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Why is my guinea pig's ear peeling and bloody after a bath?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Male

My guinea pig has one ear that has the skin peeling off. It also looks bloody. Is it because I gave him a bath?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM

Veterinarian

Published on July 12th, 2018

Thank you for the picture, it is very helpful. I am so sorry that this is happening to Fidget - that looks painful! This should not have happened with a bath alone, and it is possible that something was happening underneath the skin, and then it just became more clear or the skin sloughed when you gave him a bath. The area looks a bit red and painful, and due to this I would recommend taking him to a veterinarian. They can prescribe a pain medication for him, and may recommend antibiotics as well. Please don’t give Fidget any human medications, as many of these can be harmful to our guinea pig friends. Until he can be taken to a vet, please keep the area clean. If needed, you can replace his bedding with towels or fleece for a few days to help with this. I hope that gives you a place to start, and that Fidget feels better soon!

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