Guinea pigs are generally afraid of water and do not prefer to bathe on a regular basis, unlike any other animals on the planet. Guinea pigs are recommended to bathe, if they are sick and dirty. Most of the veterinary doctors recommend giving a bath and there are not many external sources to help you out. 

Some of the important steps to remember before starting off the activity.

1. Calm Your Pet

As most of the guinea pigs are afraid of water, it is important to calm the pig by washing him or her. Most of the guinea pigs become anxious, if they are dropped in a bucket or tub of water all of a sudden. An alternate way of calming the guinea pig is to get wipes and gently rub on the body of the pet while applying cleaning shampoo on them. Keep a wet towel on the body, if they get frustrated and continue the process at least twice before taking them to the bathing area.

2. Add Water To The Tub Or A Bin

Add a small amount of water with a combination of 40:60 hot and cold water respectively. As guinea pigs are sensitive to the water, it is important to maintain the temperature at the right medium. Guinea pigs could get hurt, if the water is hot and could get sick, if the water is cold. 

3. Place Guinea Pig In The Tub Or A Bin

The guinea pigs should be placed gently in the middle of the tub or a bin. Provide enough time for guinea pigs to adjust to the wet environment and conditions. They tend to injure themselves, if they are left unattended. 

4. Pour Water

Make sure to apply warm water first, till they get wet completely. Repeat the process twice and pour the warm water covering their eyes, ear and nose areas. Keep pouring the hot water for about 4-5 times. Use a small mug or cup to pour water slowly, as they get panicked and the chances of falling ill is more. Keep calming the pet often and slowly wipe the dirt off from the eyes, ear and nose areas gently.

5. Applying Shampoo

Applying Shampoo could be quite challenging, as most of the guinea pigs do not co-operate. Pour little amount of shampoo on the back and continue to rub gently till you can see a nice lather. Once you see a nice lather on their fur and belly, start rubbing all over their body with fur and their belly. Rub till you see the fur stick up and bubbles in the shampoo.

6. Rinsing The Guinea Pig

You can rinse the guinea pig either by holding under a mild steam or water flow or can pour warm water on the guinea pig gently. As dried shampoo could cause skin irritation, it is important to clean all the suds and the shampoo from their body. 

7. Drying Your Guinea Pig

As Guinea pigs are sensitive to water, it is important to dry them properly after every bath. It is very much essential to dry the guinea pig immediately after the wash, as there are chances that they can catch up with cold easily. Place a large and dry towel on the guinea pig to start drying the pet and do not panic, if they start shivering. Shivering is a natural activity and it would be stopped after they dry up completely. Start rubbing on the body gently with the help of a soft towel and brush the pet’s fur with a soft comb, as the fur gets tangled out easily.