FAQ: Grooming for small pets

Nails often curl when they are clipped too rarely and do not wear down, and in older guinea pigs they become thicker and bend more. Regular trimming helps keep them straighter, and deformed or ingrowing nails are worth showing to a vet.

No, small pets’ teeth are kept clean naturally by chewing hay, twigs and other hard items. What the owner needs to do is provide enough chewing material and watch that the teeth do not overgrow, showing any changes to a vet.

No, only a vet can safely shorten overgrown teeth, because doing it wrongly can crack the tooth or damage the root. Signs of overgrowth are difficulty eating, drooling and weight loss.

Healthy small pets’ and rabbits’ ears usually do not need cleaning, just checking. If there is dark debris, crusts or a bad smell in the ear, or the animal shakes its head and scratches, see a vet.

In lop-eared rabbits the ear canal is less well ventilated, so the ears are worth checking more often. The outer ear can be wiped with damp cotton wool, but do not push anything deeper, and use ear cleaners only on a vet’s advice.

Cotton buds should not be pushed into the ear canal, because they can damage the ear or push dirt deeper. If needed, wipe only the outer visible part with damp cotton wool or a piece of gauze.

Small bits of discharge can be gently wiped away with cotton wool moistened with clean lukewarm water, using a separate piece for each eye. If there is a lot of discharge, the eyes are red, watery or the animal squints, a vet is needed.

Rats secrete a reddish-brown pigment, which increases with stress or illness. Occasional traces can be wiped away with damp cotton wool, but if there is a lot of it all the time or the rat is sneezing, see a vet.

Guinea pigs have a grease gland on the back above the tailbone which, especially in males, secretes an oily substance that coats the fur. If needed the area can be gently cleaned with a damp cloth or a guinea pig shampoo, and redness or swelling should be shown to a vet.

In older male guinea pigs, droppings and secretions can build up in the anal fold, harden and cause discomfort. The area is worth checking regularly and cleaning gently, and ask a vet to show you how to do it safely.

Rabbits have scent glands on either side of the genitals, where a dark, smelly secretion sometimes builds up. If there is a lot of it, the glands can be wiped carefully with damp cotton wool, but it is best to have a vet show you the first time.

A dirty bottom can result from a diet with too little hay, obesity, or dental or joint problems that stop the rabbit cleaning itself. Gently clean the area and see a vet to find the cause.

Hold the animal securely and wet only the soiled area with lukewarm water, gently wipe away the droppings and dry thoroughly. Do not soak the whole animal, and do not tear off stuck clumps so you do not damage the skin.

Flystrike is when flies lay eggs on a dirty coat and the hatched maggots damage the skin. Especially in summer, check rabbits’ and guinea pigs’ bottoms every day, keep things clean, and if you see maggots, go to a vet immediately.

In warm weather flies are more active and are attracted to a damp or soiled coat, so there is a risk of flystrike. Check the bottom every day, change wet bedding and keep the surroundings clean.

Parasites can be suspected when the animal scratches a lot, scabs, flakes or bald patches appear on the skin, or tiny moving specks are visible in the coat. In such cases see a vet, who will find the cause and choose the treatment.

No, products made for dogs and cats can be too strong or even toxic for small pets, especially rabbits. Use any antiparasitic product on small pets only when prescribed by a vet.

Yes, rabbits and some small pets can catch fleas from other pets in the home. If you find fleas at home, ask a vet how to safely protect all the animals and clean the surroundings.

Fur loss can be due to natural shedding, but also to parasites, fungus, stress, poor diet or fur chewing within a group. If bald patches, redness or itching appear, a vet should take a look.

Fur chewing can be linked to boredom, establishing rank in the group, stress or dietary shortfalls, especially a lack of hay. Provide more hay and space, and if the bald patches spread, talk to a vet.