A Beginners Guide to Caring for a Guinea Pig

Their sweet, adorable demeanor makes them one of the most popular choices for pets, and they are a great choice for so many reasons. If you recently adopted a guinea pig, or if you’re planning on welcoming one into your family, there are several key care tips to be aware of. Our veterinarians at Blue Lake Animal Hospital explore a few care requirements below. 

Understanding Guinea Pig Behavior and How to Handle Them

Normal guinea pig behaviors include grooming each other, living together with others and sharing a nesting space. A guinea pig’s individual behaviors often vary depending on its personality type and history. Regular social interaction is necessary for a guinea pig’s happiness as they are very social animals. Consider adopting a pair of guinea pigs if possible since most do best with a companion. 

It’s normal for a guinea pig to be skittish at the beginning since they are prey animals. Trust takes time, and recognize that your guinea pig may prefer not being touched or handled when it’s in its cage. 

Housing Options for Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs may be small, but they need more space than you may realize. When choosing a proper house for yours, consider a multi-level home that gives your pet enough space to climb and play. Many houses contain ramps and second levels, as well as other features for stimulation. Paper-based beddings and fleece liners make excellent bedding, although both will need to be cleaned regularly and eventually replaced. 

Basic Nutrition

Proper nutrition is key to keeping your guinea pig healthy. Provide unlimited access to hay since this is a major part of your pet’s diet. Bluegrass, timothy and orchard grass are just a few common kinds of hay to feed your pet. Vegetables are also a staple, and guinea pigs tend to enjoy leaf lettuce, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and radicchio, which provide the vitamin C they need. Pellets also are an essential part of a guinea pig’s nutrition since they provide many nutrients. 

If your guinea pig becomes bloated or has another reaction to vegetables, talk to our veterinarians to explore possible reasons. Some guinea pigs do not tolerate vegetables well and may need a different dietary plan. 

Grooming a Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs do most of their own grooming, so you won’t need to do much for them. That being said, nail trimming must be done regularly to prevent them from overgrowing. We can assist you with nail cutting if needed. Occasional baths using a special shampoo can also help keep long-haired or messy guinea pigs clean.  

Contact Our Veterinarians for Advice

Caring for a new pet of any kind takes patience. It’s easy to learn to care for a guinea pig alongside a veterinarian. If you provide enough social interaction, proper bedding and healthy food, you’ll have a satisfied pet. For assistance, call our veterinarians at Blue Lake Animal Hospital. We are highly experienced in caring for pocket pets of all types, including guinea pigs, and can provide individual advice. Contact us now to schedule a new pet visit at our office.