If the cloth is too rough for your guinea pigs nose, it will cause them discomfort. No skimping on plentiful grass hay, fresh water, and vitamin C. The guinea pig diet is mainly hay; we're talking about 80% hay. Trustworthy Source Simply use a towel for larger spots and then spot-dry with a hair dryer. Dont be surprised if they sniff around and act a little investigative at first. Its caused by a bacteria known as Streptococcus. Answer 12: If you think your guinea pig has a cold, it is important to take it to the vet. Untreated wood is best, as plastic can be swallowed and cause harm to your pet. Some guinea pigs kept outside have, Read More Can Rats Kill Guinea Pigs? The pigs may however choose to eat less or softer food, lose weight, and or salivate due to other health conditions. My guinea pig has a lot of discharge in its nose. It may seem confusing or even downright stressful but dont panic. Avoid using anything abrasive, as this could irritate the sensitive skin inside the nostrils. Antibiotics can also be harmful to the bacteria keeping the digestive tract healthy, and is, therefore, necessary to watch out for signs of distress. They are probably just reorienting themselves since all the familiar scents have been washed away. Kiln-dried pine is suitable for bedding if nothing else is available. Home nebulization using normal saline can also help in air humidification to avoid a runny nose. My name is Tim Rhodes and I'm a guinea pig enthusiast through thick and thin. Secondly is sinusitis, which is a condition of inflammation of the nasal sinuses. 52.95, hello, thank you for this but I'm just a little paranoid. Chronic infections can be frustrating to both the owner, the vet, and the guinea pig itself, since they may now require life-long therapy and treatment. You absolutely want a pair. Use a gauze pad or a clean towel. OUR AMAZON RECOMMENDATION FOR GLOVES: Hot Pink Two-Pack of Reusable Waterproof Cleaning Gloves. https://www.petplace.com/article/small-mammals/general/abscesses-in-guinea-pigs/, Behaviour Guinea pigs Our pets. The safest way to clean a guinea pig wound is by using saline solution or by mixing one tsp of salt into pint (250 ml) of boiled and cooled water. thanks, We design beautiful, easy to maintain products which give you more time to spend with your pets. Apples, bananas, carrots, blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, and grapes can also be given to the pigs. You can use a cotton swab or a soft, damp cloth to clean your guinea pigs nose. Step 2. 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A wire mesh cage is more preferable to a solid glass cage in this case. However, here are some tips we found that help pass the time better. All rights reserved. But, when two cavies are introduced or share a cage, theres a chance that a fight for dominance will break out. Some of the most commonly used, effective, and safe oral antibiotics include trimethoprim-sulfa, metronidazole, enrofloxacin, doxycycline, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin. Some guinea pigs wont play on their own; they need the right environment and materials to spark their interest. Respiratory stress may cause a sickly feeling to the guinea pig, which in turn leads to loss of appetite. Some signs that your guinea pig is sick include if it has a runny nose, if it is sneezing more than usual, if it has a loss of appetite, or if it is lethargic. Because things can get wild messy real quick, we HIGHLY recommend wearing old clothes and performing the cleaning outdoors. Check out what you can learn from this. Then you are good to go. I think my guinea pig has a cold. This can lead to infections and other problems, so its important to keep them clean. What could be wrong? Step 3. display: block; You will absolutely thank us for this. These might look clean, but the truth is that urine or waste can get on them too and leave nasty residue. Go to source However, it can lead to infection, which could easily turn a simple wound into a life-threatening situation. Alongside vitamin C-rich vegetables, supplements, like tablets, are also available when a high deficiency arises. From Amazon recommendations to products you might already have at home, this list has everything covered. What else should you not use to clean your guinea pigs nose? 2. 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. Other problems may include bumble-foot, shown by sores developing beneath the hoofs of guinea pigs as a result of too much pressure. Start by wetting a cotton ball or soft cloth with warm water. 