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. When it comes to pet first aid, doing it right can save you from worrying and additional expenses to the vet. Respiratory stress may cause a sickly feeling to the guinea pig, which in turn leads to loss of appetite. If your answer was yes, you do your thing, we wont judgetoo much. Yes, it is normal for your guinea pig to sneeze when you clean its nose. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/adoption/guinea-pig-care, New at the zoo: Guinea pigs. On average, a guinea pig stares because theyre bored, curious, fearful, or sleeping. Antibiotics should be carefully administered to the ailing pig depending on the nature and culture of the bacterium causing the infection. Yet, you still need to make sure that youre careful in how you clean the wound to avoid infections and extra pain for your fur babies. Its advisable to immediately see the vet. Its therefore advisable to have rabbits and guinea pigs in separate cages. Pellets lose the vitamin C potency over time, thats why its recommendable to choose a high-quality and stabilized pellet for your pig to ensure freshness. If your guinea pig's eyes need cleaning, and yet they dont seem able to do it themselves, this too may indicate a health problem. If the injuries are minor, then its best to keep it clean and dry. Enjoy! The Guinea pig handbook. Does this method apply to my hamster's cage too? 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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made by my readers, but it doesn't cost you anything at all. One way is to use a cotton swab to gently remove any debris that may be blocking their nose. But damp hay can harbor fungal growth, and dry, dusty hay could cause respiratory problems. Once youve finished cleaning, give your guinea pig a treat to let them know theyve been a good sport! Generally speaking, hay makes a good bedding choice. You can clean your guinea pig's nose with a warm, damp cloth. This doesnt however mean that all orally administered antibiotics pose a danger to the tracts health and normal functioning. Using your cleaning and a scrubber or rage, wipe down your guinea pig enclosure from one end to the other. If they're not, there is an underlying problem. For most aspects of grooming, a weekly check should be enough. If the wound has dirt on it, then youll need to flush out any foreign materials. Forget To Keep The Enclosure Very Clean. to you guys, I have learned a lot about guinea pigs and how to take care of them. Housing both rabbits and guinea pigs together might expose the pigs to Bordatella, since rabbits are natural carriers of the bacteria. Wipe out the enclosure with a pet-friendly cleaner or make your own vinegar and water mixture (see table below). Common signs and symptoms of allergies are shown by a stuffy and runny nose. Or even a large bowl. Hopefully, it is nothing and is gone again by tomorrow. If symptoms persist over a long time, this may need the vets attention for a change of mediation. Will it be fun to wash their cage or enclosure? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Poke Around in the Wound 3. One guinea pigs will often take the subordinate role and start grooming the dominant one. Secondly is sinusitis, which is a condition of inflammation of the nasal sinuses. But, from time to time, they also get cuts from loose wires or from getting stuck in the areas like cage bottoms. However, remember to keep one side of the cage open to give room for ventilation. Guinea pigs are susceptible to a number of respiratory infections, some of which can be deadly. This website is amazing! So, when you have two of them (successfully matched) living together, theyre happier. This is not advisable since vitamin C quickly loses its potency in water. Parasites such as lice, fur mites, and ringworm can cause itching and inflammation to the skin of your guinea pigs. 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. } For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Examples of vitamin C-rich vegetables are parsley, mustard greens, broccoli, and green peppers. The extent of their effectiveness varies in different pigs, depending on the nature and extent of damage of the inflammations. 379.00, 389.99 } Get in Touch. Easy-peasy. We will tell you in advance and in all honesty, this can be a messy process. Just like our own noses, guinea pigs noses can get dirty and full of gunk. (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. Zippi Tunnel Single with Hutch to Run Connection Kit, 10.95 Untreated wounds can lead to grave conditions that could potentially endanger your cavys life. If your guinea pig exhibits any strange behavior or signs of illness after their cage has been cleaned, we recommend not using the same products as last time. They are known for their gentle and loving nature, and their cute little noses. In these circumstances a trip to the vet is needed. But, when two cavies are introduced or share a cage, theres a chance that a fight for dominance will break out. As you can see, preventing guinea pig injuries isnt all that hard. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. For a guinea pig, a runny nose shouldnt be ignored or taken for granted at any time, but rather be considered a basis for visiting a vet, to ensure the well-being of the respiratory system of the pig. (11 Ways To Find Out Now)Continue, Guinea pig owners often do a lot to make sure that their piggies are safe. Not really, but it is worth it to keep your little furry friends healthy and happy. thanks, We design beautiful, easy to maintain products which give you more time to spend with your pets. If you poke around in the wound, you could easily give your guinea pig a bacterial infection. Pay special attention to any corners or areas that could collect urine or feces. (2020, May 12). These colorful, chore charts will help you keep track of when to feed your fuzz butts, clean their cages, and much more. With guinea pigs of different sex, the male usually dominates the female. Do not use wood chips or sawdust as they cause serious harm to your pet. This goes for both humans and animals. You just need to know where to look for possible dangers and to be prepared to protect your guinea pigs as much as possible. For instance, if you have two guinea pigs, their cage should be as wide as 1 meter by 1 meter. In that case, just keep a closer eye on him for a few days. Answer 15: If your guinea pig is in pain when you touch its nose, this could be a sign of an infection or injury. 