Guinea Pig Care FAQS

Do you want to adopt a Guinea pig? These endearing little pets are more popular than most people believe. Guinea pigs, sometimes known as caveys, are the third most popular pet in many regions. That actually isn't unexpected given all of these guys' great qualities. They're adorable, clean, fun, friendly, and relatively simple to care for. A local Longwood, FL veterinarian shares some advice on cavie care below. Is It Hard To Care For A Guinea Pig? Guinea pigs are very easy to care for, but they require regular attention. While you will not need to walk or train your pet, you must provide new food and water every day. Waste and uneaten food should be removed on a daily basis as well. However, these things should not take long. Aside from that, just provide great TLC. make sure your pet has a comfortable environment and plenty of toys, and keep an eye out for symptoms of disease or injury. What Sort of Cage Do Guinea Pigs Require? Because your cavy will spend so much time in his cage, you must ensure that it is clean and comfortable. Purchasing the cage and assembling it is something that should only happen once; therefore, it's critical to get it properly. Here are some tips for that: Size: The number of cavies determines the size standards. For one, you'd need a cage that's at least 7.5 square feet. More cavies require more cage space. In general, bigger is always better. Material: Material is also crucial. Do not purchase a cage with a wire or mesh floor. These can not hold substrates and can injure paws and tails. Substrate: We recommend aspen or paper-based substrates. You might also go with a fleece blanket. Do not use pine, cedar, or other hardwood substrates. Because of the oils in them, they can cause respiratory troubles in tiny pets and should be considered poisonous. Accessories: No home is complete without furnishings. Begin by getting a decent hide for your furry buddies. Guinea pigs, like everyone else, require a quiet area to go when they need to relax. This is something you can genuinely have fun with. Consider acquiring beautiful things. A lovely box, a little igloo, or a pet tent are all excellent choices. A water bottle, bowls, and toys are also required for your small pet. A litterbox is optional but could be really useful. Ask your vet for particular advice on how to care for your new pets. What Will My Guinea Pigs Eat? Guinea pig diets are simple, but you should be aware of the do's and don'ts. Let's get started with the basics. Timothy hay is recommended for your pet's diet. This is critical for both your pet's oral health and digestion. Keep the hay in a clean, dry environment to prevent mold growth. Cavies can eat pellets as their main feed. In general, you should provide breakfast and dinner. Consult your veterinarian for specifics on portion quantities and serving times. You'll need to supplement your pet's diet with fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables. This is where things might get difficult. Not all foods are safe for these adorable furballs. There are also many foods that are just occasionally safe. For example, too much broccoli can cause your pet to get gassy. Be sure to stick with things you know are fine. Also, remove seeds, pips, and thick rinds from all fruits and vegetables. Wash or rinse produce thoroughly. Ask your vet for more information. What Foods Are Not Safe For A Guinea Pig? It's also critical to understand what's not safe. Some may simply produce a minor stomachache, while others can have significant consequences! Chocolate, caffeine, potato and tomato plant leaves, garlic, onion, scallions, and chives, alcohol, and fried or sugary foods should all be avoided. As the saying goes, when in doubt, leave it out. Why do Guinea Pigs require Vitamin C? It is critical to note that Guinea pig diets must include Vitamin C. Otherwise, kids risk developing scurvy or other problems. Your veterinarian may suggest that you give your pet a multivitamin or chewable tablets. You should also incorporate lots of Vitamin C in your pet's food. Romaine lettuce and delicious green or yellow peppers are two terrific options. It may appear that offering a lot of citrus is the way to go, but you must be careful not to overdo it, since citrus fruits can be acidic. Ask your veterinarian for specific advice, like portion quantities and foods to avoid. What Toys Do Guinea Pigs Need? Guinea pigs' teeth are open-rooted and constantly growing. In their natural habitat, guinea pigs would naturally wear down their teeth by gnawing on roots and tough plants. Pets enjoy softer foods, so you’ll need to provide plenty of chew toys for your furry friend to gnaw on. You don't need to break the bank to acquire pet toys. Many everyday items will suffice! Guinea pig toys can be made out of various materials, including paper, cardboard, and wicker. You can also provide simple wooden objects, such as children's blocks. There are almost no limits to the cute ideas you'll find online. Just prioritize your pet's safety. Stay away from anything small or sharp. Items with dangling ropes or cords are also hazardous. If offering wood, use only safe woods, such as apple or blackberry. You may need to conduct some research on this, as many trees and flora are poisonous to tiny animals. Even those that appear to be benign can become dangerous after being treated with pesticides or other chemicals. For further information on safe and harmful toys, consult with your veterinarian. What Other Forms of Guinea Pig Entertainment Are There? Chew toys aren't the only option available. Cavies frequently like playing with their owners and can even learn some adorable skills! Mazes are popular with tiny dogs and are simple to construct out of cardboard boxes, PVC pipe, or paper mache. Simply make sure to utilize only safe materials. Make An Appointment With Our Longwood, FL Pet Hospital! Do you have any Guinea Pig Care questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us today. As your Longwood, FL pet hospital, we are delighted to accommodate all of your pet's veterinary care requirements.