FAQ: Grooming for small pets

Store the sand in a dry place in a sealed bag or box so it does not absorb moisture or get contaminated. Damp sand clumps and cleans the coat poorly, so it needs replacing.

Larger bags often have a lower price per kilogram, so they are handy if you keep chinchillas or degus that use sand regularly. On zoogidas.lt you can compare bag sizes by price per kilogram.

No, a chinchilla’s coat is very dense and takes a long time to dry once wet, which can lead to fungal skin disease and chills. A chinchilla’s coat is cleaned only with sand baths, and a heavily soiled area is better shown to a vet.

No, hamsters groom their coat carefully themselves, and water baths cause them stress and risk of chills. If the coat gets dirty, wiping the spot with a damp cloth or offering a sand bath is enough.

Rats usually keep their coat clean themselves, but if needed they can occasionally be bathed in warm water with a mild shampoo made for small pets. After the bath, dry the rat well with a towel and keep it somewhere warm and draught-free.

Usually not, as guinea pigs groom their own coat and regular baths can dry out the skin. Bathing is only worth doing if needed, for example when a long-haired guinea pig has a dirty bottom, using lukewarm water and a shampoo made for them.

Rabbits get severely stressed easily, and a soaked dense coat takes a long time to dry, which can lead to chills and skin problems. It is better to gently wipe a dirty area with a damp cloth or show it to a vet.

Put a few centimetres of lukewarm water in a basin, hold the guinea pig securely, wet the body while avoiding the head and ears and use only a shampoo made for guinea pigs. Rinse thoroughly, towel dry and keep it warm until the coat is completely dry.

No, human and dog shampoos can be too harsh, contain fragrances and upset a small pet’s skin pH. If bathing is really needed, choose a mild shampoo made specifically for small pets.

It is usually not recommended, because the noise frightens the animal and hot air can burn the skin or cause overheating. It is better to towel dry the animal and keep it somewhere warm until the coat dries.

Dry shampoo is a powder or foam that you rub into the coat and brush out without using water. It can help clean a small dirty area, but use only a product made for animals and follow the label instructions.

Only unscented, alcohol-free wipes made for animals, because wipes for people can irritate the skin. Gently wipe just the dirty area and do not leave the animal damp.

A small pet may stop grooming because of old age, obesity, dental problems, pain or illness. If the coat becomes matted, greasy or dirty, it is worth seeing a vet to find out why.

Overweight animals often cannot reach their bottom, so droppings and urine build up there. Check and gently clean the area regularly, and talk to a vet about diet and weight loss.

Short-haired guinea pigs only need an occasional brush with a soft brush, for example once a week, and more often while shedding. Brushing removes dead hair and helps you spot skin changes.

Long-haired guinea pigs, such as Peruvian or Sheltie breeds, need brushing daily or at least every few days to prevent matting. Long coats also get dirty faster, so they are worth trimming regularly.

A soft brush or rubber glove suits a short-haired guinea pig, while a long-haired one needs a comb with wide and fine teeth and a soft brush. Choose tools made for small pets that do not scratch the skin.

Carefully tease out small tangles with your fingers or a comb, holding the hair near the skin so you do not pull it. Do not tear out large mats: it is safer to trim them carefully with blunt-tipped scissors or ask a groomer or vet for help.

Many long-haired guinea pigs benefit from regular trimming, especially around the bottom, so the coat does not get soiled or matted. Use blunt-tipped scissors and cut carefully, because the skin is very thin.

Some owners and groomers use quiet clippers, but the noise and vibration can frighten the animal, and careless use can nick the skin. If you are inexperienced, it is better to trim the coat with scissors or go to a professional.