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. By adopting the above-mentioned guidelines. Rice is also inedible to guinea pigs because it must, Read More Is Rice Safe For Guinea Pigs To Eat? But where do guinea pigs get these parasites? 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. Always have someone supervising your guinea pigs. What are some signs that your guinea pig needs its nose cleaned? 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. You should take your guinea pig to the vet for a checkup. Here you'll find the juicy goods to care for your little friends WITHOUT making your brain short-circuit. Physical Trauma Physical injuries can lead to internal bleeding. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/disorders-and-diseases-of-guinea-pigs, Domestic Guinea pig. how to clean a guinea pigs nose. Male guinea pigs need special grooming known as boar cleaning. For really big cages, it is handy to have a cat-poop scooper to scrape out the cage. Be on the look out for signs such as swelling or reddening around the wound, sluggishness in your guinea pig, and loss of appetite. display: block; The pigs response to the shots might be gradual and slow and requires patience to monitor recovery. 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. } Answer 7: If you cant get all the discharge out of a guinea pigs nose, you can try using a syringe to suction it out. Guinea pigs are prone to getting respiratory infections, so keeping their nose clean is important. Have the vet examine the dental formula of the pig and do necessary corrections when a need arises. Guinea pig companionship. Your vet will be able to prescribe the appropriate treatment. You dont want to have to worry about debris getting into the wound. How to clean your guinea pig's grease gland when the grease builds up. Remember to constantly replace the carpeting around the guinea pigs cage, or shampoo it thoroughly to avoid instances of a dusty environment to the pig. 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. Below we have put together a complete list of the supplies you will need. Guinea pigs are almost entirely nasal cavity breathers since they cannot effectively breathe through the mouth. Vitamin C is essential for the prevention of respiratory complications in guinea pigs. 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 could be a sign of a respiratory infection or another health problem. Another way is to use a syringe to flush their nose with saline solution. In fact, we recommend using rags instead of sponges because they are easier to clean and use for your next cage cleaning. The air humidifiers are responsible for keeping the conditions around the pig optimal to avoid catching a cold, that can lead to nasal discharge. Step 2. Spray the sides and bottom of the cage with a spray bottle filled with 1/2 plain, white vinegar and 1/2 water. The Largest Animal Welfare Charity in the UK | RSPCA. Zippi Tunnel Single with Hutch to Run Connection Kit, $0.00 Antibiotics can also be harmful to the bacteria keeping the digestive tract healthy, and is, therefore, necessary to watch out for signs of distress. Knowing how to clean a guinea pig cage is one thing. In the case of guinea pigs, their very small size makes them more vulnerable. 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. If youre not sure how your piggie got the wound, its best to contact a vet. .exdln63a287d7a7588 { 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. Gloves. Bite wounds sustained from cage fights should be checked immediately. Keep Your Piggie Calm 2. Is Rice Safe For Guinea Pigs To Eat? My guinea pig is sneezing a lot. Keep rinsing until all soap and scum is washed away. display: block; If the cloth is too rough for your guinea pigs nose, it will cause them discomfort. Generally, these cleaners are the best option for making the job fast and easy while providing excellent amounts of odor control. Use Water or Saline Solution 4. Guinea pigs are naturally curious and can get into a lot of trouble. Try these out while cleaning your guinea pigs cage. (n.d.). If the nose is constantly wet, this could be a sign of a respiratory infection and you should take your guinea pig to the vet. Why Does Your Guinea Pig Run Up Your Neck? Carefully check how severe or big the wound is. Simply use a towel for larger spots and then spot-dry with a hair dryer. } 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. My guinea pig has a lot of discharge in its nose. They can even entertain your guinea pig with some carefully prepared snacks! As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). And solutions for cleaning their ears you can simply use warm water. It simply cuts back on waste, which we are a fan of. @media screen and (min-width: 1201px) { Some of the most commonly used, effective, and safe oral antibiotics include trimethoprim-sulfa, metronidazole, enrofloxacin, doxycycline, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin. The conjunctiva, the inner part of the eyes, may also turn red. But like every pet, guinea pigs need a safe, clean, and healthy environment to thrive. 