If there’s any animal that’s a family friendly pet, the Guinea Pig is surely a high contender. Their affectionate nature and boisterous personalities make them great additions to households with children, and owners new to caring for animals.
Guinea Pigs fall within the same family as other pocket pets like Gerbils and Hamsters. The former, however, tend to be much bigger than the latter, and have more social personalities. In fact, Guinea Pigs thrive better in pairs or multiples, and can become depressed when separated from their playmates.
Though social, male Guinea Pigs compete for dominance within its group, with one usually establishing itself as the Alpha male. This hierarchy can lead to aggressiveness, and even fights among male Guinea Pigs. Owners who have no intent of breeding their Guinea Pigs should either have them neutered, or keep males separated.
Owners should also consider spaying female Guinea Pigs to prevent potential pregnancy complications. Female Guinea Pigs are typically only able to give birth without complication within the first 6 to 8 months of age. After this timeframe, the females may experience dystocia due to the fusion of their pelvic symphysis. Dystocia is a condition where the females have difficulty giving birth.
In addition to proactively neutering and spaying Guinea Pigs, owners should also be proactive about maintaining a nutritional diet and healthy weight of their pet. Guinea Pigs are prone to obesity due to the tendency of owners to overfeed them and their naturally low-active lifestyle. A simple diet of pellets, timothy hay, coarse grain, fruits, veggies, water, and Vitamin C supplements are sufficient sources of food that will help Guinea Pigs maintain a healthy life.
Vitamin C is particularly important in preventing Guinea Pigs from acquiring scurvy. Scurvy will cause Guinea Pigs to experience stiff limbs, diarrhea, bleeding, and a loss in appetite. A loss of appetite is a serious health risk for Guinea Pigs because of how the animal’s digestive system operates. As Guinea Pigs stop eating, they develop a condition called Gastrointestinal Stasis. Gastrointestinal Stasis is when movement in the gastrointestinal tract stops, leading the Guinea Pig to become septic and in a lot of pain. This condition can be fatal for these furry companions.
In addition to a balanced diet, a Guinea Pig’s habitat is equally important to the animal’s quality of life. Guinea Pigs can be housed in cages, with bedding comprised of confetti paper or aspen. Cedar wood should be avoided as a source of bedding, as it commonly causes respiratory tract infection and allergic reactions.
Guinea Pigs are known for frequently expelling droppings. Therefore, their cages must be cleaned thoroughly and consistently, with two days being the maximum timeframe between cleanings. The smell from soiled cages can not only become problematic for owners, but can also put the health of Guinea Pigs at risk. The heavy aroma of excrement can cause upper respiratory infections like pneumonia and “Bumble foot” pododermatitis.
Aside from its habitat requirements, Guinea Pigs are mostly self-sufficient animals who also enjoy human interaction. Children are often fans of Guinea Pigs, and the animal often serves as a classroom pet in schools. Like any animal, an owner’s commitment to managing the upkeep of Guinea Pigs plays a heavy role in the pet’s ability to thrive. If you’re thinking about getting a Guinea Pig, and still have more questions on how to properly care for your furry friend, ask us a question on Facebook or Twitter! We’re always ready to help owners and their animal companions adjust to pet life. Until next time!