Rabbit and Guinea Pig Grooming: Shampoo and Perch Care

Quick answer

Bathe rabbits and guinea pigs only when their coat is genuinely soiled, using a small-animal shampoo and drying them thoroughly. For caged birds, replace sanded perch covers when they become worn or dirty rather than washing them.

Step-by-step grooming routine

1. Assess whether a bath is needed: Check the coat for sticky residue, urine stains, or matting. If the coat is merely dusty or lightly shedding, brush or wipe with a damp cloth instead of shampooing. Common mistake: bathing on a schedule rather than only when needed. If the skin looks red, broken, or itchy, speak to your vet before using any shampoo.
2. Prepare a safe washing area: Fill a basin with 2–3 cm of lukewarm water and place a non-slip mat or towel on the bottom. Keep the room warm and free of drafts. Common mistake: using water that is too hot or deep, which can panic the animal. Never leave the animal alone in water, even for a second.
3. Wet and shampoo the soiled areas only: Dilute a small amount of Johnsons Small Animal Cleansing Shampoo in your hand, then work it gently into the soiled area, avoiding the eyes, ears, and mouth. Rinse thoroughly with clean lukewarm water until no suds remain. Common mistake: not rinsing enough, which leaves residue that irritates skin. If the animal struggles violently, stop and try a spot clean with a damp cloth instead.
4. Dry the coat completely: Wrap the animal in a towel and blot gently, then keep it in a warm, draft-free spot until the fur is fully dry. Change the towel if it becomes soaked. Common mistake: putting a damp animal back into a cool hutch or cage. Rabbits and guinea pigs can chill quickly; drying is as important as washing.
5. Replace sanded perch covers: Remove the old cover, brush off loose debris, and fit a fresh Johnsons Sanded Perch Cover, pressing it firmly onto the perch. Check that it does not rotate or slip. Common mistake: washing and reusing a sanded cover, which removes the abrasive surface. Replace covers when the sanded surface feels smooth or the cover is soiled beyond brushing.
6. Check nails and perch condition weekly: While changing covers, inspect the bird's nails and the perch for wear. If nails still overgrow despite sanded covers, ask your vet or a qualified groomer for help. Common mistake: relying on covers alone for nail health. Sanded covers support nail wear but do not replace professional trimming when needed.

Product facts

• Johnsons Small Animal Cleansing Shampoo 125ml: Johnsons Small Animal Cleansing Shampoo 125ml is formulated for small animals to gently cleanse and deodorise. The 125ml size suits occasional spot-cleaning rather than frequent full baths, so you can keep a bottle on hand without over-bathing.

  

• Johnsons Sanded Perch Covers: Johnsons Sanded Perch Covers come in a pack of 4 and are designed for caged birds to keep nails trim and the perch clean. A four-pack lets you rotate covers between cleanings, so a dirty perch never forces your bird onto an unsuitable temporary perch.