Bathing a 8 year old Guinea pig.

[WWDrew]

My oldest Guinea pig is 8 years old and he slowing down each year but this means he likes to rest in the same spot on his poops and pees a lot of the time. Is it okay to give him a weekly bath? It’s just getting to the point where I would pick him up more often but he’s getting kinda gross to hold. My other Guinea pigs I don’t have this issue with.

 

[Wiebke]

My oldest Guinea pig is 8 years old and he slowing down each year but this means he likes to rest in the same spot on his poops and pees a lot of the time. Is it okay to give him a weekly bath? It’s just getting to the point where I would pick him up more often but he’s getting kinda gross to hold. My other Guinea pigs I don’t have this issue with.

Hi

Please give him a gentle but good initial bum wash to remove all the yuck but then use a daily gentle wipe with a damp rag and a very gently dry after afterwards. Treat for any urine scald and also check the soles for potential bumblefoot. He will also need his hair brushed regularly to help spread the oil over his body as he cannot do it for himself.

Thread 'Bathing (including cleaning grease glands)'

Mar 7, 2019

Overview
1 Bathing (Full Bath)
- When and how often should you bathe your guinea pigs?
- What items do you require for bathing your guinea pig?
- Recommended shampoos
- Getting started
- Bathing your guinea pig
- Drying your guinea pigs
2 Bum Baths (Partial Baths and Washes)
- What is a 'bum bath' and when should it be used?
- Caked on poos
- Bum hair care tips
- Boar care tips
- Care tips for older and less mobile guinea pigs (inc...

• Claire W
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Daily Care and Travel

• 

Please get hold of some vetbed betting, cut it into suitable squares and change 2-3 daily to wick away any urine from the body.
More practical care tips for looking after piggies that are not very mobile:

Thread 'Looking After Guinea Pigs With Limited or No Mobility'

Jun 13, 2019

Introduction
1 Why can guinea pigs stop moving around?
- Animal attacks, severe illness or pain
- Back leg paralysis with list of potential causes
- Post-op, sudden illness or acute pining after bereavement
2 Adapting the living space
- Bedding and cosies
- Everything within reach
- Warmth and stable conditions
3 Weight monitoring and feeding support
- Weighing daily and topping up feed
- Supplementing vitamin C...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Wiebke's Home Care Support Guides

• 

Here is our practical old guinea pig care and information collection:

Thread 'Caring for Older Piggies and Facing the End - A practical and supportive information collection'

May 7, 2021

Overview
1 Caring for Older and Frailer Piggies
- Overview of old age and its particular challenges (Guinea Pig Magazine article)
- In-depth care information
- The importance of regular health/weight monitoring and saving up for euthanasia/vet access
- Signs of illness/pain, emergency and hot weather care
- Common old age issues and practical care advice
2 Facing the End and Dealing with Dying and Loss
- Overview of the challenges and...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Daily Care and Travel

• 

Please have him vet checked for arthritis and/or kidney failure.