Guinea Pig Care Tips

Are you thinking of adopting a Guinea pig? These adorable little pets are far more popular than many people know. In fact, Guinea pigs—also known as cavies—are the third most popular pet in many areas. That’s not unexpected given all of these guys’ wonderful characteristics. They’re adorable, clean, entertaining, friendly, and relatively easy to care for. A local Brooklyn, NY veterinarian shares some advice on cavy care below.

Are Guinea Pigs Very Difficult To Care For?

Guinea pigs are relatively simple to care for, although they do require some attention every day. While you will not need to walk or train your pet, you will need to offer fresh food and water on a daily basis. Waste and uneaten food must be removed on a daily basis, which should not take long. You’ll also need to provide your pet with a comfortable environment and plenty of toys, and keep an eye out for signs of disease or injury.

What Type Of Habitat Do Guinea Pigs Require?

Because your cavy will spend so much time in his cage, keeping it clean and comfortable is critical. Purchasing the cage and assembling it should only happen once, therefore it’s critical to get everything properly.

Here are some pointers for that:

Size: For one cavy, you’ll need a cage measuring at least 7.5 square feet. Of course, bigger is better.  More cavies means more cage space. We would strongly advise against getting just one: Guinea pigs need friends! 

Material: The material is also crucial. Avoid cages that have a wire or mesh floor. These can not hold substrate and can cause paw and tail injuries.

Substrate: For the substrate, we recommend aspen or paper-based materials. You can also choose a fleece blanket. Avoid using substrates made from pine, cedar, or other hard woods. Because of the oils in them, they can cause respiratory problems in tiny pets and should be considered poisonous.

Accessories: No house is complete without furniture. You should start by getting your pets a good hide. Guinea pigs, like everyone else, need a quiet spot to go when they need to unwind. You can have some fun with this. Look into purchasing nice items. A lovely box, a little igloo, or a pet tent are all good possibilities. Your small pet will also want a water bottle, bowls, and toys. A litterbox is optional but can be quite useful.

Ask your Brooklyn, NY veterinarian for specialized advice on caring for your new pets.

What Do Guinea Pigs Eat?

Diets for Guinea pigs are simple, but you need to be aware of the do’s and don’ts. Let’s begin with the basics.

Provide Timothy hay for your pet. This is essential for your pet’s dental health and digestion, and will also make up the bulk of their food pyramid. To prevent mold growth, store the hay in a clean, dry environment.

Cavies can also eat pellets as their main feed. Generally, you should serve these for breakfast and dinner. Consult your veterinarian for precise guidance on portion sizes and serving times.

Finally, we have produce. You’ll need to supplement your pet’s diet with fresh, safe fruits and vegetables. This is when things could become a little complicated. Not all fruits and veggies are okay for little animals. Some are even unsafe! There are also some foods that are only safe on rare occasions. For example, eating too much broccoli may cause your pet to become gassy. Never give your Guinea pigs anything without first conducting study to ensure its safety. Consult your Brooklyn, NY veterinarian for particular recommendations.

What Foods Should I Avoid Feeding Guinea Pigs?

It is also critical to understand what isn’t safe. Some may simply produce a minor stomach upset, while others might have major consequences! Chocolate, caffeine, potato and tomato plant leaves, garlic, onion, scallions, and chives, alcohol, and fried or sugary foods should all be avoided. 

Ask your vet for more information.

Why Do Guinea Pigs Require Vitamin C?

One important aspect of Guinea pig diets is that these animals must have Vitamin C. Otherwise, they may contract scurvy or other ailments. Your veterinarian may recommend a supplement or chewable tablets for your pet. You’ll also want to incorporate lots in your pet’s food. Romaine lettuce and delicious green or yellow peppers are excellent sources. Citrus can be too acidic, so it should be given in moderation. Ask your vet for specific advice, like portion sizes and foods to avoid.

What Kind of Toys Do Guinea Pigs Need?

Guinea pigs have open-rooted teeth that will always continue to grow. In the wild, those choppers could be worn down by roots and strong vegetation. Pets enjoy softer foods, so provide your furry friend with plenty of chew toys to keep him entertained.

The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on pet toys. Guinea pig toys can be made from a variety of materials, including paper, cardboard, and wicker. You can also provide some basic wood products, like children’s blocks. There’s absolutely no limit to the cute ideas you can find online! Just put your pet’s safety first. Avoid anything that is small or sharp. Items with dangling ropes or cords are also dangerous.

Consult your veterinarian for more information on safe and dangerous toys.

What Other Entertainment Options Are There?

Chew toys are not the only game in town. Cavies are delightful pets. They like playing with their humans and can even learn some adorable tricks, like turning in circles. Mazes are popular with tiny dogs and can be easily made from cardboard boxes, PVC pipe, or paper mache. Just make sure you use only safe stuff.

Should I Cover My Guinea Pig’s Cage At Night?

This is not only needless, but it may also have negative consequences. That cage cover will block airflow, making your cavy cage humid and stagnant. This could result in respiratory problems and possibly breeding troubles. Only cover one if your vet suggests it.

Keeping the Cavies Happy

Last but not least, we’d want to assist you earn some wheeks, which are adorable Guinea pig noises. We probably don’t have to say how cute these are! 

Schedule An Appointment at Our Brooklyn, NY Pet Hospital!

Have you got any questions concerning Guinea Pig Care? Please feel free to contact us today. As your Brooklyn, NY pet hospital, we are delighted to meet all of your pet’s veterinary requirements.