Every family has its own preferences in choosing pets. Some people love dogs, others adore cats, there are bird lovers, and there are people who cannot imagine their home without a charming guinea pig.
Choosing a pet should be approached responsibly. Those who decide to have a guinea pig at home often wonder: do guinea pigs stink? In this article we will take a closer look at this issue and study reviews from the owners of these cute animals.
Features of guinea pigs
Guinea pigs belong to the order of rodents. These are cute small fluffy animals native to South America. Indian tribes consumed these animals for food. For these purposes, South American tribes domesticated guinea pigs another 5 thousand years BC. e.
The guinea pig is a herbivore. At home, these rodents can live 6-7 years. They communicate with each other using high-pitched sounds - squeaks. Pigs do not like to be alone, so it is better to buy a couple of these sociable animals so that they do not get bored.
Guinea pigs are kept as pets all over the world. They require quite a lot of time to take care of themselves. But if you look after them well, and most importantly, do it with pleasure, they will become true true friends. Returning to the question of whether guinea pigs stink, we can answer that this mainly depends on proper care. If you clean the cage on time, you can avoid a strong smell.
What steps should you take to stop the mumps from smelling?
Before you get a guinea pig for yourself or your child, you should ask yourself about the proper care of this furry pet so that it does not emit a bad smell. And we will tell you the main rules for caring for a rodent.
Choose the right cage for your pet and keep it clean
First, you should take care of where your pet will live and choose the right cage size for it.
If you do not want to clean and clean the cage often, then it should be as large as possible. After all, if your pet’s house is small, it will get dirty very quickly and emit an unpleasant odor, and this is not only unpleasant for you, but also harmful to the health of your pet.
Choose quality litter for your favorite pet's cage
You shouldn’t skimp on fillers, because it absorbs all the unpleasant and pungent odors. It needs to be updated as it gets dirty. It is absolutely not worth using paper as bedding for a pig, since it does not absorb unpleasant odors - the savings are not worth it.
Sawdust is the right filler. But you should not take the fine fraction, because they can have a bad effect on the respiratory system of the rodent. The ideal litter for rodents is the same one that is used for cat litter boxes. It can be changed every 3-4 days.
You can also put hay on the bottom of your pet's cage. You can also add herbs such as mint, parsley, coltsfoot to it. These plants kill the bad smell in the rodent's house, and also serve as additional food for it.
What breeds of guinea pigs are there?
In fact, there are enough breeds of guinea pigs to choose the pet that suits you best in character and appearance. The most common breeds include the following: American, Abyssinian, Peruvian, Sheltie, American Teddy, Texel, Crested, Rex, Coronet, Himalayan, Skinny. All breeds differ in coat length, color and behavioral characteristics. There are both long-haired breeds, such as the Coronet, Sheltie or Peruvian (the “furniest” breed), and short-haired ones, such as the Rex or Crested. There are guinea pigs that are very interesting in color, for example the Himalayan. Its color resembles Siamese cats. There are rodents with curly hair - texel. They look very impressive, which is why they are popular at exhibitions.
There are also completely exotic animals - this is the skinny breed. What sets it apart from others is that the animals of this breed have virtually no hair. It is present in small quantities only on the paws and face. Due to this peculiarity, some people are interested in how to maintain them, do they stink? The guinea pig (skinny breed) stinks a little less than other breeds. But this applies to the guinea pig's body odor itself. The skinny cage smells exactly the same as other breeds of cages.
Toilet training
If your pet is toilet trained, cleaning is much easier and can be done less often. To prevent odors from emanating from your guinea pig's cage, it is enough to clean the toilet once a day. Since there will be no feces on the litter, it can be changed less often.
It will not be possible to accustom a pig to a specific place; you will have to adapt to it. The pet chooses a specific place and relieves itself there. Find out where it is and put a toilet there. Lay an old bedding soaked in its scent inside. You can even put litter with fecal residues. So, the pig will intuitively understand that this is exactly the place where she always goes. Some owners reward the animal with treats. It happens that a guinea pig refuses to go to the designated toilet, in which case it is moved to another place.
It is important to clean the toilet with disinfectant every time. For these purposes, you can use soda, which is poured onto the bottom, the filler is placed on top and placed back in the cage. Thus, it is possible to delay the appearance of odor in the cage of the sea warbler.
In this way, it is possible to delay the appearance of odor in the cage of the sea warbler.
Do guinea pigs stink?
Since this issue is very important for many potential breeders, we will dwell on it in more detail. After all, for some people, it is the special smell of these animals that can scare them away and discourage them from having them at home. So, do guinea pigs stink?
