guinea pig hair stuck together

[Deleted member 145032]

i’ve had my guinea pig for a few months now and recently i trimmed her hair round the back. i recently noticed that there’s a poop stuck in her fur and a lump of knots.

i really don’t know what to do because i’ve tried trimming it a little bit each day since she doesn’t like being touched there, and she just doesn’t let me do it .

is there any other way i could get rid of it without using scissors, i’m scared she’s going to jump up and she will hurt herself by accident

 

[Piggies&buns]

It can be best to have two people do it - one to hold piggy and one to do the cutting. However, if the mats are close to the skin and you aren't confident, please do see a vet to have it done so piggy doesn't get hurt.

An Illustrated Guide to Hair Cutting

 

[Deleted member 145032]

It can be best to have two people do it - one to hold piggy and one to do the cutting. However, if the mats are close to the skin and you aren't confident, please do see a vet to have it done so piggy doesn't get hurt.

An Illustrated Guide to Hair Cutting

its not too close to the skin but she just gets extremely jumpy and nervous, and then i get stressed out. could i do it any other way than cutting?
i know they aren’t meant to have baths, but could i maybe just wet the area and maybe it will be easier to get rid of? thank you

 

[Piggies&buns]

Yes most piggies dont like being touched around their back end.
You could try giving a bum bath and seeing if soaking the poop for a bit will help. You will then need to try it pry it out with your fingers. I'm not sure if it will work though - matted fur usually needs cutting out

Bathing (including cleaning grease glands)

 

[Siikibam]

Perhaps let it grow out and then cut it off? Or, as suggested above, have someone else hold her (with veg to distract her) while you trim. Or, if you could get her in a tunnel with veg the other end and try that way.

 

[Deleted member 145032]

Yes most piggies dont like being touched around their back end.
You could try giving a bum bath and seeing if soaking the poop for a bit will help. You will then need to try it pry it out with your fingers. I'm not sure if it will work though - matted fur usually needs cutting out

Bathing (including cleaning grease glands)

yes i think i’ll try that but then how should i dry her? gently with a towel, or let her fur air dry

 

[Deleted member 145032]

Perhaps let it grow out and then cut it off? Or, as suggested above, have someone else hold her (with veg to distract her) while you trim. Or, if you could get her in a tunnel with veg the other end and try that way.

thank you for your help. i’ll definitely try

 

[Piggies&buns]

Rub her gently with a towel. She will still need to air dry. Ensure the room is warm and that she has some warm places to sit in her cage while she is drying off

 

[PigglePuggle]

Your photo looks to show the grease gland rather than poops? If so massage in a little coconut oil or olive oil to loosen the gunk before bathing off, its all covered in the guide that @Piggies&buns linked in above

 

[Wiebke]

yes i think i’ll try that but then how should i dry her? gently with a towel, or let her fur air dry

Please take the time to read the guide links with LOTS of pictures and videos.

I would strongly recommend to make use of our piggy whispering techniques; they are quite effective when you use a mix of asserting your authority and assuring your piggy that you still love them. Piggies pick up on your squeamishness instantly.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
Who is the boss - your guinea pig or you?

Mats and tangles are unfortunately part and parcel of having long-hairs; I have yet to meet a piggy that will enjoy to have a tangle removed from the bum although some are a lot more cooperative than others, so it is worth working on the cooperation aspect for the long term.