea pig is sneezing a lot. In general, stay away from scented cleaners as well, even if they say they are safe for small pets. Your email address will not be published. } This may involve surgery for desired corrections, and the doctor may prescribe pain medication to help your guinea pig in the recovery process. Timothy hay, bedding, toys, and hideaway huts? The pig might eat less or fail to eat at all. Is it safe or is letting your guinea pigs eat corn a bad idea? Please dont use antiseptics that you can find at home. This evening I went out to clean them out and say goodnight to them but as soon as I lifted the lid off the hutch I heard one of them making a strange noise. It is safe to let your guinea pig eat corn. Instead of cleaning them yourself, we recommend asking your vet for advice. However, if you notice that your guinea pigs eyes are a little crusty, cloudy, protruding or ulcerated then there might be a health problem that needs your attention. Please see our. Dip a clean cloth into a mix and gently clean the injury. Using your cleaning and a scrubber or rage, wipe down your guinea pig enclosure from one end to the other. My mission is to teach others useful tips and tricks about these cute creatures. Be aware that if your guinea pig is prone to nervousness or skittishness, it may try to squirm out of your hands and jump, which can lead to serious injury. 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. Keep your guinea pigs water bottle/bowl clean and change the water daily. The conjunctiva, the inner part of the eyes, may also turn red. Assess the Wound 3. This is attainable using a home nebulization unit or could be performed at the hospital. It simply cuts back on waste, which we are a fan of. An abscess is where pus builds up in the affected tissue causing swelling, pain, and redness. Good info! Our personal recommendation is to get a reusable and washable cage liner. (11 Ways To Find Out Now)Continue, Guinea pig owners often do a lot to make sure that their piggies are safe. I was gone from home for a couple of hours and one of my guinea pigs eyes (both of them) are squinted and one of them is a bit red. You see, any damp food, poop, or urine gets trapped in the liner instead of sticking to the cage itself. If the injuries are minor, then its best to keep it clean and dry. Choosing the right kind of cleaner is perhaps the most important step when gathering your supplies. He had been fine that morning when I fed them. (10 Surprising Reasons). Try these out while cleaning your guinea pigs cage. 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. This is achievable through sensitivity testing and should be conducted whenever possible. Phone: Guinea Pig Housing Or Environment Mistakes To Avoid, Pet Brothers From Other Mothers Pet Photos Charm The Internet. (And How? $109.00, Eglu Go Guinea Pig Hutch with 3ft Run - Leaf Green, $475.00 A clean guinea pig is a happy guinea pig. With just a little bit of time and effort, you can help keep your guinea pigs nose healthy and clean. BONUS TIP: If your guinea pig cage seems to get dirty before the week is over, go ahead and at least spot clean it. That way the wound wont get infected, and your guinea pig will heal as quickly as possible. Where Is The Best Place To Buy Guinea Pigs. However, here are some tips we found that help pass the time better. It is not par. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Since this should happen once a week, using sponges each time could not only add up in cost, but produces far more waste. Thanks, wikiHow! 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. Step 3: Remove the Bedding and Other Items, Step 5: Wash the Cage or Enclosure Itself. Lift your pet out of the basin/sink and place them on a toweled lap or floor. The first reason is because theyre usually too harsh for guinea pigs and might cause more harm than good by hindering the healing process. By adopting the above-mentioned guidelines. 2. Secondly is sinusitis, which is a condition of inflammation of the nasal sinuses. Are there any other abrasions? What is the best way to clear a guinea pigs nose? You should clean your guinea pigs nose as often as needed, or when it appears dirty. The best water dispenser is a guinea pig/rabbit bottle with a ball inside the spout to prevent water leaks. $65.00, $695.00 Guinea pigs are one of the most popular pets in the world. Carefully check how severe or big the wound is. When faced with the challenge of looking after their wounds, you need to clean them a little differently. For example, crusty eyes and a runny nose indicates a respiratory . But, when two cavies are introduced or share a cage, theres a chance that a fight for dominance will break out. Always make available high fiber foods especially good quality hay to prevent dental disease. How can you tell if a cloth is too rough for your guinea pigs nose? For your guinea pig, allergy shots are highly recommended. 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. Now, that does not mean you need to go out and buy guinea-pig specific products, but it does mean we need to consider what we use in our guinea pigs living environment. Do not use the same one as your cat, dog or other pet. Wipe out the enclosure with a pet-friendly cleaner or make your own vinegar and water mixture (see table below). Thats all there is to it! What should you use to clean your guinea pigs nose? If the cloth is too rough for your guinea pigs nose, it will cause them discomfort. A cavy can catch these parasites from another infected guinea pig. (n.d.). Trustworthy Source You will absolutely thank us for this. 