Guinea Pig's Long hair PLEASE HELP!!!?

Question

I have 2 long hair guinea pigs. Their hair is really long like I can put it into a pony tail. The problem is it gets matted around their butt because of them going to the bathroom. Can I cut their hair or will it upset the piggies?? Please help!!

Answer 1

One of my pigs has very long hair. I keep the top layer longer and trim the underside and the back to keep her back end cleaner. If you're more concerned about maintenance than looks, you can clip it all shorter - it makes it a lot easier. If it's important that they look good, leave the top layer longer - trim it so it just about hits the floor but doesn't drag or get underfoot. The longer top layer and shorter layers underneath make a big difference, but you'll still need to brush them frequently to keep the top from tangling.

That's a good maintenance routine, but if they are already matted, you're going to have to cut the mats off. Be gentle and cut off small parts at a time - don't pull or attempt to comb through them. If they're just a little clumpy, you can easily cut them off, but if they're really tightly matted, read this article:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2148441_remove-f...

It's about cats, but the same guidelines apply.

I also bathe my long-haired guinea pig every two weeks or so. I use a child's detangling shampoo (only on her underside) and comb through her fur with a wide tooth comb. She tends to get soaked in urine and get things caught in her fur, so the bath is a must - just don't put them back in the cage if they're still wet!

Most pigs don't like being groomed at first, but if you're gentle , they'll get used to it and it's better than painful matting.

Answer 2

u can cut it off, they will be much happier cause they feel wet when they pee on there hair.

Answer 3

Cut the hair only to where the mats end on the guinea pig's fur so they don't have many bald spots. It may upset the guinea pigs but it's the best way to go in order to help them. Remember also to wash them from every other week to every other two weeks. Since they are long haired guinea pigs you have to treat them more by bathing them.

Answer 4

Cut it only around their bottom

Answer 5

If you bring them to a groomer they will shave them for you, like they do with dogs. Your guinea pigs will be relieved to have less weight on them and no matted hair! They might not like it while it's being cut, but they will be happy afterwards.