how to clean a guinea pigs nose

Additionally, an antibiotic is prescribed to manage the infection. Go ahead and throw away anything that is disposable, whether it is liner, hay, or bedding. To finish, dry the cage, replace its contents, and return your guinea pig to its home. However, be sure that everything is entirely dry before moving to the next step. Kiln-dried pine is suitable for bedding if nothing else is available. In cases of illness where the little pet has been given antibiotics, you should constantly check for improvement in breathing and loss of the signs of the respective illness. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Tip 3: Frequent, But Not Too Frequent. Find The Best Deals on Your Favorite guinea pig Products and Save! Wipe out the enclosure with a pet-friendly cleaner or make your own vinegar and water mixture (see table below). 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. Answer 9: If you see blood in your guinea pigs nose, this could be a sign of a respiratory infection and you should take your guinea pig to the vet. (11 Ways To Find Out Now), Can Rats Kill Guinea Pigs? Before Cleaning: Supplies and Materials. Dip a clean cloth into a mix and gently clean the injury. Do Chinchillas Get Along With Guinea Pigs. From Amazon recommendations to products you might already have at home, this list has everything covered. In this sense, cleaning your guinea pigs wound may seem to be a piece of cake. The water bottle itself can be cleaned by placing uncooked rice and a little water in the bottle and then shaking it vigorously. Antihistamines are majorly used against allergens that cause guinea pig runny nose. Usually a quick rinse is enough for cleaning any toys or items, including any hideaway huts. (2019, April 18). Respiratory stress may cause a sickly feeling to the guinea pig, which in turn leads to loss of appetite. Not really, but it is worth it to keep your little furry friends healthy and happy. Answer 1: The best way to clear a guinea pigs nose is to use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away any discharge. 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. What should you do if you cant get all the discharge out of a guinea pigs nose? The pigs may however choose to eat less or softer food, lose weight, and or salivate due to other health conditions. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Unless your guinea pig has gotten sticky or smelly, it should only need to be bathed a maximum of 2-3 times per year. Having a functional air humidifier around the little pigs can play a crucial role in mobilizing the nasal discharge from the pigs. Healthy guinea pigs have shiny, clear, and alert eyes. Give your guinea pig a treat after finishing with the cleaning process. Double check our supplies list above to be sure you have everything you need for a successful cleaning venture. 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. Timothy hay, bedding, toys, and hideaway huts? Apples, bananas, carrots, blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, and grapes can also be given to the pigs. Cleaning your guinea pigs cage is the perfect chance to give them some quality floor time. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Calm down your guinea pigs and inspect their ears. What is the Best Treatment For A Runny Nose in Guinea Pigs? You see, any damp food, poop, or urine gets trapped in the liner instead of sticking to the cage itself. He had been fine that morning when I fed them. Wash them with a hypoallergenic and unscented detergent. (And How? Our personal recommendation is to get a reusable and washable cage liner. 2. (Explained Here), 9 Simple Reasons Why Guinea Pigs Stare (What You Need To Know), Can Guinea Pigs Play With Toilet Paper Rolls? You have successfully cleaned your guinea pigs enclosure! However, ensure that someone is keeping an eye on them to keep them safe. Remove any excessive damp hay or bedding and scrub away any significant clumps of waste. .rvixi63a287d7a768d { I have a total of three guinea pigs and have had them for about a year now and they have been fine and healthy. And we understand that no one likes having to put in this kind of work. Answer 11: Guinea pigs can sneeze for a variety of reasons, including allergies, dusty environments, or respiratory infections. Toilet paper, Read More Can Guinea Pigs Play With Toilet Paper Rolls? $65.00, $695.00 Now this might make you wonder if your pet can play with toilet paper rolls. https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/guineapigs/behaviour, Disorders and diseases of Guinea pigs All other pets Merck veterinary manual. A drop from a height can kill guinea pigs. Bite wounds sustained from cage fights should be checked immediately. Is there anything wrong with taking your guinea pig for an outdoors stroll to nibble on some fresh, green grass? Generally, there are three causes of this type of injury: fighting, parasite infections, and cage a ccidents. This can lead to infections and other problems, so its important to keep them clean. 1. Josh has been raising guinea pigs for over a decade. OUR AMAZON RECOMMENDATION FOR GLOVES: Hot Pink Two-Pack of Reusable Waterproof Cleaning Gloves. Its crucial to note that most of the antibiotics that are administered orally and would prove efficient in curing these respiratory issues like runny nose, can also kill the bacteria that keep the intestinal tract healthy. This is attainable using a home nebulization unit or could be performed at the hospital. $109.00, Eglu Go Guinea Pig Hutch with 3ft Run - Leaf Green, $475.00 Now you have something to lift the stink and stains from your guinea pigs cage, but you still need something to do the (literally) dirty work. Cleaning guinea pig cages after all can take up valuable time, so any additional pro-tips will always be welcome. Use an air humidifier to aid your fuzzy family member in breathing. Once your fur babys wound has been disinfected, its essential that you continue to monitor him for signs of infection. If they're not, there is an underlying problem. You should properly ensure every aspect before deciding the next course of action, like medication for your guinea pigs. Trustworthy Source However, here are some tips we found that help pass the time better. For a healthy guinea pig, breathing is quiet and easy. