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My guinea pig needs a bath. Is baby shampoo safe? What water temp?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Guinea Pig | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 29 days old

My guinea pig go pee on his back. Should I go to the store and buy guinea pig shampoo and wash him, or can I use baby shampoo? All the pet stores are closed right now, it's late at night. If baby shampoo is okay for just this once, what temperature should the water be?

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 14th, 2018

A small amount of baby shampoo should be fine for a one time cleaning of your guinea pig. The water should be warm but not hot, like it would be for bathing a baby. You want to be sure that your guinea pig is dried thoroughly after the bath and is in an area that is not drafty as the big risk with bathing can be getting chilled afterwards when they are wet.

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