🧼🐾 Vet Guide 2025: How to Clean Your Guinea Pig’s Grease Gland — By Dr Duncan Houston

Guinea pigs have a naturally oily “grease gland” at the base of the spine above the tail. Its secretions help them scent-mark territory—but too much buildup can lead to matting, odor, irritation, and infection. This 2025 guide teaches you where the gland is, how often to clean it, safe methods, and when a vet check is needed. Let’s keep your cavy comfortable and clean! 😊

1️⃣ Locate & Evaluate the Gland

• 👉 Follow the spine to the tailbone—just above is the grease gland area, often sticky or matted when active :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Both boars and sows have glands, but boars tend to be messier. Intact males and dominant females may need earlier attention :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

2️⃣ How Often to Clean

• Check monthly at minimum until you see buildup—then clean as needed.
• Boars may need weekly or biweekly care; sows typically less often :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

3️⃣ Choosing a Cleaning Method

• **Coconut or olive oil**: gentle, loosens grease, moisturizes—let sit 5+ minutes, then wipe or comb away :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• **Diluted Dawn dish soap** (¼ soap : ¾ water): effective but strip oils if too strong—rinse thoroughly and moisturize afterward :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

4️⃣ Step-by-Step Cleaning

1. Gather supplies: coconut or diluted Dawn, cotton swabs/towel, organic shampoo, two towels, shallow wash dish.
2. Set your guinea pig on a towel; gently apply the oil or soap—rub lightly in secretions.
3. Let product sit (~1–5 min); distract with treats.
4. Gently remove softened grease by wiping or combing.
5. Rinse area with warm water in a dish; if using oil, add mild shampoo to remove residue :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
6. Wrap in a towel, pat dry, and return to a warm clean environment (no hair dryer!).

5️⃣ Post-Cleaning & Bath Tips

• Give a shallow pan bath (<1 inch warm water, loaf pan) only if needed :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Dry thoroughly and replace bedding to keep area clean.
• Avoid full baths—guinea pigs are sensitive and often stress easily.

6️⃣ Safety, Supervision & Key Tips

• Always supervise the first few cleanings to ensure your technique is gentle and effective.
• Trim long fur if it traps grease—be careful not to cut skin :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Look for signs of infection: redness, swelling, bleeding, pain, heat—if present, see a vet immediately :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

7️⃣ When to Contact a Vet

• Gland area appears raw, inflamed, or painful.
• Persistent unpleasant odor despite cleaning.
• Grease buildup returns quickly or turns into a lump—could indicate cysts or tumors.

📌 Quick Care Checklist

1. Spot-check gland monthly for buildup.
2. When greasy/matted, choose coconut oil or ¼–¾ diluted soap.
3. Let sit, gently wipe or comb away gunk.
4. Rinse, dry, and keep bedding fresh.
5. Trim fur if trapping grease.
6. Monitor site daily for infection.
7. Call vet if gland is swollen, sore, or returns rapidly.
8. Use Ask A Vet app for photo consultation if unsure.

🌈 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Cleaning the grease gland is a simple yet important grooming task—preventing odor, irritation, and infection. With safe techniques like coconut oil or mild diluted soap, gentle handling, and regular checks, you can keep your guinea pig comfortable and healthy. When in doubt, reach out via the Ask A Vet app or your exotic pet vet. Here's to happy, fresh-feeling cavies! 🐾📱