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Hay is necessary because of its high-fiber content, which helps maintain the guinea pig digestive tract and also wears down constantly growing teeth. Cedar bedding can cause many health problems, as can pine. What could be wrong? Overcrowding can easily be a means of transmitting respiratory viruses, since the stress weakens their immune systems, and makes them vulnerable to infections. You can use a cotton swab or a soft, damp cloth to clean your guinea pigs nose. Some guinea pigs wont play on their own; they need the right environment and materials to spark their interest. In fact, we recommend using rags instead of sponges because they are easier to clean and use for your next cage cleaning. During winter, it could be a bit hard to keep the home or cage environment of the pig at its optimum temperature of around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Respiratory stress may cause a sickly feeling to the guinea pig, which in turn leads to loss of appetite. If you live in a hot climate, you are set. Do this for about three to five minutes to ensure that the clotting is not interrupted. View our privacy policy and our disclosure policy for more information. Assuming you mean how to clean a guinea pigs nose: @media screen and (min-width: 1201px) { This includes soap, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and anything else that you might use to treat human wounds. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. } (Find Out Now). I have a 30 x 20" guinea pig cage with upper kitchen area, would that be suitable for 1 guinea pig? Try wrapping the cotton pad around your thumb to make it easier and more convenient to clean his nose. Control the Bleeding 5. Guinea pigs love to eat, and can constantly do this for a prolonged time over the day. ), bacterial infection to the respiratory system, Antibiotics should be carefully administered, guinea pigs do not produce their vitamin C, good vacuum cleaner fitted with HEPA filters. Knowing how to clean a guinea pig cage is one thing. The sensitivity of the pig to the antibiotics should also be put into consideration, to avoid the introduction of new allergens to the system of the already ailing pig. Cleaning your pig's cage at least every week is very important in maintaining your pet's health. Follow the 5 Dos and Donts to keep guinea pigs free from injuries. When it comes to outdoors guinea pigs, treat them like you would tender plants. Barrons Educational Series. Do you want poop on your hands? 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. Just imagine them darting around the living room, not paying attention and they bump into the corner of your coffee table . Hi there! They are probably just reorienting themselves since all the familiar scents have been washed away. Please see our. If you have more than one guinea pig clean it two times a week. 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. Continuous monitoring of the pigs activity, Frequent follow-ups by a veterinary doctor. % of people told us that this article helped them. Lets get back on track. } For example, crusty eyes and a runny nose indicates a respiratory infection or allergy. Watch and learn how to how to gently clean the ears.. With guinea pigs of different sex, the male usually dominates the female. This goes for both humans and animals. Guinea pigs are naturally curious and can get into a lot of trouble. Some guinea pigs may need their noses cleaned daily, while others may only need it done every few days. When it comes to pet first aid, doing it right can save you from worrying and additional expenses to the vet. If you spot a wound on your guinea pig, make sure to take immediate action and clean it properly. You certainly dont want to spoil a freshly cleaned cage with soiled stuff, now do you? What should I do? (Find Out Now) , Why Does Your Guinea Pig Run Up Your Neck? Zippi Tunnel Single with Hutch to Run Connection Kit, $0.00 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. Gently massage the fur so that it gets clean. Learn More, VAT Number: GB837106436 Make an appointment as soon as you notice the abscess so that it can be handled quickly. OUR AMAZON RECOMMENDATION FOR SCRUBBERS: Scrubbing Tool for Guinea Pig Cage. My guinea pig is losing its appetite. Just be sure not to insert it too far into the nostril. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. For really big cages, it is handy to have a cat-poop scooper to scrape out the cage. Cavy Central Guinea Pig Rescue with Lyn 18.1K subscribers Commonly we call this cheilitis but take a look at what causes it in most cases and how we fix it. Usually, your guinea pigs eyes will be bright and shiny. 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. 2 Refill food and water. 