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Guinea pigs are social animals that need to be around other cavies more often. ", keeping our sweet pet's home clean and safe for him to thrive. Since so much cold air slips through the frames in windows and doors, the air around gets so cold that the pig might catch a cold, and this may pose a threat to respiratory health if the pig. display: block; The pigs nose may turn red and sore as a result of itching and scratching due to contact with allergens. The air humidifiers are responsible for keeping the conditions around the pig optimal to avoid catching a cold, that can lead to nasal discharge. Congratulations to our Photo Competition Winner - @fur&feathers. Is it still bleeding? Just be sure not to insert it too far into the nostril. If we let our guinea pigs cages get dirty, it can stress them out and even pose a risk to their health. So, sterilize the wound before infection can occur. (11 Ways To Find Out Now)Continue, Guinea pig owners often do a lot to make sure that their piggies are safe. 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. I have a total of three guinea pigs and have had them for about a year now and they have been fine and healthy. I can't stand the smell of vinegar. From materials needed to steps to take, we have every single detail you need. Guinea Pig Feeding Mistakes To Avoid 1. The information on this website should not be take as a substitute for professional advice. Do it according to your climate and area. 5. Why is it important to clean a guinea pigs nose? The demand is however higher for ill, young, pregnant, and nursing pigs. Learn More, VAT Number: GB837106436 Do weekly health checks to. Answer 1: The best way to clear a guinea pigs nose is to use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away any discharge. 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. Just leave your guinea pig cage out to air-dry for an hour or so and you are good to go. Check on the bleeding afterward. However, sometimes stains are stubborn. In this sense, cleaning your guinea pigs wound may seem to be a piece of cake. Guinea pigs are susceptible to a number of respiratory infections, some of which can be deadly. Barrons Educational Series. Instead, snag a pair of (ideally hot pink) reusable dishwashing (or similar) gloves and you are set. Author: Published on: November 6, 2020 Published in: Uncategorized Published on: November 6, 2020 Published in: Uncategorized If you have several pigs, you should have a large enough cage that can comfortably accommodate all of them. The Guinea pig handbook. They should however be introduced gradually to the pigs to avoid digestive upset. Toilet paper, Read More Can Guinea Pigs Play With Toilet Paper Rolls? } ", I will be able to spend time cleaning the cage or not. Breathing is a quite easy and healthy activity. The conjunctiva, the inner part of the eyes, may also turn red. Lets be frank: time is valuable. display: block; Its therefore advisable to give enough air space, and clean bedding for the pig to avoid this problem. But, from time to time, they also get cuts from loose wires or from getting stuck in the areas like cage bottoms. 2. Are there any other abrasions? 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. OUR ULTIMATE AMAZON CAGE CLEANER RECOMMENDATION: Cage Cleaner Set for Guinea Pig Cages. Answer 3: You should clean a guinea pigs nose as often as necessary, depending on the amount of discharge present. @media screen and (min-width: 993px) and (max-width: 1200px) { The Humane Society of the United States Odds are you will be focused on scrubbing that enclosure clean, so have a family member or friend stay with your cavy. This could be a sign of a respiratory infection or another health problem. Support wikiHow by National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made by my readers, but it doesn't cost you anything at all. They should however be fed daily unless the pig becomes obese. Remember, guinea pigs have sensitive airways, so we need to take precautions not to cause them any discomfort. Where Is The Best Place To Buy Guinea Pigs. Wanna read something more boring than watching paint dry? So, you found a wound on your guinea pig. Antibiotics should be carefully administered to the ailing pig depending on the nature and culture of the bacterium causing the infection. Or even a large bowl. For advice on how to keep your guinea pig comfortable while you clean the cage, read on! Keep your guinea pigs water bottle/bowl clean and change the water daily. Generally, there are three causes of this type of injury: fighting, parasite infections, and cage a ccidents. Do Chinchillas Get Along With Guinea Pigs. Cleaning a guinea pig injury is pretty straight forward. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, ensure that someone is keeping an eye on them to keep them safe. @media screen and (min-width: 1201px) { What are some signs that your guinea pig needs its nose cleaned? Do not use wood chips or sawdust as they cause serious harm to your pet. Cleaning ears. .exdln63a287d7a7588 { A guinea pig cage is not a dish, nor is it a floor or a piece of dirty laundry. Water is vital for life. Guinea pigs may be small and cute, but they still experience pain just like humans do! Usually this sorts itself out in a couple of days. If you spot a wound on your guinea pig, make sure to take immediate action and clean it properly. 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