Every animal in nature has potential enemies, and therefore has to adapt in order to survive. Guinea pigs do not have sharp claws or deadly fangs to protect themselves from predators. Therefore, they try to make sure they remain unnoticed. To do this, they need to get rid of their body odor so that the enemy does not smell the prey. In nature, guinea pigs are very clean; they wash themselves constantly. At home, they also take care of themselves.
Of course, if you don’t take care of your pet and don’t clean its cage, the “aroma” can be quite unpleasant. The excrement of these rodents has a specific smell, just like other domestic animals. If you clean the cage regularly and keep your pet’s fur clean, the smell will be quite acceptable.
How to prevent unpleasant odors
Despite the fact that it is unlikely that it will be possible to completely get rid of the smell of a guinea pig, the owner has every chance to make it less noticeable to himself. All that is needed for this is to clean your pet’s cage in a timely manner, try to train him to use the toilet in one place, bathe him periodically and monitor his diet.
Video: Unpleasant smell from a guinea pig
Frequent cage cleaning
The most common cause of the stench emanating from a guinea pig is neglect of cleaning in the place where the animal permanently resides. The mixture of the bedding layer of the cage and rodent excrement cannot but stink, not to mention the fact that if the pig stays in such conditions for a long time, the likelihood of developing fungal and colds, and the appearance of parasites increases. The only smell that should normally come from a guinea pig's home is the smell of fresh hay and sawdust.
Learn also about the life of guinea pigs in the wild.
The frequency of cleaning in a pet's house depends on several main factors:
- the size of the cage (if it turns out to be too small, the animal will have to go to the toilet almost under itself);
- the number of animals (a large number of rodents requires large cage sizes, otherwise you will have to clean it several times a day);
- the type of filler used (products from different manufacturing companies absorb various odors and moisture in completely different ways, so it is important to choose the most suitable option for yourself from those presented in the nearest store).
Complete cleaning of the cage is performed approximately once a week, with a complete replacement of the filler, washing of the tray, feeders and drinkers. Suitable detergents in this case include laundry and baby soap and a ten percent vinegar solution, which does an excellent job of removing traces of urine. Any chemical compositions based on chlorine are not suitable in this case, since the fumes can burn the rabbit’s sensitive nose.
Important! You should not buy unnatural litter for cat litter; guinea pigs often eat them, which ultimately causes stomach problems and, possibly, even the death of the animal.
Among the special market products, a special spray is effective and easy to use, quickly eliminating the stench of feces and at the same time being completely safe for the animals themselves. The method of using this product is extremely simple: after spraying the cage with liquid, leave it for a few minutes and wipe the tray dry with a clean, dry cloth. There is absolutely no need to wash the container after spraying.
A safe option for lining the bottom of the cage would be medium grade sawdust (only without flavorings), hay, wood shavings, corn or paper litter. Fine sawdust is not the best solution, as it often causes sneezing and irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes of guinea pigs. This covering can be supplemented with a reusable PVC mat or fleece covering laid over the filler. Any of these materials perfectly allows moisture to pass through, as a result of which the animals’ paws always remain dry.
Did you know? When it comes to visual perception of the world, guinea pigs are unlike most other rodent species. Unlike them, these animals see the world in color, even if its colors are not as saturated as when they are assessed by people.
When using toilet paper, paper towels or napkins, you will have to change them much more often, since although they absorb urine, they will not last long. To protect the bottom of the cage, you can cover it with pieces of moisture-absorbing diaper, but only if a PVC mat is laid on top of them so that the rodent does not gut everything.
Toilet training in one place
Training your guinea pig to use the toilet in one place can make the task of cleaning the cage much easier, which will reduce the intensity of the smell. By carefully monitoring the behavior of the animal, it is easy to determine which corner of its home it has chosen for its natural needs. To prevent urine from spreading over the tray, you should install a purchased or homemade tray in this part of the cage, pouring a small amount of filler into it (for example, pressed sawdust or pellets).
Pay attention to the information about how long a guinea pig lives at home.
In order for the guinea pig to quickly find out where it needs to go to the toilet, a little collected animal excrement is poured into the previously chosen place, and as soon as the animal correctly follows all the instructions, it is rewarded with a treat.
The toilet tray should be cleaned every day, replacing damaged litter and rinsing the container with soda solution. Before adding fresh filler, you can sprinkle a little baking soda on the bottom, which will help moderate the unpleasant odor in the future.
Is it possible to bathe
If you clean the cage tray every day and periodically carry out general cleaning in it, you will have to bathe the rodents much less often, especially since they themselves clean their fur quite well. Despite the name, guinea pigs do not like water and will never enter it of their own free will. Targeted washing is allowed no more than once a month, mainly after severe contamination of the fur or paws, or as recommended by a veterinarian (in particular, during the treatment of dermatological diseases).