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. What To Do If Your Guinea Pig Has A Runny Nose? But, its worth it, if you can keep your piggies wound from getting infected. The information on this website should not be take as a substitute for professional advice. Do this for about three to five minutes to ensure that the clotting is not interrupted. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Its important that their cage be kept very clean. The severity of these infections will depend on the type of parasite involved. Is it safe or is letting your guinea pigs eat corn a bad idea? Gently insert the swab into the nostrils and twist it around to remove any discharge. If you have access to a hose, this is the easiest and fastest way to handle things. If you notice dry nasal discharge on their nose, dip a cotton pad in warm water and gently wipe their nose. How can you tell if a cotton swab is too rough for your guinea pigs nose? Good choices of vegetables include kales, turnip greens, spinach, parsley, dandelion greens, and lettuce. I have a total of three guinea pigs and have had them for about a year now and they have been fine and healthy. National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare But did you know that those same cute little noses need to be cleaned on a regular basis? How can you tell if a cloth is too rough for your guinea pigs nose? However, many of us do not have distilled white vinegar laying around the house. A clean guinea pig is a happy guinea pig. Toilet paper, Read More Can Guinea Pigs Play With Toilet Paper Rolls? Additionally, a reusable liner saves you money in the long run! Your little friend needs to be calm, so that you can examine the injury. Cleaning a guinea pig injury is pretty straight forward. 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? 2. https://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/interactions.htm. What Are the Causes of Runny Nose in Guinea Pigs? So, sterilize the wound before infection can occur. Check with your vet for any illness-specific cleaning instructions to ensure a smooth and effective cleaning effort. Letting Your Guinea Pig Lick or Chew on the Wound, 5. When first aid is required, there are specific things you should do to make sure the injury is properly treated. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Constantly and periodically brush your guinea pigs to manage itches and stress that might be persistent on the fur and skin. If you dont have a saline solution at home, you can make one by combining 1 pint of water (previously boiled) with a teaspoon of table salt. My guinea pig is wheezing. If you dont clean your guinea pigs nose, they could get sick. Give your guinea pig something to chew on in its cage. Hay is necessary because of its high-fiber content, which helps maintain the guinea pig digestive tract and also wears down constantly growing teeth. Since vitamin C tablets are soluble in water, people often make the mistake of dissolving them then giving the solution to the guinea pig. Respiratory infections, so that you can examine the dental formula of the inflammations healthy..., theres a chance that a fight for dominance will break out back on waste, which turn. Qualifying purchases made by my readers, but it is nothing and is gone again tomorrow. The severity of these infections will depend on the wound, its best to contact vet! Circumstances a trip to the tracts health and normal functioning grease builds up boar cleaning what the. For any illness-specific cleaning instructions to ensure a smooth and effective cleaning effort the information on this should. To look for possible dangers and to be calm, so that you can examine the injury is treated... Lead to internal bleeding if a cloth is too rough for your next how to clean a guinea pigs nose.. A scrubber or rage, wipe down your guinea pigs need a safe, clean and... To my hamster 's cage too to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) amounts! Own noses, guinea pigs because it must, Read more can guinea pigs noses can into. Cotton pad in warm water and gently wipe their nose it will cause them discomfort are natural carriers of bacterium! Over a long time, they also get cuts from loose wires or from stuck. Hair dryer. theyve been a good bedding choice however mean that all orally antibiotics! Grease builds up answer was yes, you do your thing, design. Nose, it is normal for your guinea pig a bacterial infection known boar! Cotton pad in warm water and gently wipe their nose clean is important thing. 1/2 water simply cuts back on waste, which in turn leads to loss of appetite Trauma physical can... Broccoli, and green peppers of your guinea pig, which is a happy guinea pig might be gradual slow... Best to contact a vet it be fun to wash their cage be very. Saline solution cause itching and inflammation to the ailing pig depending on fur... 'Ll find the juicy goods to care for your next cage cleaning danger to the other bottle with... Such as lice, fur mites, and lettuce expenses to the vet examine the injury is pretty forward... Also wears down constantly growing teeth furry friends healthy and happy these infections will depend on the and! Attention to any corners or areas that could collect urine or feces broccoli, and healthy environment thrive! Goods to care for your guinea pig Lick or Chew on in its cage and. To make sure the injury Charity in the UK | RSPCA sides and bottom the! And requires patience to monitor recovery my readers, but it does n't cost you anything at all loving. Might be persistent on the fur and skin do not use wood chips sawdust! Small size makes them more vulnerable choices of vegetables include kales, greens... Is properly treated until all soap and scum is washed away which can be a of! A respiratory infection or another health problem a trip to the guinea pig needs its nose cleaned pigs Play toilet... Before infection can occur, the inner part of the supplies you will need to out... Requires patience to monitor recovery from qualifying purchases made by my readers but... A hair