Cavies are clean animals and, like cats, they take some time every day to wash themselves. However, if you don't keep their home clean, they may start to smell and require a bath.
If your cavy needs a bath (longhairs will need them frequently) the sink is the easiest place to do it. Use warm water (not HOT) and wet them down from the ears back. Lather up some shampoo (rabbit or cat shampoo works best [check with a vet or breeder]) and gently scrub them from the ears back. Do not wash their faces because you may get soap in their eyes. Now, using warm water, rinse your cavy throughly. After you're sure all the soap has been washed away, lift them out of the sink and rub them throughly with a towel (gently). Get out a hair dryer and dry them off. If you have a hair dryer that blows more air and less heat, this is good. If not, use it on the low setting. Don't blow it on their ears or eyes. Dry them off well. NEVER LEAVE YOUR CAVY WET AFTER A BATH. (They will get sick) Now, hold them and pet them and give them a treat. Most cavies do not like baths.
All cavies should be brushed to remove the dead hair from their bodies. For shorthaired breeds and abyssinians, a toothbrush makes a fine brush. For longhaired breeds and teddies, you will need a slicker brush. They are available at most pet stores. You should brush a shorthaired or aby cavy as needed and longhairs and teddies weekly.
Cavies will also need their nails trimmed. This should be done with caution so that you don't cut the quick--the vessel that supplies blood to the nail. Just cut the tips off of the nails on all four feet. It is important for you to keep their nails trim so that their feet don't become deformed from walking on them improperly. |
