Have you considered adopting a Guinea pig? These adorable tiny critters are more popular than most people believe. In fact, Guinea pigs—also known as cavies—are the third most popular pet in many countries. That’s not unexpected given all of these guys’ nice qualities. They’re cute, clean, fun, friendly, and relatively easy to care for. A local Oshawa, ON veterinarian provides some insight into cavie care here.

Is a Guinea Pig Difficult To Care For?

Guinea pigs are very easy to care for, although they require some attention daily. While you will not need to walk or train your pet, you must offer fresh food and water daily. Waste and uneaten food must also be removed daily, but this should take little time. You’ll also need to make sure your pet has a comfortable environment and plenty of toys, as well as keep an eye out for any signs of disease or injury.

What Type of Habitat Do Guinea Pigs Require?

Because your cavy will spend so much time in his cage, ensuring that it is clean and comfortable is critical. Buying the cage and setting it up should only happen once, therefore it’s critical to get it correctly.

Here are some suggestions for that:

Size: The number of cavies you have determines their size. For starters, you’ll need a cage that’s at least 7.5 square feet. Of course, bigger is usually better. If you have additional cavies, they will require more cage area.

Material: Material is also significant. Avoid cages with wire or mesh floors. These will not hold substrate and may cause paw and tail damage.

Substrate: We recommend using aspen or paper-based materials. You can also choose a fleece blanket. Do not utilize substrates composed of pine, cedar, or other hard woods. Because of the oils, they can cause respiratory problems in tiny pets and should be considered poisonous.

Accessories: No home is complete without furniture. You’ll want to start by getting your pets a decent hide. Guinea pigs, like everyone else, require a peaceful area to retreat when they seek peace and quiet. You can genuinely have fun with this. Look into purchasing lovely things. A beautiful box, a little igloo, or a pet tent are all excellent choices. Your tiny furball will also require a water bottle, bowls, and toys. A litterbox is optional but could be quite useful.

Ask your Oshawa, ON veterinarian for particular advice on how to care for your new pets.

What Do Guinea Pigs Eat?

Guinea pig diets are simple, but you must understand the do’s and don’ts. Let us start with the basics.

Hay

Grass hay, like Timothy, is essential for your pet. This is critical for your pet’s oral health and digestion. To avoid mold, store the hay in a clean, dry place.

Pellets

Cavies can also eat pellets for their main feed. In general, you should offer breakfast and dinner. Ask your veterinarian for precise recommendations on portion sizes and serving times.

Produce 

You will need to supplement your furry friend’s diet with fresh, safe fruits and vegetables. This is when things may become a little complicated. Not everything is safe for cavies. 

Here are a few choices:

Vegetables:

• Dandelion Leaves
• Chickweed
• Cucumber
• Peas 
• Green peppers
• Zucchini
• Squash
• Lettuce

Certain things are only safe once in a while. Too much broccoli, for example, can cause your pet to get gassy.

Here are a few things that should only be available once in a while:

• Bananas
• Beet Greens
• Cherries
• Eggplant
• Mandarin 
• Kumquat
• Peppermint
• Pumpkin
• Sweet Potato
• Tomato
• Kiwi 
• Radishes
• Spinach 

Fruits

• Apples
• Pineapples
• Melons
• Pears
• Peaches
• Plums
• Mandarins
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Strawberries

Always remove any seeds, pips, or thick rinds from fruits and vegetables. Additionally, you should properly wash or rinse the vegetables. Never give your pet anything without first researching it to ensure its safety. Ask your Oshawa, ON veterinarian for particular guidance.

Herbs

Guinea pigs can also eat fresh herbs. Just be sure to select organic options whenever feasible. Also, make sure to fully wash them.

Here are a few choices:

• Cilantro 
• Dill
• Basil
• Lemon Balm
• Thyme
• Parsley

What Foods Should I Avoid Giving To My Guinea Pig?

It’s also crucial to understand what’s not safe. Some may simply produce a minor stomach upset, while others can have catastrophic consequences! Avoid foods such as chocolate, caffeine, potato and tomato plant leaves, garlic, onion, scallions, and chives, alcohol, and fried or sugary foods. Always be cautious. The saying goes, “If in doubt, leave it out.”

Why do Guinea Pigs Need Vitamin C?

Guinea pigs must have Vitamin C, as otherwise, they may suffer scurvy or other ailments. Your veterinarian may recommend a supplement or giving your pet chewable tablets. You’ll also need to provide lots in your pet’s diet. Romaine lettuce and delicious green or yellow peppers are two excellent sources. It may appear that serving a lot of citrus is the way to go, but you must be careful not to serve too much, since this might be overly acidic. Ask your veterinarian for specific advice, including portion sizes and foods to avoid.

What Types of Toys Do Guinea Pigs Need?

Guinea pigs have open-rooted teeth that never stop growing. In the wild, they might wear down those choppers on roots and tough plants. Pets eat softer foods, so you’ll need to provide plenty of chew toys for them to gnaw on.

The good news is that you don’t have to go broke to buy pet toys. Many paper, cardboard, and wicker products can make excellent Guinea pig toys. You can also provide some simple wooden items, such as children’s blocks. Simply put your pet’s safety first. Avoid anything little or sharp. Items with dangling ropes or cords are likewise harmful.

There are some ‘cavy-eats’ here, though. Use only woods that you know are safe, such as apple or blackberry wood. You may need to conduct some research on this, as many trees and flora are poisonous to pets. Even those that are normally safe can turn dangerous if they have been treated with pesticides or other poisons. Finally, make sure to wash and sanitize the branch before handing it out. Otherwise, you may unwittingly expose your pet to infection or disease.

Consult your veterinarian for more information on safe and unsafe toys.

What Are Your Other Entertainment Options?

Chew toys are not the only option in town. Cavies are really entertaining pets. They enjoy interacting with their humans and can learn some adorable skills! Mazes are popular among tiny dogs and are simple to construct out of cardboard boxes, PVC pipe, or paper mache. Just be cautious to utilize only safe materials.

Keeping Cavies Happy

One thing that will make your pet happier? A roommate. These guys get very lonely alone. In fact, they are so sociable that it is illegal to only have one in Sweden. We recommend getting at least two.

Make An Appointment At Our Oshawa, ON Pet Hospital!

Do you have questions about Guinea Pig Care? Please feel free to contact us, your Oshawa, ON pet clinic, today. We are happy to serve all of your pet’s veterinary care needs.