Expert: Nicole Bury - 11/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: I've looked everywhere and have seen totally different answers. I want to give my guinea pig a bath, he needs one pretty bad. I do change his bedding regularly but the hair is so long it can't be helped that he gets filthy. He was given to us with not much instructions. I just want to know what kind of regular shampoo i can use until i can get to a pet store. I have looked at walmart but nothing and the nearest pet store i know is almost an hour and a half away. Would any baby shampoo be alright? Thank you. -Elizabeth

ANSWER: Hello Elizabeth!
Thats funny, Elizabeth is my daughters name! Sorry silly fact!
Okay, simple. Any regular dog shampoo with nothing specail would do. A wal-mart should carry this. Baby shampoos are a NO, poisonus. Be careful with what time of year you bath him, they are SUPER heat and cold sensitive.

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QUESTION: What do you mean by nothing special? I do have one dog shampoo it's "Perfect Coat" with camomile and is passion flower scented. It doesn't smell strong. Do you think that would work? And also is there anything you would recommend for guinea pig fleas? Thanks -Elizabeth

Answer
Hello agian!
By 'nothing speial' I meant no tick flea or skin condition shampoos and no shampoos with scent or little extra perfums in them. As for fleas, you might find a flea shampoo for rabbits that would do but that would be at a pet store. Also they have $100 for a flea shot at the vets for GPs.