Small Animal Care: brushes and claw scissors for coat and feet
Soft pin brush, antistatic double brush and claw scissors. That way you keep the coat and claws of your rodents in good shape.
Kerbl Small Soft Wire Comb for Rodents, 16 x 6 cm, incl. Cleaning Comb
Regular price: €6.05
Small Animal Care: keeping an eye on coat and claws
Rodents groom themselves, yet they still need a hand from you. In long haired guinea pigs the coat mats quickly, and claws keep growing when they do not wear down on their own. With a soft brush and a suitable pair of claw scissors you can handle both calmly at home. Regular grooming is also a good chance to check your animals closely.
Coat care without stress
A soft pin brush loosens dead hair without pulling on the skin. With long haired breeds a short daily comb through is best, while short haired animals usually manage with one session a week. An antistatic double brush suits the change between rough detangling and a fine finish. Put your animal on a non slip surface and work in the direction the coat grows. A cleaning comb on the brush helps you remove the combed out hair quickly, so the pins stay free and the next stroke works properly again.
Claws and the regular check
A pair of claw scissors with a stainless steel blade and non slip handles cuts cleanly and does not tug. Shorten only the clear tip and keep your distance from the part with blood vessels. Good light helps a great deal here. With dark claws it is better to take a little off several times. Use the appointment for a look at eyes, ears, teeth and rear end. If something stands out, such as crusting, bald patches or swelling, contact your vet. Short, regular sessions beat rare long ones, because your animals stay calmer that way and learn that grooming is nothing to worry about.
Frequently asked questions
How often do I brush my guinea pig?
Long haired animals briefly every day, short haired ones about once a week. During the moult it may well be a little more often.
When are claws too long?
When they curve noticeably or touch down while walking. Then shorten only the tip and leave enough room to the blood supply.
May I bath my rodent?
Bathing is stressful for most rodents. It is better to brush dirt out carefully or ask at your vet practice.
Coat, claws and a regular look at your animal
Rodents keep themselves clean, but they cannot reach everywhere. Long haired guinea pigs mat quickly, and claws keep growing when they hardly wear down in the cage. A soft pin brush loosens dead hair without pulling on the skin, while an antistatic double brush suits rough detangling and a fine finish. For shortening, take claw scissors with a stainless steel blade and non slip handles and cut only the tip. Use those grooming minutes to look at eyes, ears, teeth and rear end. If something stands out, the way leads to the vet practice. Short, regular sessions beat rare long ones, because your animals stay calm that way. A non slip surface gives them extra grip and confidence while you work, and good light makes the claws much easier to judge.