Keeping animals in the house can be a friend as well as entertainment for you. However, some pets that need to be caged, such as guinea pigs, can sometimes smell bad. Keeping your guinea pig's cage environment clean is the best way to reduce these unpleasant odors. Most healthy guinea pigs will keep themselves clean, but keeping some types of long-haired guinea pigs clean can be a challenge.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Keeping the Cage Clean
Step 1. Clean your guinea pig's cage at least once a week
A thorough cage cleaning includes removing soiled bedding, not just removing a small amount of dirt in the cage. After removing the soiled bedding, wash the bottom and sides of the guinea pig's cage with soap and water, rinse thoroughly, then place the new, clean mat into the cage.
After washing them with soap and water, you can use 10% white vinegar mixed with water (1 part vinegar to 9 parts water) to rinse the cage before drying it. Using this vinegar mixture once a week (every time you thoroughly clean your guinea pig's cage) can help eliminate unpleasant odors
Step 2. Clean any small debris in the guinea pig's cage every day
Especially if you have multiple guinea pigs in one cage, you should clean the cage daily and do a thorough cleaning once a week. To clean small debris in the cage, you just remove the wet bottom and replace it at night.
Most guinea pigs will use a small part of their cage as a toilet; Cleaning the toilet area daily will help reduce unpleasant odors and keep the cage clean
Step 3. Train your guinea pig to use a litter box
Cleaning the cage will be easier if you train your guinea pig to use a litter box. Look for areas where your guinea pigs use their toilets. Then place a litter box made especially for small mammals in the corner of the cage.
- To allow your guinea pig to adjust to his new litter box, add an old litter box containing his feces to the litter box so he understands that the litter box is his toilet area.
- If your guinea pig uses a litter box as a toilet, give your guinea pig a treat as a treat. If he changes his toilet area, try moving the litter box to that area.
- Clean the litter box every day. Sprinkle baking soda into the bottom of the litter box to remove odors.
- Never put cat litter in a guinea pig's litter box. The most suitable option is to use a mat that is safe for guinea pigs.
Step 4. Use a cage cleaning spray
Cleaning sprays made especially for small animal cages can minimize unpleasant odors. Look for cleaning products that are safe and effective for guinea pigs at your nearest pet store.
- To use a cage cleaning spray, remove any soiled mats from the cage. Spray the tray with a cage cleaner.
- Allow the cage cleaner to soak in and work for 3-5 minutes.
- Use a rough towel to wipe down the cage cleaner and soften any dirt stuck to the bottom of the cage.
- Allow your guinea pig's cage to dry (dry in the sun if possible), place a clean mat under the cage, and return your guinea pig to its cage.
- You should also use soap and water to clean the cage in addition to using a cage cleaner.
Step 5. Use an odor control pad
Mats made to disguise odors, such as "CareFRESH Advanced Odor Control Small Animal Bedding" can keep the coop smell good.
- Place a 2.5-7.5 cm thick mat at the bottom of the guinea pig's cage. Be sure to shovel wet and soiled mats every day.
- Even though odor masking mats can make your guinea pig's cage smell better, you should still clean the cage well and replace the bedding at least once a week.
Method 2 of 2: Cleaning the Guinea Pig
Step 1. Bathe your guinea pig only when needed to keep it clean
Most guinea pigs can take care of their own hygiene, but some types of guinea pigs with long hair need to be bathed more often.
- Bathing your guinea pig can cause your guinea pig to get sick because they get cold easily. Minimize this risk by covering him with a warm towel until his fur is completely dry.
- With regular grooming and brushing, you don't have to bathe your long-haired guinea pig as often. You can comb your guinea pig with a soft baby comb. It's also a good idea to trim your guinea pig's long fur on its bottom to prevent it from getting dirty when your guinea pig defecates.
- If you think your guinea pig needs to be bathed frequently, talk to your vet to weigh the risks and benefits of having your guinea pig clean.
Step 2. Use a shampoo suitable for your guinea pig
Be sure to use a shampoo that is specifically labeled and safe for guinea pigs. Avoid using human shampoo or laundry soap as they are too harsh for guinea pigs and can cause skin irritation.
Some shampoos that are safe to use are "Scentsations Premium Small Animal Shampoo" and "Posh 'n Go Protein Shampoo"
Step 3. Check the guinea pig's ears
Guinea pigs produce grayish earwax that is usually odorless. If your guinea pig's ears have an unpleasant odor or are reddish in color, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian; Your guinea pig may have an ear infection.
Step 4. Provide long-stemmed fibers such as timothy hay
Guinea pigs need hay to keep their teeth strong and keep their digestive tract in balance. Adding mint, dandelion, parsley, or coriander to the hay can keep your guinea pig's cage smelling good and can be a healthy food for your guinea pig.
Step 5. Do not feed your guinea pig with unsuitable food
Some foods can cause your guinea pig to keep on passing gas and will give him an upset stomach. Some foods to avoid are lettuce, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Some meal replacement snacks that can be given to guinea pigs are kiwi, oranges, and peppers. These treats are high in vitamin C, which guinea pigs need to grow. Leafy greens like cabbage, parsley, mustard greens, and horseradish are also great choices
Tips
- Only bathe your guinea pig when it starts to smell bad. Guinea pigs are very clean mammals in many situations.
- Be sure to dry your guinea pig thoroughly after bathing to prevent your guinea pig from getting cold.
- Clean your guinea pig's cage with a scented cage cleaner that's safe for guinea pigs.
- Clean the cage thoroughly every week. Disassemble the cage and remove soiled mats. If possible, dry the cage in the sun.
- Female guinea pigs don't smell like male guinea pigs. If you don't have a guinea pig yet, consider adopting a female guinea pig.
- Always make sure to trim your guinea pig's fur with long hair to keep it clean.
Warning
- Cleaning your guinea pig frequently can remove the oils that your guinea pig's coat and skin need to produce healthy coats. Your guinea pig will start to have blackheads on his body if you bathe him too often. Bathing your guinea pig more than once per month is actually not required, unless your vet has advised you to do so due to a medical problem.
- Introduce your guinea pig gradually to the bathing process by bathing it slowly. Let your guinea pig get used to being submerged in 2.5 cm of water, give your guinea pig its favorite treats, and give it a gentle wash. Then, add shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Not all guinea pigs will enjoy bathing, but guinea pigs can learn to tolerate the process.
