Guinea Pig Care Tips

Have you decided to adopt a Guinea pig? Congratulations! These little furballs, also known as cavies, make very cute pets! Read on as a Thorold, ON vet offers some Guinea pig care tips.

First things first: make sure your furry buddy has a clean, comfy cage. One cavy will need about 7.5 square feet of space. You’ll need to add a suitable substrate, such as aspen. You can also use fleece blankets. Avoid pine or cedar substrates, as they aren’t safe for cavies. As for furnishings, your Guinea pig will need dishes, a water bottle, and a hidey-hole, such as a pet tent. Ask your vet for more information.

Nutrition is a key component of any good pet care regimen. Your tiny friend can have commercial food for dinner and supper. To round out the little guy’s menu, supplement this with grass hay and fresh produce. Include plenty of foods that contain Vitamin C, which is crucial for your pet’s health. Ask your vet for specific advice, including safe and unsafe foods, suitable snacks, and portion sizes.

Make sure your furball has lots of fun toys to play with, including plenty of suitable chew toys. Many wood, wicker, and cardboard items are fine, as long as they are clean and unfinished, and don’t have any sharp edges or small parts. (Tip: the cardboard tubes from toilet paper rolls make great chew toys.)

Guinea pigs are very friendly and sociable. Your little pet will be much happier with a buddy to play with. Just be sure to keep only same-sex pairs together.

Living in a cage can get pretty boring for a curious little furball. Give your pet regular supervised time out of his cage. Consider getting a puppy pen, and moving it around so your furry pal can explore. Just be sure to make your home safe for your tiny buddy by removing potentially-dangerous objects. Ask your vet for recommendations.

Just like any other pet, your cavy will need regular veterinary care. At home, watch for signs of potential illness, such as runny eyes, lethargy, and unusual behavior. Ask your vet for specific advice on your furball’s veterinary care needs.

If you want to learn more about your Guinea pig care, call us today! As your Thorold, ON pet hospital, we are happy to assist.