How to shave a guiena pig
Like 2 Dislike 0 Published on 30 Jun 2014
Pros and Cons to shaving your guinea pig:
Cons: You guinea pig is now sensitive to colder temps. and if they get hurt, any sores they have will be more easily infected without the protective layer of fur. Shaving can scare or shock you guinea pig- like other animals (i.e. cats/dogs) every guinea pig has it's own identity and can react differently to being shaved. Shaving your guinea pig will not relieve you from pet related allergies.
Pros: Heat and Hygiene. Shaving your guinea pig can relieve them from heat, matted hair and lowers chances of urinary tract infections. They are easier to groom when short-haired and it reduces odor.
If you are uncomfortable shaving your guinea pig- do not do it. Go to a professional Pet Groomer or Veterinarian if you believe you need it done. Or use a fine tooth comb and some barber scissors to just trim around the bottom of your guinea pig to help with hygiene.
There is no need to shave a short-haired guinea pig or even a curly haired one, only long-haired guinea pigs benefit from being shaved.
The guinea pig in this video is a client and gets shaved down twice in the summer months- 6 weeks in between those times, as per the owner's request. I would recommend 12 to 16 weeks in between shaving the whole guinea pig or only once at the beginning of summer every year. Otherwise shaving just the underbelly and/or the genitals and anus to keep up hygiene. Shaving a guinea pig is not needed but it is something one can do.