Guinea Pigs
Small animals like guinea pigs need special care because they are more vulnerable than cats and dogs. They need clean, protected areas to live and exercise in. They need shelter from heat and cold. They need company.
Guinea pigs make wonderful companions for the whole family. They are intelligent, affectionate, playful and friendly. They can live 6 to 10 years if well looked after.
Essentials:
A single guinea pig is a lonely guinea pig. Always have two or more, as guinea pigs will pine and become depressed alone.
Desex your guinea pigs, or they will breed prolifically.
Dietary Requirements:
- Hay: The foundation of their diet. Guinea pigs need unlimited access to grass hay, like timothy hay or meadow hay, which helps with digestion and keeps their teeth healthy. They need hay at all times because it's high in fibre.
- Fresh Vegetables: Offer a variety of fresh veggies daily, such as:
- Leafy greens (like romaine lettuce, cilantro, parsley, dandelion greens, and kale).
- Bell peppers (for Vitamin C) are particularly important because guinea pigs cannot produce Vitamin C on their own.
- Carrots and other root vegetables in moderation.
- Vitamin C: Since guinea pigs can't produce Vitamin C, they need it from their diet. Fresh veggies and fruits (like bell peppers and strawberries) are good sources, or you can use Vitamin C supplements.
- Pellets: Choose high-quality pellets that are high in fibre and free from seeds, nuts, or dried fruits (which can be unhealthy). They should also be fortified with Vitamin C.
- Fresh Water: Make sure they always have access to fresh, clean water.
Common Diet Mistakes to Avoid:
- Too much fruit: While guinea pigs enjoy fruit, it’s high in sugar and can lead to obesity or digestive issues.
- Too much pellet food: Pellets should be seen as supplementary and not the main part of their diet.
- Leafy greens high in calcium: Avoid giving them too many greens like spinach or collard greens, which are high in calcium, as they can cause bladder issues over time (especially for rabbits).
Health checks:
Keep a close watch on your guinea pigs. If their behaviour or habits change it may be due to ill health. Trim nails regularly, check their eyes daily (they are vulnerable to injury), and look for scaly skin or bald patches.
Guinea pigs can develop dental problems like overgrown or misaligned teeth. It’s important to catch these early. We recommend six-monthly dental checks with Dr. Boersma.
Emergency:
If your cat is lethargic and not eating or drinking as usual, call us. Cats and kittens can become sick quickly and may need urgent attention.