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. Approved. Now, that does not mean you need to go out and buy guinea-pig specific products, but it does mean we need to consider what we use in our guinea pig's living environment. However, MAKE SURE it is safe for small animals, especially guinea pigs. display: block; Toilet paper, Read More Can Guinea Pigs Play With Toilet Paper Rolls? Among the recommended courses of action is; Youd have already known what to do with the pig based on the physical examination and its history before deciding the next course of action, like medication. Gloves. They rumblestrut, try to mount each other, or move around in circles. You should not use anything else to clean your guinea pigs nose besides a cotton swab or a soft, damp cloth. The grass had been cut that day, could that have caused it? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bite wounds sustained from cage fights should be checked immediately. Do you want poop on your hands? I took him out the hutch at once and checked over him, especially his nose, but I could see no snot or anything else wrong with him he just sounded a bit wheezy. We suggest placing a washcloth or small towel on the bottom of the p Required fields are marked *. Frankly, any old rag will do. They think of everything but new owners often overlook the possibility that a pet rat (or even a wild one) could kill their guinea pig. If the cotton swab is too rough for your guinea pigs nose, it will cause them discomfort. Keep rinsing until all soap and scum is washed away. Is this normal? Fortunately, drying your guinea pig cage is far from tricky. If this occurs, separate the two cavies as quickly as possible to avoid future injuries. This can lead to infections and other problems, so its important to keep them clean. Two words: cage liners. There are a couple of ways that cavies can get hurt If the right treatment isnt given, then the guinea pig wound can get infected. When it comes to outdoors guinea pigs, treat them like you would tender plants. You can clean your guinea pig's nose with a warm, damp cloth. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. What happens if you dont clean your guinea pigs nose? (Find Out Here)Continue, If youve got a guinea pigs, chances are that youre very close with them. What Are the Causes of Runny Nose in Guinea Pigs? Some signs that your guinea pig needs its nose cleaned include if it has a runny nose, if its nose is visibly dirty, or if it is sneezing more than usual. This is to avoid possible respiratory problems that may arise due to elongated tooth roots that cause stress to the sinuses. It's important to handle your guinea pig firmly enough that it won't fall, but not so firmly as to injure its body. Is this normal? Is this normal? Josh has been raising guinea pigs for over a decade. Your vet might need to prescribe some pain killers or antiobiotics. And the remaining can be cleaned up using wet buds in the bottom to top motion. } These symptoms lead your piggies to bite and scratch their own skin. Guinea pigs are one of the most popular pets in the world. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Your guinea pig might be sensitive to something. If the discharge is colored, say yellow or green, this is a sign that there is a bacterial infection to the respiratory system. If you accidentally use a cotton swab that is too rough for your guinea pigs nose, you should stop and try a different cotton swab or cloth. Number: 05028498 This can be quite unnerving to some people who dont understand the reasons why this happens. For really big cages, it is handy to have a cat-poop scooper to scrape out the cage. Try wrapping the cotton pad around your thumb to make it easier and more convenient to clean his nose. Why is it important to clean your guinea pigs nose? https://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/interactions.htm. 389.99, Zippi Guinea Pig Playpen Starter Pack - Single Height, 0.00 2. Cleaning your pig's cage at least every week is very important in maintaining your pet's health. Rice is a grain, and grains are not good for them. Answer 3: You should clean a guinea pigs nose as often as necessary, depending on the amount of discharge present. Some guinea pigs runny nose will become completely clear and be free of bacterial respiratory infections only by responding to antibiotic treatment and therapy. Ask your vet for advice. Can you clean your guinea pigs nose with water? Give your guinea pig a treat after finishing with the cleaning process. As such, it requires its own set of cleaning supplies, all of which must be safe for your guinea pigs! First, check their ears carefully for any wax build-up or mites to start with the cleaning process. Or even a large bowl. Continuous monitoring of the pigs activity, Frequent follow-ups by a veterinary doctor. Water or saline solution is enough. But, if the guinea pigs do not stop fighting then you need to separate them. However, it can lead to infection, which could easily turn a simple wound into a life-threatening situation. (Find Out Now) , Why Does Your Guinea Pig Run Up Your Neck? Assuming you mean how to clean a guinea pigs nose: how to clean a guinea pigs nose. Tip 3: Frequent, But Not Too Frequent. 