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with information about rosette guinea pigs.
Only a special shampoo for rodents is suitable as a detergent, but it is important to avoid the use of other types or, especially, cleaning agents. The water in the bathing basin must be warm, but not hot, so that the animal does not become even more frightened. Perform all actions as smoothly as possible, trying not to jerk the animal and avoid getting water into its ears.
Before you start washing and immediately after completing the procedure, you can treat your guinea pig with some kind of treat, which will help accustom it to regular bathing. After taking a bath, the pet is wrapped in a soft, dry towel, dried thoroughly, and only then released back into the cage. If you place a wet pig in a house, then even in a warm room it can catch a cold, especially if there are drafts in the room.
Here you can learn about the characteristics of the Kui guinea pig.
The owner can help the animals take care of their fur coat with a regular toothbrush with soft bristles. Long-haired animals can have their fur trimmed slightly, which will make it much less dirty.
Nutrition
The pungency of the odor from guinea pig excrement largely depends on the nature of the food they are fed. In this regard, it would be useful to avoid giving rodents Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and Iceberg lettuce, and as treats you should give preference to oranges, kiwi, greens, white cabbage, bell peppers, and turnips.
Did you know? To express their joy, especially at the sight of their owner, guinea pigs jump in place.
You need to be very careful with tomatoes, cucumbers, pears, radishes, as they often cause diarrhea, bloating and, as a result, a strong unpleasant odor. These products are included in the guinea pig's menu in small quantities and no more than twice a week.
If you want to feed your pet radishes, then choose green tops rather than root vegetables. Among the types of hay, the optimal solution for a balanced diet would be a mixture containing mint, parsley, cilantro and dandelion. Such plants not only diversify the animal’s diet, but also make the aroma in the cage much more pleasant.
Read also about guinea pigs with long hair.
Who smells more, the female or the male?
And yet, like any animal, guinea pigs are also not without their natural smell. Many people wonder: who is better to choose, a female or a male? Does a male guinea pig stink? Or does the female smell more?
Of course, differences by gender determine various physiological characteristics, including the emitted odor. Males, when excited, courting a female or marking, emit a pungent odor that does not depend on the cleanliness of the cell. Each person relates to this smell differently. Many owners note that it goes away quickly and is not that strong. However, for some it is still quite unpleasant.
The female may begin to smell after giving birth due to hormonal changes. However, this phenomenon is transitory and for owners who love their pet, this is not a disaster.
How to care for your pet to avoid unpleasant odor
Potential breeders of these furry animals, along with the question of whether guinea pigs stink, should also be interested in the question of how to properly care for their animals in order to avoid an unpleasant odor. So, the basic rules of care:
- Correctly selected cell size. A larger home will stay cleaner longer. The size of the cage should allow the animal to allocate a separate corner where it will relieve its needs.
- Good filler. It is this that absorbs moisture and unpleasant odors, so there is no need to skimp on it. The filler must be changed regularly, avoiding excessive contamination of the rodent cage.
- Pallet cleanliness. Even if you change the filling regularly, the tray can absorb odors. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to the cleanliness of the tray and all accessories once a week.
- Cleanliness of feeders. Leftover water and food should not rot. They need to be removed from feeders and drinkers in a timely manner and washed with running water.
Natural smell
Like all living things, guinea pigs have their own scent. However, it is barely perceptible or not at all perceptible to the human sense of smell . In addition, these rodents are extremely clean, so they keep their fur clean.
You can bathe your guinea pig as needed, but not more than once a month.
Frequent water procedures wash away sebum, which performs a protective function.
Before starting the procedure, you need to prepare a fresh towel in which to wrap your guinea pig after bathing. A rodent should not be allowed to walk around with wet fur , as this can be harmful to its health.
To remove dirt and regularly care for the coat, it is recommended to comb it with a soft toothbrush.
When Can Guinea Pigs Really Smell?
If the unpleasant odor from your pet’s body is not its individual characteristic from birth and not the influence of certain factors (for example, the condition after pregnancy in females or the conditions described above in males), this is a reason to think about the state of your pet’s health. If your pig suddenly starts to smell unpleasant for no apparent reason, and even more so if this is accompanied by any other suspicious symptoms, this is a clear reason to contact a veterinarian. Do not neglect going to him, because in this case the health, and perhaps the life of your pet, depends on you.
How to get rid of the smell of sweat?
Excessive sweating and body odor can be uncomfortable, negatively affecting a person's self-esteem and self-confidence. To eliminate sweat odor, you generally need to get rid of excess bacteria on your skin and keep the area (usually your armpits) clean and dry.
The following describes the various treatment methods, and for ease of comparison, their advantages and disadvantages are briefly summarized.
