Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are popular household pets despite the general disdain for rodents. Yes, a Guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig because it's a rodent like rats and mice. Its popularity lies in the fact that these are small animals requiring little space and minimal care and yet provide for great happiness from their cute antics. Read on and find out how you can ably care for a Guinea pig.
First, you must place the cage indoors so that your pet can be protected from other animals and from the natural elements. The cage must be of sufficient size to allow the Guinea pig to move freely, which can aid in exercise as well. The cage must also have a soft but solid bottom to protect the Guinea pigs' delicate paws. You must regularly clean the cage to prevent the formation of harmful germs, viruses and bacteria.
Second, you have to prepare the food and water even before you take home these adorable pets. Experts suggest feeding these animals a mixture of grass hay, green vegetable salads and commercial pellets according to their health needs. You must also provide for cavy-friendly ascorbic acid to protect your pet from scurvy. When given proper nutrition, your cavy can live to be 5 years old.
Third, you should regularly check a cavy's cavities particularly its eyes, nose and ears since these are highly prone to infections. Keep in mind that Guinea pigs have the natural instinct to hide their illnesses until their owners notice but it will be too late by then. The eyes must be clear, bright and fully opened while the ears must be warm to your touch. If you see any sign of sores on these cavities, rush your pet to the vet for immediate medical action.
Fourth, your pet must be brushed with a soft baby brush on a daily basis. The purpose is to remove loose hair and, thus, lessen shedding that can be difficult to remove on the sofa. This is especially true for long-haired cavies as well as for show cavies although short-haired ones also require brushing for grooming purposes. Just remember not to give Guinea pigs baths on a daily basis since these are unnecessary until such time that these animals start to smell.
Be sure to use especially-formulated shampoo coupled with warm water for the baths. It is also important to keep the bath short to avoid the animal becoming chilled. Rub the cavy with a towel as soon as the bath is finished. Be careful about getting water into its ears as well.
Fifth, you must be an observant owner. Cavies are excellent at hiding their illnesses so it pays to watch your cavy closely for any abnormal behavior and signs. These red warning signs include refusal to eat and drink, labored breathing, loss of balance and excessive hair loss, among others. An excellent professional relationship with a veterinarian is essential in ensuring that your pet stays healthy for as long as possible.
And of course, Guinea pigs require plenty of companionship from other pets and from their owners. You must take the time to play with them as a form of social behavior training. Your pets can be the well-adjusted animals in the block. You will even hear of cavies becoming friends with your cat!
First, you must place the cage indoors so that your pet can be protected from other animals and from the natural elements. The cage must be of sufficient size to allow the Guinea pig to move freely, which can aid in exercise as well. The cage must also have a soft but solid bottom to protect the Guinea pigs' delicate paws. You must regularly clean the cage to prevent the formation of harmful germs, viruses and bacteria.
Second, you have to prepare the food and water even before you take home these adorable pets. Experts suggest feeding these animals a mixture of grass hay, green vegetable salads and commercial pellets according to their health needs. You must also provide for cavy-friendly ascorbic acid to protect your pet from scurvy. When given proper nutrition, your cavy can live to be 5 years old.
Third, you should regularly check a cavy's cavities particularly its eyes, nose and ears since these are highly prone to infections. Keep in mind that Guinea pigs have the natural instinct to hide their illnesses until their owners notice but it will be too late by then. The eyes must be clear, bright and fully opened while the ears must be warm to your touch. If you see any sign of sores on these cavities, rush your pet to the vet for immediate medical action.
Fourth, your pet must be brushed with a soft baby brush on a daily basis. The purpose is to remove loose hair and, thus, lessen shedding that can be difficult to remove on the sofa. This is especially true for long-haired cavies as well as for show cavies although short-haired ones also require brushing for grooming purposes. Just remember not to give Guinea pigs baths on a daily basis since these are unnecessary until such time that these animals start to smell.
Be sure to use especially-formulated shampoo coupled with warm water for the baths. It is also important to keep the bath short to avoid the animal becoming chilled. Rub the cavy with a towel as soon as the bath is finished. Be careful about getting water into its ears as well.
Fifth, you must be an observant owner. Cavies are excellent at hiding their illnesses so it pays to watch your cavy closely for any abnormal behavior and signs. These red warning signs include refusal to eat and drink, labored breathing, loss of balance and excessive hair loss, among others. An excellent professional relationship with a veterinarian is essential in ensuring that your pet stays healthy for as long as possible.
And of course, Guinea pigs require plenty of companionship from other pets and from their owners. You must take the time to play with them as a form of social behavior training. Your pets can be the well-adjusted animals in the block. You will even hear of cavies becoming friends with your cat!
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