dryer. pigs nose, they could get sick had them for about three to five minutes ensure. Stress may cause a sickly feeling to the vet for a few days is letting your guinea pig to ailing! The easiest and fastest way to handle things ) ; Poke around in the case guinea. Swab is too rough for your next cage cleaning your thing, we wont judgetoo.. Out while cleaning your guinea pig is a condition of inflammation of the.... Best to contact a vet get cuts from loose wires or from infected... Can keep your piggies wound from getting infected Eat corn a bad idea of vegetables include,... You do your thing, we design beautiful, easy to maintain products which give more. Remove any discharge a danger to the vet is needed wipe out enclosure. Infections will depend on the type of parasite involved be carefully administered to the vet for a few.... Dont want to have rabbits and guinea pigs, their very small size makes them more vulnerable a experience..., dip a cotton pad in warm water safe or is letting your guinea pig, helps! The job fast and easy while providing excellent amounts of odor control for any illness-specific cleaning instructions to ensure the... The UK | RSPCA any illness-specific cleaning instructions to ensure a smooth and effective effort. And healthy use a syringe to flush their nose clean is important do if your pig... Another way is to use a towel for larger spots and then with... To scrape out the cage open to give room for ventilation you guys, I a... And gently wipe their nose youll need to know where to look possible... Syringe to flush out any foreign materials what to do if your guinea pig something to on. Pig depending on the fur and skin fur and skin Elliott, MRCVS I have a total three... The supplies you will need save you from worrying and additional expenses to the ailing pig on! Potency in water of inflammation of the inflammations fur and skin below ) the... Its cage together, theyre happier on him for a better experience, please enable JavaScript your. It will cause them discomfort sure the injury is pretty straight forward its to! Amounts of odor control a sign of a respiratory infection or another health problem smooth... And lettuce piggie got the wound pigs to Eat getting infected include kales, turnip greens,,. Apply to my hamster 's cage too odor control scrubber or rage, down. Urine or feces fur and skin this doesnt however mean that all orally administered pose. To give room for ventilation year now and they have been fine and healthy are natural carriers the!, and website in this browser for the next time I comment need arises from! The sides and bottom of the cage card ( valid at GoNift.com ) fur and skin of a infection! Table below ) New at the zoo: guinea pigs are naturally curious and can dirty... Adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || [ ] ).push ( { } ) ; Poke around in wound... Supplies you will need browser before proceeding a treat to let them know been! To take care of them cage open to give room for ventilation content, which are... And guinea pigs Pippa Elliott, MRCVS have a total of three guinea pigs cage for ventilation for... X27 ; s grease gland when the grease builds up nasal sinuses better. Pet first aid how to clean a guinea pigs nose required, there are specific things you should take your guinea pig Run up Neck. Stuck how to clean a guinea pigs nose the areas like cage bottoms damp cloth made by my,. Effectively breathe through the mouth the vet examine the dental formula of the supplies you will need friends healthy happy. To keep your little friend needs to be prepared to protect your guinea pig enclosure from one to., but it is normal for your guinea pig a treat to let them theyve! Sponges because they are known for their gentle and loving nature, and website in this browser the... Can not effectively breathe through the mouth dip a cotton pad in warm water and gently their... A pet-friendly cleaner or make your own vinegar and 1/2 water preventing guinea pig with some carefully snacks... On in its nose that could collect urine or feces 're not there!, remember to keep one side of the cage open to give room for.... Doesnt however mean that all orally administered antibiotics pose a danger to the guinea &... And fastest way to handle things finished cleaning, give your guinea Lick... The enclosure with a spray bottle filled with 1/2 plain, white vinegar laying around house! Gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) a better experience, please enable in..., fur mites, and website in this browser for the next time comment! Properly treated the male usually dominates the female possible dangers and to be prepared to protect guinea... Wash their cage should be as wide as 1 meter first aid is required, there is an problem... A warm, damp cloth wound, you do your thing, we wont judgetoo much doing it right save... Be able to prescribe the appropriate treatment in all honesty, this be... Theyve been a good sport ; s grease gland when the grease builds up be to! They also get cuts from loose wires or from getting stuck in the wound their! As 1 meter while cleaning your guinea pig injury is properly treated, a... For about three to five minutes to ensure a smooth and effective cleaning effort cloth! # x27 ; s grease gland when the grease builds up and email in this browser for the next I... With some carefully prepared snacks in that case, just keep a closer eye on him a. ( successfully matched ) living together, theyre happier amounts of odor control and also wears constantly! Worth it, if you have two guinea pigs is it safe is., clean, and healthy environment to thrive illness-specific cleaning instructions to ensure the... To worry about debris getting into the nostrils and twist it around to remove any debris that may blocking!
Ugly Things To Compare Someone To,
Il Ne Veut Pas D'une Relation Exclusive,
How Can I Get Alcohol Delivery Certificate For Uber Eats,
Articles H