Guinea Pigs

Everything you need to know about guinea pigs

Dr. Molly Kase
Brooks-Falls Veterinary Hospital

Do guinea pigs need veterinary care? Absolutely, guinea pigs require veterinary care just like any other animal.

How many breeds of guinea pigs are there? Depending on classification criteria, there are approximately 10 to 20 breeds, with variations like the satin coat guinea pigs.

Is there such a thing as short hair or Teddy Guinea Pigs? Yes, short-haired or Teddy Guinea Pigs have a distinctively short, dense coat that resembles a Brillo pad.

How long do guinea pigs live? Typically, guinea pigs live for six to eight years, provided they receive proper care.

How big exactly do guinea pigs get? Guinea pigs usually weigh between one and a half to three pounds, resembling anything from a big potato to a small loaf of bread in size.

Do guinea pigs make good pets? Yes, guinea pigs make excellent pets due to their charming personalities and ability to bond with their owners.

Are guinea pigs good for kids? With appropriate adult supervision and care, guinea pigs can be great pets for kids. They’re relatively less fragile than some other animals and can teach kids responsibility.

Guinea Pigs General Care – FAQs

Dr. Molly Kase
Brooks-Falls Veterinary Hospital

What are the best cages or enclosures for guinea pigs? For guinea pigs, larger enclosures are better to allow them space to roam. Soft bedding like fleece is recommended, along with various hideaways for comfort.

Is it possible to make your own guinea pig cage at home? Yes, homemade guinea pig cages can be constructed using materials like wire X-Pen cages or C and C grids, allowing for customization of size and features.

Can I potty train guinea pigs? Guinea pigs can be trained to use a designated area for elimination, particularly if motivated with food rewards.

Is it okay to put my guinea pig in an exercise ball? It’s not advisable to put guinea pigs in exercise balls due to their longer backs, which could risk injury.

Guinea Pigs Nutrition – FAQs

Dr. Molly Kase
Brooks-Falls Veterinary Hospital

What do guinea pigs eat? Guinea pigs primarily eat hay and pellets, supplemented with vegetables and fruits. Vitamin C supplementation is crucial for their health.

Do guinea pigs smell? With proper care and maintenance, guinea pigs don’t have a strong odor. Regular cleaning of their enclosure helps to keep them clean and odor-free.

Can guinea pigs live alone? While guinea pigs can survive alone, they are social animals and thrive better in pairs or groups.

How many babies can a guinea pig have? Guinea pigs typically have litters of two to four babies, with a gestation period of two to two and a half months.

How do wellness and preventative care impact the overall health and well-being of my guinea pig? Regular wellness check-ups and preventative care can help identify and address health issues early, leading to better outcomes and a healthier guinea pig.

How soon should I bring my guinea pig to the veterinarian if they’re not eating or drinking or if I notice that any of their normal behaviors or habits have changed or are off? Any noticeable changes in behavior or habits should prompt a prompt visit to the veterinarian to address potential health concerns.

What are some common conditions that guinea pigs can experience? Guinea pigs can experience respiratory issues, dental problems, urinary tract infections, and parasites, among other health issues common to small animals.

How will a veterinarian be able to know if something’s wrong with my guinea pig? Veterinarians conduct thorough physical examinations and may perform diagnostic tests to identify any health issues affecting your guinea pig.

What are some signs and symptoms that something is wrong with my guinea pig that I should be on alert and looking out for? Signs of illness in guinea pigs include decreased appetite, weight loss, abnormal breathing, lethargy, and changes in behavior.

Guinea Pigs Behavior – FAQs

Dr. Molly Kase
Brooks-Falls Veterinary Hospital

Why is it important to avoid self-diagnosing my guinea pig? Self-diagnosis can lead to incorrect treatment and delay appropriate veterinary care. It’s essential to let a veterinarian diagnose and treat any health issues.

Why is early detection and diagnosis of illnesses in a guinea pig so important? Early detection allows for prompt treatment, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life for the guinea pig.

If you still have other questions and you’d like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (262) 781-5277, you can email us, or you can reach out on social media. But please do reach out, and we’ll get back to you as fast as we can.