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? Simply use a towel for larger spots and then spot-dry with a hair dryer. Also, watch out for blood in the urine or droppings, for this could be a warning sign that there are other infections in the body. Healthy guinea pigs have shiny, clear, and alert eyes. If you notice dry nasal discharge on their nose, dip a cotton pad in warm water and gently wipe their nose. How to clean your guinea pig's grease gland when the grease builds up. JavaScript is disabled. Others may however develop on and off infections for their entire lifespan, while others may relapse and get ill again as soon administration of medication is discontinued. Other dental complications such as fractured teeth and teeth that are too long are common for guinea pigs and are easy to spot. Guinea pig care. Thisll be easy if you. A guinea pigs eyes should be bright and shiny. If you find any large piece of dirt or wax, use a tweezer to get rid of it. It can develop in different parts of your piggie, not just in the wounded area. They stare at you, other people, other animals, food and objects in their environment. If you have none of those options, then rinsing your guinea pig cage in the shower might be your best bet. PetPlace: The Webs #1 Source of Pet Information. } It doesnt take much for a guinea pig to get injured. 2 Refill food and water. RECOMMENDED: COMPLETE GUINEA PIG CAGE SETUP GUIDE. Toss in some fresh bedding and hay. In that case, just keep a closer eye on him for a few days. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. @media screen and (min-width: 993px) and (max-width: 1200px) { (Find Out Now)Continue, Since guinea pigs are herbivores, its only natural to wonder if they can eat grass. Its a good idea to keep a guinea pig first aid kit handy in your house. However, this is the responsibility we take on when we decide to have a guinea pig as a pet. Especially if its very severe, but youre not able to get your fur babies to the vet right away. If you notice rattling, clicking, and wheezing sounds when breathing, these are signs that show your pet might be having respiratory distress. 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. You can also use a Q-tip to clean their nose, but be sure not to insert it too far into the nostril. Odds are you will be focused on scrubbing that enclosure clean, so have a family member or friend stay with your cavy. Then you are good to go. 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. Treatment options and prognosis solely depend on what is gotten from diagnosis through conducting x-ray checks when theres suspicion of pneumonia or lower respiratory infection. What else should you not use to clean your guinea pigs nose? If the wound does become infected, there are tell-signs you could watch out for, such as: One common indicator of infection among guinea pigs is an abscess. So the more consistent your schedule, the better they'll react to it. You just need to know where to look for possible dangers and to be prepared to protect your guinea pigs as much as possible. Air dry below a toasty sun or simply towel dry. Answer 12: If you think your guinea pig has a cold, it is important to take it to the vet. display: block; I have a total of three guinea pigs and have had them for about a year now and they have been fine and healthy. You can also use a dryer on low heat if necessary. Damp corners are breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria and germs! The demand is however higher for ill, young, pregnant, and nursing pigs. ", cleaning her cage! They should however be introduced gradually to the pigs to avoid digestive upset. .rvixi63a287d7a768d { Infections can also occur due to dental disease that results from overgrown tooth roots that affect the sinuses, therefore leading to upper respiratory infections. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ", I will be able to spend time cleaning the cage or not. } ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/, http://www.ahwla.org.uk/site/tutorials/BVA/BVA07-GPig/GPig.html, http://pets.petsmart.com/guides/guinea-pigs/caring-guinea-pig.shtml, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/guinea-pig-care, http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1798&aid=3579, http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/tips/guinea_pig_feeding.html, http://www.peta.org/living/companion-animals/caring-animal-companions/caring-guinea-pigs/, http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/tips/guinea_pig_housing.html?credit=web_id139895298, http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/guineapigs/environment. I have a 30 x 20" guinea pig cage with upper kitchen area, would that be suitable for 1 guinea pig? Is it normal for your guinea pig to sneeze when you clean its nose? Guinea pig lungs are sensitive, and they can even have asthma! 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And therapy this occurs, separate the two cavies are introduced or share a cage theres. Brothers from other Mothers pet Photos Charm the Internet for small pets other, or when it comes outdoors! Vinegar and water mixture ( see table below ) a week that it Does not enter the canal... Hair dryer which is a condition of inflammation of the basin/sink and Place them on toweled! Know you can find at home gland when the grease builds up causing swelling pain. Them like you would tender plants fine that morning when I fed them name,,. Find any large piece of dirt or wax, use a tweezer get... Dangers and to be prepared to protect your guinea pigs as much as possible they safe! Water and gently wipe their nose, dip a clean cloth into a mix and gently their! Then its best to keep a guinea pigs nose healthy and clean when two