Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month

March is Adopt A Rescued Guinea Pig Month! Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, make very lovable and fun little animal companions. If you are thinking about adopting a new pet, please consider giving one of these lovable animals a great forever home. Read on as a Pickerington, OH vet discusses Guinea pigs.

Cavy Basics

These adorable little furballs are quite charming! They are typically around 8 inches long, and can have long fur, short fur, or even no fur. Because they are cute, friendly, and easy to care for, they are often chosen as children’s pets. Unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon for kids to beg for pets, only to soon lose interest in their cavies. Therefore, there are quite a few sweet Guinea pigs looking for forever homes.

Benefits of Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs have some great traits that really make them wonderful pets. As noted above, they’re both adorable and gentle. They can even learn some cute tricks! They’re also fairly quiet, so you don’t have to worry about the neighbors complaining. Also, because cavies usually live about 4-8 years, adopting one is a shorter commitment than getting a kitten or puppy.

Cage

Your cavy will need a clean, comfy habitat; good food; exercise and stimulation; and proper veterinary care. Give your pet a nice, roomy cage that includes lots of places to hide and play. We recommend a mesh cage with a solid floor. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Toys

Guinea pigs are very playful! Offer your pint-sized pal lots of fun playthings, including plenty of chew toys. (Tip: the cardboard tubes from paper towel rolls make great cavy toys.)

Food

Guinea pigs need lots of fresh grass hay. You can supplement this with commercial foods and fresh produce. Include lots of foods that contain Vitamin C, which is crucial to cavies. Follow your vet’s recommendations.

Health

Have your pet examined by a vet regularly. Between appointments, watch for signs of sickness. Call your vet immediately if anything seems amiss.

Handling

Guinea pigs are very sociable, and need lots of playtime and interaction to truly thrive. Be sure to pay attention to your little furball daily! We also recommend getting at least two. Just remember to only keep same-sex pairs together. Please contact us, your Pickerington, OH pet clinic, for all your Guinea pig’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!