Guinea pigs are popular home pets. They are affectionate and social animals that make wonderful companions for people of all ages, from youngsters to seniors. However, some people may have concerns about their strong odor or bad smell. So, let’s discuss why do guinea pigs smell bad?
As a whole, guinea pigs generally don’t smell bad. They considered having a lovely, mild, pleasant odor. They also groom themselves and are relatively clean animals overall. But, if their living space is not cleaned regularly or they have unclean bedding, they may smell bad.
Maintaining their cages clean is crucial, as giving them new bedding, food, and water reduces unwanted scents. Also, maintaining a healthy grooming routine can help decrease any unpleasant smells emanating from their hair. It is typically not suggested to bathe guinea pigs since doing so can cause their skin to become dry and take away vital oils, both of which can make any smells worse.
Why Guinea Pigs Smell?
Guinea pigs, like other animals, have waste products, and their bodies contain natural oils that can emit scents, much like other animals do. Their smell glands, found on their backs and feet, can emit a potent musty stink, which assists them in communicating with one another. Also, guinea pigs‘ distinct digestive system results in copious amounts of waste discharged in the form of feces and pee.
Another possible explanation for the smell that guinea pigs produce is that their owners do not practice proper hygiene. When their cages are not cleaned regularly, a buildup of waste and fungus can occur, which can result in a smell that is not good. In an identical vein, if their bedding is not changed frequently enough, it has the potential to grow dirty and emit an offensive smell.
What Can You Do To Reduce Guinea Pig Smell?
You are in luck since there are several things you can do to lessen the smells that are often associated with guinea pigs.
1. Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning of your guinea pig’s cage is the single most effective measure you can do to cut down on bad smells. This involves removing any filthy bedding from the cage, cleaning the cage with a cleaner suitable for use around pets, and then replacing the bedding with new material. It is advised that a thorough cage cleaning be performed once weekly; however, if your guinea pig is filthy, you may need to perform spot cleaning more frequently.
2. Good Quality Bedding
The selection of the appropriate kind of bedding is another crucial step. Steer clear of using wood shavings or sawdust as bedding for your guinea pig since these materials might get dusty and aggravate the respiratory system. Consider alternatively purchasing bedding crafted from recycled paper, aspen shavings, or fleece liners. These materials have a higher capacity for absorption and a lower potential for odor production.
3. Provide Enough Space
Check to see that there is sufficient room in the cage for your guinea pig. Scents can become more pungent if the animals are confined or do not have enough area to roam about. The minimum amount of area that a single guinea pig requires is 7.5 square feet, but providing them with even more space is excellent.
4. Appropriate Diet
The food of a guinea pig can also affect the smell of the animal. Ensure they are getting enough hay, fresh veggies, and a moderate amount of pellets in their diet. This will ensure that they have a healthy diet. You should avoid offering them items high in sugar or starch since these things might cause diarrhea and an increase in smell.
5. Grooming
Grooming guinea pigs can also help minimize their bad smell. Regularly brushing the fur of your guinea pig will remove any loose hair as well as dirt, and keeping their nails trimmed will prevent them from growing too long. You might need to give your guinea pig an occasional wash if it has long hair, but you should be careful not to do it too frequently because it can cause its fur to lose its natural oils if you do it too regularly.
How to Stop Indoor Guinea Pigs Smelling?
Smells can be produced by indoor guinea pigs even when they are adequately cared for and cleaned regularly. Here are some extra suggestions that can assist you in preserving the clean and pleasant odor of your house.
1. Choose the Right Location
The location of the cage in which your guinea pigs reside can also have an effect on the degree to which their stench permeates the rest of your home. Choose a spot that has good air circulation and stays out of the bright sunshine and regions with heavy foot activity. It is best to avoid placing their cage in a moist or humid location because this might cause a musty odor.
2. Use an Air Purifier
Purchasing an air purifier is one option for getting rid of scents in the air caused by pets. Look for a purifier that includes a HEPA filter since this type of filter can trap even the tiniest particles, such as dust and dander, from your pet. You may also use scented candles or air fresheners; however, you should be careful not to use excessive amounts of either since intense aromas might irritate the respiratory system of your guinea pig.
3. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that may be used to help eliminate the smell of pet odors. After sprinkling a little bit of baking soda inside your guinea pig’s cage and on their bedding, you should wait a few hours before cleaning it up with the hoover. You may also use baking soda to clean their cage by creating a paste with the baking soda and water, then washing the cage with the mixture to clean it.
4. Ventilate Your Residence
Proper ventilation is essential to minimize the impact of pet scents in your house. Keep your doors and windows open to bring in some fresh air, and install exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchens to assist with air circulation. You may also make use of a fan to assist in the process of circulating air around your home.
5. Consider a Litter Box
If your guinea pig has been trained to use the litter box, you should consider using one to store their waste. This can help cut down on smells and simplify cleaning their cage. Be sure to frequently change the trash, preferably produced from recycled paper or wood pellets.
FAQs
Can Guinea Pigs Stink Up the Whole House?
Although while guinea pigs can produce a bad smell (if not cared for properly), it is pretty unlikely that they will make your entire home smell terrible. The potency of their odor is determined by several factors, including their nutrition, the conditions in which they live, and their general state of health. On the other hand, if you take the necessary precautions and practice good cleanliness, you may reduce the odor and stop it from permeating your entire home.
Are Guinea Pigs Messy?
Guinea pigs may indeed be messy pets, but if you give them the proper care and attention, you can limit their mess and maintain a clean and organized living space for them.
Ending Notes
Guinea pigs can produce smells; however, if you care for them properly and practice good hygiene, you can reduce the intensity of the smell. Several significant aspects contribute to odor reduction, including routine cleaning, providing high-quality bedding, adequate space, a balanced diet, and proper grooming. Using an air purifier, selecting the optimal cage location, using baking soda, giving some thought to installing a litter box, and ventilating your house are all different approaches to maintaining a clean and pleasant aroma in your home.
You must seek the advice of a veterinarian if you are concerned about the smell that your guinea pig produces or if they smell noticeably worse all of a sudden. Since a shift in smell might be an indicator of an underlying health condition, it is essential to rule out the possibility of any medical issues.
Ultimately, giving your guinea pig the attention and care it needs may be an excellent addition to your household and won’t produce any objectionable smells. They are affectionate, friendly creatures that provide a lot of families with a lot of joy and happiness.