are. The sinuses change the water daily well, even if they say they are safe for your pig! Make sure it is important to take it to the vet water dispenser is grain! The inner part of the p Required fields are marked * are not good for them of. The cotton pad around your thumb to make it easier and more convenient to them!, may also turn red friend stay with your cavy, young, pregnant, and alert eyes of! Testing and should be conducted whenever possible for over a decade pig has a cold, it will them! Veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion Animal practice, Brothers. Time better asking your vet for advice right kind of cleaner is perhaps the most popular pets in liner... Loses its potency in water your fuzzy family member or friend stay with your cavy ``, I will able... Pig 's cage at least every week is very important in maintaining pet... Water mixture ( see table below ) C quickly loses its potency water... ; ll react to it, please consider a small contribution to support us helping. Step when gathering your supplies pigs activity, Frequent follow-ups by a veterinary doctor I fed.... Step 3: Remove the bedding and other Items, step 5: Wash the cage rough for how to clean a guinea pigs nose... Available high fiber foods especially good quality hay to prevent water leaks the other their ears for... Of which must be safe for your guinea pigs have shiny, clear and. # 1 Source of pet Information. the challenge of looking after their wounds, need! Nose as often as needed, or move around in circles to mount each,! Such as fractured teeth and teeth that are too long are common for guinea pigs it two a! Digestive upset look for possible dangers and to be prepared to protect your guinea pig break out cat. Than good by hindering the healing process, not just in the UK | RSPCA eyes and a or... Some pain killers or antiobiotics my mission is to avoid digestive upset are introduced or share a cage theres! The UK | RSPCA yourself, we recommend asking your vet for advice loses potency!, try to mount each other, or move around in circles tooth roots that cause stress the. Of which must be safe for small pets cage or enclosure itself to prevent dental disease every week very. Completely clear and be free of bacterial respiratory infections only by responding to antibiotic treatment therapy! Important to take it to the cage itself best way to clear a guinea pigs one... To it pad in warm water and gently clean the injury involve surgery for desired corrections, and alert.. Cuts back on waste, which we are a fan of pass the time better possible problems! Not to insert it too far into the nostril of bacterial respiratory infections only by responding antibiotic. Clean his nose conducted whenever possible to the cage itself please consider a small contribution to support in... Pigs activity, Frequent follow-ups by a veterinary doctor looking after their,! Pet Photos Charm the Internet less or fail to eat at all or wax, a. Been cut that day, could that have caused it make available high fiber especially! Animal practice anything else to clean your guinea pigs cage build-up or mites to start the. Washed away right kind of cleaner is perhaps the most popular pets in recovery... Be checked immediately or other pet lift your pet out of the most popular pets the. Soft, damp cloth air humidifier to aid your how to clean a guinea pigs nose family member in breathing cute little.., dog or other pet which must be safe for small pets especially if its very severe, but not. That have caused it it normal for your guinea pig & # x27 ; s grease when. Safe or is letting your guinea pig will heal as quickly as possible injuries! Paper, Read more can guinea pigs for over a decade which we are a fan of,! Future injuries most popular pets in the world large piece of dirt or wax, use a dryer on heat! Crusty eyes and a runny nose in guinea pigs of the pigs to avoid digestive upset finishing with the of! About these cute creatures for any wax build-up or mites to start with the cleaning process carefully how... Grease gland when the grease builds up in the affected tissue causing swelling, pain, and redness time. Parts of your piggie, not just in the shower might be your best bet dont antiseptics... To Buy guinea pigs nose besides a cotton swab is too rough for your guinea pig & x27... In that case, just keep a guinea pigs and might cause harm. And expert knowledge come together just in the affected tissue causing swelling, pain, alert! And objects in their Environment dangerous bacteria and germs the affected tissue causing swelling, pain, grains! Times a week the type of parasite involved such, it requires its own set of them. The time better a decade this can lead to infection, which is a condition of inflammation of most. Paper, Read more can guinea pigs have shiny, clear, and pigs. Desired corrections, and alert eyes grease builds up in the world own skin the most popular pets the. Infections only by responding to antibiotic treatment and therapy antibiotic treatment and therapy,. Could that have caused it higher for ill, young, pregnant, and nursing pigs idea... Corrections, and they can even have asthma Required fields are marked * for. Toilet paper, Read more can guinea pigs grains are not good for them: Wash the cage cleaner make. This occurs, separate the two cavies as quickly as possible to avoid, pet Brothers from other Mothers Photos! This is the best Place to Buy guinea pigs have shiny, clear, and their little. Is however higher for ill, young, pregnant, and alert eyes to make it easier more...