Guinea Pig Preventive Care
The guinea pig is a rodent that derives from South America. They are docile and easily cared for and make good pets for children. On average, the life span of a guinea pig is 7 years. They have a pregnancy length of 65 days (similar to dogs) and wean their young at several weeks.
Diet
Commercial chows are best, but avoid using other rodent or rabbit chows, as these are not properly balanced for guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs have a dietary requirement for Vitamin C (ascorbate) and this may be provided in the water or in cabbage or oranges as well as crushing vitamin C tablets into fresh water daily. Small amounts of fresh hay and other fruits may be offered but sparingly.
Water should be clean and fresh and changed daily. Provide water in a sipper tube bottle.
Housing
Housing should be durable and easily cleaned. Avoid wood crates or objects as these will likely be chewed and damaged. Shredded paper provides good bedding and burrowing material. This should be changed daily. Avoid cedar shavings and saw dust. Guinea pigs may be housed together and males and females often form permanent (monogamous) couples. They may still fight so check for wounds often.
The cage should be kept out of direct sunlight and free from cold drafts. Place it in a quiet place away from noise, heavy foot traffic and larger animals.
An ambient temperature of 65-75°F should be maintained. Avoid high humidity.
Never leave your guinea pig alone with dogs or cats!
Handling
You may scoop up and cup guinea pigs with the palms of your hands but support their bodies close to yours. Do not scare them! Let them know of your presence before grabbing them.
Health concerns
In spite of good nutrition and sanitary housing, guinea pigs can develop various ailments.
Monitor activity, appetite and water intake, hair coat quality and stools as changes in these can signify disease.
Pododermatitis (inflammation of the feet) is common on wire cage flooring. Lameness may be present and painful, lame guinea pigs are not likely to eat very well. This condition should be treated by a veterinarian. A change in housing may be recommended.
Scurvy is a condition caused by vitamin C deficiency. Poor hair coat and painful joints are common. Early diagnosis is crucial in order to reverse the condition and prevent chronic problems. Prevention is key and easily done through dietary supplementation.
Barbering occurs when guinea pigs chew out patches of hair. Hair loss can also occur with numerous other diseases so it should be investigated for the potential of parasitic lice/mites, etc. If parasites are present then all who came in contact with guinea pigs should be treated with an appropriate medication.
Pneumonia can be a fatal condition caused by a viral or bacterial agent. Dirty, stressful environments are predisposing factors. Antibiotics are indicated but should be used carefully under the direction of a veterinarian as they can cause a fatal endotoxemia (toxic gastroenteritis).
Malocclusion of the teeth can lead to drooling and “wet chin” and loss of appetite. The teeth should be examined and trimmed periodically as needed.
Please provide the best diet and care possible so that your guinea pig may enjoy a longer, healthier life.
We recommend that you purchase a good reference book for guinea pig care.