This post has a very simple message that I want to convey to everyone - a message that is very close to my heart, and I can never repeat enough:
Even though your guinea pig may be small, that does NOT mean he or she has small needs!
The vast majority of pets that I see in my hospital are cats and dogs, but I do see the occasional guinea pig. When they do visit, they are very often in a critical state, which means treatment is rarely possible and usually unsuccessful. Often, if we had seen the guinea pig sooner, we may have had a chance to help
So often, guinea pigs are seen as pets requiring minimal space, time, and money to care for. While most owners see a dog, and sometimes a cat, as a big investment, the same can not be said for the poor little guinea pig. I'm not sure how the reputation of "easy care" started, but it isn't correct.
Even though your guinea pig may be small, that does NOT mean he or she has small needs!
The vast majority of pets that I see in my hospital are cats and dogs, but I do see the occasional guinea pig. When they do visit, they are very often in a critical state, which means treatment is rarely possible and usually unsuccessful. Often, if we had seen the guinea pig sooner, we may have had a chance to help
So often, guinea pigs are seen as pets requiring minimal space, time, and money to care for. While most owners see a dog, and sometimes a cat, as a big investment, the same can not be said for the poor little guinea pig. I'm not sure how the reputation of "easy care" started, but it isn't correct.
Every type of pet has its own unique requirements to live a happy, healthy life, and guinea pigs are no different. If you are considering getting a guinea pig, it is so important that you research and understand the basic needs of your future pet.
The guinea pig's diet revolves around hay
The digestive tract of a guinea pig is similar to a horse, so they need plenty of hay. Hay should always be available to eat. Not providing hay can lead to some very serious diseases, namely gut stasis, which is often fatal.
Feed only timothy or grass hay. Alfalfa is too high in calcium, which can lead to bladder stones, so skip it. In addition to hay, supplement with a complete pelleted feed. This should be made specifically for guinea pigs.
A very small amount of treats are okay. Carrots, fresh kale, parsley, and strawberries are just a few of the treats you can give. Keep these to a minimum.
Feed only timothy or grass hay. Alfalfa is too high in calcium, which can lead to bladder stones, so skip it. In addition to hay, supplement with a complete pelleted feed. This should be made specifically for guinea pigs.
A very small amount of treats are okay. Carrots, fresh kale, parsley, and strawberries are just a few of the treats you can give. Keep these to a minimum.
Your guinea pig needs vitamin C
Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, and must get it from their food. It's not contained in hay (which, again, should be the main part of their diet!) so they get it from other foods. There are a lot of fruits and vegetable that contain vitamin C, but in order to consistently provide enough, it should be in the pellets. When buying pellets, check if the bag mentions providing enough vitamin C. Sadly, this isn't always the case, so don't assume the pellets have vitamin C unless specifically stated.
The vitamin C content in pellets will degrade over time, so don't feed old pellets! Resist the urge to buy a bulk supply if you won't go through it very quickly (about a month). Keep your pellets away from direct sunlight and heat.
The vitamin C content in pellets will degrade over time, so don't feed old pellets! Resist the urge to buy a bulk supply if you won't go through it very quickly (about a month). Keep your pellets away from direct sunlight and heat.
If your guinea pig stops eating, visit a vet right away!
It is not normal for a guinea pig to stop eating. This can be an early sign of gut stasis, which requires immediate medical attention. I have seen guinea pigs stop eating for 24 hours, and become very critically ill in the space of hours and die. It is really tragic to witness, because the disease progresses so rapidly. With early intervention, sometimes a guinea pig can survive gut stasis, but any delay in treatment affects the chance of a good outcome.
In guinea pigs, not eating can be dangerous.
In guinea pigs, not eating can be dangerous.
Your guinea pig needs a yearly exam
Vets recommend annual exams for dogs and cats because animals can't speak, and physical exams can pick up so much information about your pet's help. The same is true for guinea pigs. Why wait until they're critically ill before brining them in? A yearly exam lets your vet touch base with you and your pet, monitor any changes, and answer any questions you might have.
Remember, early detection of disease often positively affects the outcome.
Remember, early detection of disease often positively affects the outcome.
This is only a very brief overview of caring for guinea pigs. There is a lot more to learn and consider before getting one as a pet. The ASPCA has a great web resource with a printable PDF that provide a lot more information.
Just because guinea pigs are small, doesn't mean their needs are!
Just because guinea pigs are small, doesn't mean their needs are!