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. (2014, December 10). If you notice that your little friend is trying to gnaw at the wound, you definitely need to get her to the vet. The danger lies in the contamination that results in disease-causing microbes such as several bacteria and fungi entering the bloodstream through the cut. If we let our guinea pigs cages get dirty, it can stress them out and even pose a risk to their health. Letting Your Guinea Pig Lick or Chew on the Wound, 5. But, its worth it, if you can keep your piggies wound from getting infected. How to clean your guinea pig's grease gland when the grease builds up. All rights reserved. Wipe clean and dry with a damp rag. Another is barbering, whereby a guinea pig chews its hair or that of its cage mate as a result of boredom. Never again hear the dreaded sounds of your guinea pigs angry squeaks because you forgot to clean out their cage or feed them on timefor the fourth day in a row. The grass had been cut that day, could that have caused it? Wondering what to do if your guinea pig has a runny nose? Guinea pigs are one of the most popular pets in the world. How often should you clean your guinea pigs nose? Will it be fun to wash their cage or enclosure? 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. Are there any other options? If your guinea pig has a lot of discharge from their nose, you can contact your veterinarian for advice on how to treat the infection. Why is it important to clean a guinea pigs nose? (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. Avoid using anything abrasive, as this could irritate the sensitive skin inside the nostrils. My guinea pig has a lot of discharge in its nose. Immediate hospitalization with enough oxygen supply is highly recommendable in instances of severe distress to the respiratory tract. What else should you not use to clean your guinea pigs nose? display: block; You will absolutely thank us for this. Animal Humane Society. 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. Gloves. Air dry below a toasty sun or simply towel dry. Answer 14: Yes, you should be worried if your guinea pig is losing its appetite. Also, I learned a few tips to employ in, "Thanks for the help! Answer 13: Wheezing is not a normal symptom in guinea pigs and could be a sign of a respiratory infection. Where Is The Best Place To Buy Guinea Pigs. Can guinea pigs eat rice? If you think your guinea pig is sick, you should take it to the vet. Know When To Contact The Vet 5 Don'ts Of Wound Cleaning 1. 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. One guinea pigs will often take the subordinate role and start grooming the dominant one. Empty any leftover food and water. Sometimes when you focus your attention on the wound itself so much that you might miss some other tell-tale signs that could indicate infection. Good news: there are no specific guinea pig cage cleaning gloves you need to buy at a premium price. Keep an Eye on Your Pet's Breathing A cavy can catch these parasites from another infected guinea pig. Carefully check how severe or big the wound is. 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. Why is it necessary to clean your Guinea Pigs ears? The pigs nose may turn red and sore as a result of itching and scratching due to contact with allergens. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Then you are good to go. But like every pet, guinea pigs need a safe, clean, and healthy environment to thrive. You are using an out of date browser. But, from time to time, they also get cuts from loose wires or from getting stuck in the areas like cage bottoms. So keeping your guinea pigs living area clean is an absolutely non-negotiable part of being a guinea pig owner. 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. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Hold your guinea pig in a comfortable position. display: block; A good vacuum cleaner fitted with HEPA filters can also be crucial to ensuring that the environment around the pigs and even the general home is spotless and free of dust and other allergens. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 278,625 times. No, you should not clean your guinea pigs nose with water. @media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 768px) { (Benefits, Risks, Servings & FAQs). Should I be worried? But, thanks. Lower your guinea pig into the water. 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. What if I see blood in my guinea pigs nose? When it comes to outdoors guinea pigs, treat them like you would tender plants. First, start with getting yourself in a comfortable position and then hold your pig. If you accidentally use a cloth that is too rough for your guinea pigs nose, you should stop and try a different cloth or cotton swab. In general, stay away from scented cleaners as well, even if they say they are safe for small pets. Easy-peasy. Learn More, VAT Number: GB837106436 This can lead to respiratory problems and even death. This can be quite unnerving to some people who dont understand the reasons why this happens. Pay special attention to any corners or areas that could collect urine or feces. Is it normal for your guinea pig to sneeze when you clean its nose? Although there are several suggestions on draining abscesses at home, its still best to have a veterinarian check on them. Keep your guinea pigs water bottle/bowl clean and change the water daily. Do weekly health checks to. Squeaks, Scales and Tails is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC an affiliate advertising program. Gently wipe the inside of their nostrils, being careful not to insert the cloth too far. 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. Why Do Guinea Pigs Twitch? Gently wipe the inside of your guinea pigs nostrils, being careful not to go too deep. Additionally, a reusable liner saves you money in the long run! Use Soap, Neosporin, Shampoo, or Other Cleaning Products, 4. If you have none of those options, then rinsing your guinea pig cage in the shower might be your best bet. What happens if you give your guinea pig corn? 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