We offer a standalone well-being check/grooming for your guinea pigs on our premises.

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Well-being check (does not replace vet's advice)          

£8.00 per guinea pig (takes approx 20 - 30 minutes)

 

We also offer additional treatments/grooming for your guinea pigs. The following charges apply:

 

Nail trimming/foot spur removal                              

£5.00 per guinea pig (every four to six weeks)

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Ear cleaning                               

£5.00 per guinea pig (as necessary)

 

Grease gland cleaning              

£5.00 per guinea pig (as necessary)

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Boar cleaning (male genitals)   

£5.00 per male guinea pig (every few months from one year+)

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Haircut

£8.00 per guinea pig (as necessary)

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Bathing      

£8.00 per guinea pig (only if necessary)

 

We use natural organic coconut oil for grease gland cleaning and Gorgeous Guineas products for bathing.

 

Why is a well-being check/grooming important?

Guinea pigs are a prey species and naturally hide signs of illness or pain. Because their health can decline rapidly, regular well-being checks are essential for the early detection of issues. Identifying potential concerns early often makes them simpler to manage and can help prevent the need for more expensive, emergency veterinary treatments.

 

Our comprehensive assessment includes a head-to-paw review of your guinea pig’s weight, eyes, skin/fur, and feet, as well as their ears, nails, nose, mouth, teeth, and genitals. We also observe their gait and movement to ensure they are active and mobile. These checks are designed to identify common health concerns, including:

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• Skin and Coat Health: Screening for parasites (mites/lice), ringworm, and early signs of grease gland issues.

• Foot and Limb Integrity: Checking for "bumblefoot" (pododermatitis), overgrown nails, or foot spurs.

• Hygiene and Safety: Inspecting for signs of impaction or the risk of flystrike.

• Nutritional Health: Monitoring weight and identifying obvious signs of dietary deficiencies or dental malocclusion.

 

Please Note: A well-being check is a supportive care service focused on maintenance and early observation; it is not a diagnostic service and does not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

 

Guinea pigs require regular nail trims every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent overgrowth, which can lead to skin damage and open wounds on the feet. As part of our foot care service, we also inspect for and remove foot spurs to ensure your pet remains comfortable and mobile. Little Dolittle provides these essential maintenance tasks to help prevent infection and maintain your guinea pig's overall paw health.

 

The grease gland is located at the base of a guinea pig's spine, just above where a tail would be. Used primarily for marking territory, this gland secretes an oily substance that can accumulate and become thick or "crusty" over time. If not cleaned regularly, this buildup can trap bacteria against the skin, leading to painful irritation, sores, or infection. Little Dolittle provides careful cleaning of the grease gland to maintain skin health and prevent these complications.

 

From one year of age, male guinea pigs require additional observation and care regarding their genital health. This area is prone to a buildup of sebaceous secretions (often a cheese-like discharge) which, if left unmanaged, can interfere with normal urination. Furthermore, males can suffer from impaction, a condition where the muscles of the perineal sac weaken and prevent the guinea pig from expelling droppings naturally. Because impaction can become fatal if not correctly managed, Little Dolittle provides the necessary cleaning and monitoring to ensure your pet remains healthy and comfortable.

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For long-haired guinea pig breeds, regular hair trimming is an essential part of their welfare. Excessively long fur can become matted and easily soiled by urine and droppings, which increases the risk of skin infections and flystrike—a life-threatening condition.

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Regular ear inspections and cleaning are vital for maintaining a guinea pig’s comfort and health. Over time, wax and debris can accumulate in the ear canal, which, if left unmanaged, can become a breeding ground for bacteria or ear mites. Certain breeds are more susceptible to heavy wax production, which can lead to painful blockages or infections. Little Dolittle provides gentle ear cleaning to remove excess build-up, helping to prevent irritation and ensuring that any early signs of ear issues are identified and addressed.

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While guinea pigs typically groom themselves, a bath may be required for specific health and hygiene reasons. Veterinary professionals recommend bathing in cases where a guinea pig has a fungal skin infection, a parasitic infestation (such as mites or lice), or a severe buildup of grease and waste that cannot be managed by spot cleaning alone.

 

For long-haired breeds or senior pets, a "butt bath" is often essential to remove urine staining and debris, which significantly reduces the risk of skin scald and life-threatening flystrike. Little Dolittle follows these veterinary guidelines, using only specialized, pet-safe shampoos to ensure the skin’s natural oils are protected while maintaining your pet's health and comfort.