Paw Care

[EdvnFvrm]

Hi hi!

I’ve been seeing that some prominent piggie owners online put aquaphor on their babies’ paws. Is this something I should do just as a maintenance/comfort thing? Or is this just a dry skin remedy. I’m not super well versed in the paw department of Guinea health.

All advice or info appreciated

 

[Piggies&buns]

If there is no medical issue currently going on with their feet, then we would advise to not do anything. If there is a medical issue, then see a vet.
Sometimes putting creams etc on their feet invites trouble - it can make the skin too soft which can risk causing bumblefoot. They need their skin on their feet to be tough

 

[Wiebke]

Hi hi!

I’ve been seeing that some prominent piggie owners online put aquaphor on their babies’ paws. Is this something I should do just as a maintenance/comfort thing? Or is this just a dry skin remedy. I’m not super well versed in the paw department of Guinea health.

All advice or info appreciated

Hi

After a conversation with several vets who see guinea pigs on a regular basis, please leave paws be unless there is something actually wrong with them. They see actually far too many issues from over-cared for feet than they would like to pass across their examination table.

Overtreating feet softens the skin and makes it more liable develop tiny rips that lead to skin infections (bumblefoot). The tougher skin on the paws is a body defence.

Dry skin is actually not all that often an issue when I look at my own piggies - and then it should be assessed as to whether it is fungal or really only dry skin. Treating on spec without a proper diagnosis can quickly make things worse than better.