Body care rules
The smell of armpit sweat is usually the most troublesome. This is due to the large number of apocrine glands located in these areas. To prevent odor, you need to keep your armpits clean and prevent bacteria from growing. To do this, you need to properly care for your body:
- Take a warm bath or shower daily to kill excess bacteria on your skin. On hot days, you can take a bath or shower twice.
- Wash your armpits thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
- After a bath or shower, use deodorant or antiperspirant.
- Shave your armpits regularly so that sweat evaporates faster and bacteria have less time to break it down.
- Wear clothes made from natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk and wool, which allow the skin to “breathe” and sweat to evaporate faster.
- Wash clothes regularly.
- Limit the consumption of spices and garlic, as they can cause sweat to acquire a specific odor. There is also evidence to suggest that consuming large quantities of red meat increases body odor.
Remedies for sweat odor: deodorants and antiperspirants
Deodorants and antiperspirants use different active ingredients, so their mechanism of action is different. Deodorants mask the smell of sweat using perfumes. Antiperspirants contain aluminum chloride (see below), which reduces sweating. For heavy sweating, roll-on antiperspirants are usually more effective.
Aluminum chloride is the active ingredient in most antiperspirants. It prevents the production of sweat. If the tips above do not help eliminate body odor, you may need a stronger antiperspirant with a higher content of aluminum chloride. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend a product that is right for you and tell you how often to use it.
Typically, an aluminum chloride solution is applied before bedtime. At night, sweat is not released, which allows the solution to penetrate the sweat glands and block their work. Thanks to this, sweating is reduced the next day. You can take a shower in the morning; this does not reduce the effectiveness of the product. As the aluminum chloride solution begins to work, it will need to be applied less frequently (every other day or 2-3 times a week).
Surgery for sweat odor
If the unpleasant body odor is very strong, and it is not possible to cope with it with the help of skin hygiene and other sweat remedies, you can solve the problem radically. So, surgeons can remove a small area of skin from the armpit along with sweat glands. Another surgical option is to remove the sweat glands along with the fatty tissue of the armpit during liposuction.
Another option is thoracoscopic sympathectomy. During the operation, the surgeon makes 2-3 small pinpoint incisions in each armpit. A small video camera (endoscope) is inserted into one of the incisions, allowing the surgeon to see on a monitor what is happening under the skin. Surgical instruments or electrodes are inserted into the remaining incisions to remove the nerves. After the destruction of nerve impulses, the apocrine glands in the armpits stop working.
Thoracoscopic sympathectomy carries the risk of damaging nearby arteries or major nerves. In addition, after surgery there may be a compensatory increase in sweating in other parts of the body. You should always discuss the risks of this procedure with your surgeon before surgery.
Botulinum toxin for excessive sweating
Another treatment used to control excess underarm sweating is botulinum toxin, often sold under the trade name Botox.
Botulinum toxin is a strong poison, but in small doses it is not dangerous to health. 12 to 20 botulinum toxin injections are given to the affected area, such as the armpits, palms, feet or face. It blocks the signals the brain sends to the sweat glands, which reduces sweating. The procedure takes 30–45 minutes, and its effect lasts from 2 to 8 months. After this, the treatment must be repeated.
Does a guinea pig stink? Owner reviews
Of course, before bringing a guinea pig into your home, responsible people will first thoroughly study all the information about these animals, including reviews from the owners.
So, does a guinea pig stink? Reviews from the owners do not hide the shortcomings of these cute animals, namely their specific smell. The phenomenon does occur, but most of all it is connected, as has been said repeatedly, with a violation of their hygiene. A certain percentage of owners claim that their pets have an odor, even despite careful hygiene. There are those who say that their pet does not emit an unpleasant odor, and if you regularly clean the cage, there will be no problems with this. Thus, the main percentage of guinea pig owners believe that if you rarely clean the rodent’s home, the “aroma” will undoubtedly be present, and if you clean everything on time, then only a small percentage of these animals will have an unpleasant odor, which is most likely due to their individual characteristics or health problems.
Housing for a pet
Guinea pigs are kept in fairly spacious cages, which should be well ventilated, but at the same time protect the animal from drafts. A layer of sawdust about three centimeters thick is laid on the floor of the cage. Choose sawdust that is not too small; it should not get into the animal’s respiratory tract. Sawdust should be changed regularly. If this is not done, not only they, but also your pet may develop an unpleasant odor.
Observe which part of the cage the pig has allocated for the “toilet”, and place another container with sawdust there. If you clean it daily, the entire cage can be cleaned less frequently. The cage should be installed in a bright, warm and draft-free place. It is not recommended to place it near heating devices or in direct sunlight.
In the cage it is necessary to install a feeder, a drinking bowl and a resting house for your pet.
