Taking Care of Your Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs are great pets to have. They don't require too much maintenance, have fun personalities and give lots of love!

We want to share a few tips for first time, prospective and current guinea pig owners. These little guys are so much fun!

First, let's talk about food.

Timothy hay is the major source of diet for a guinea pig. In addition to hay, a small amount of guinea pig pellets may be added to the diet . Make sure the pellets are fortified so that they are getting the correct vitamins and nutrients. We also recommend adding Vitamin C to their drinking water, since guinea pigs are unable to manufacture their own Vitamin C. There are also a number of fruits and vegetables that can be used as treats. Consult with us on which fruits and vegetables to give, as there are some they cannot eat. Also, try not to give too many treats so that they can stay on a proper diet. Treats are a great way to bond with your guinea pig!

Housing

Make sure you have a large cage for your guinea pig and provide proper bedding. Shredded paper, recycled paper bedding and shredded aspen bedding works best! DO NOT use pine or cedar shavings as the oils in the shavings can cause respiratory problems. Also, sawdust should not be used as a substrate. Make sure to clean out and disinfect the cage once a week.

GP Food/Housing Checklist

• Large cage. 12' height x 24-36' width
• Proper substrate and bedding
• Vitamin C Supplement
• Timothy hay
• Treats (veggies/fruits)
• Water bottle and dish
• Food bowl
• Safe toys

Care

Nail trims are important for your guinea pig. We perform nail trims at our clinic on a daily basis, so feel free to schedule an appointment with us. Sometimes teeth trims are required as well (do not attempt on your own; only veterinarians can do this). Also, bathing and brushing your guinea pig are good grooming habits to develop. It is good to bond with your guinea pig and take them out to play frequently.

*If you see your guinea pig eating their droppings, this is normal and do not discourage it. Eating feces actually helps them digest and are an important part of their diet.

One last thing.

We want your guinea pig to be happy and healthy. If he/she shows any sign of illness, let us know.  Being a prey species, guinea pigs hide their illnesses very well. Please contact our clinic should any of the below listed signs occur.

Common Signs of Illness

• Drooling
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Swollen, painful joints and ribs
• Reluctance to move
• Bleeding from the gums
• Straining or uterine bleeding
• Hair loss
• Panting and/or convulsions
• Swelling/lameness of the feet
• Labored or rapid breathing
• Discharge from eyes and/or nose
• Excessive tilting of head
• Diarrhea
• Excessive scratching

Guinea pigs are great pets! If you have any questions about them, always call our clinic. We are happy to help you!  

What is so important about spaying and neutering?

 By having your pet spayed/neutered, you are not only helping to decrease the pet population, but giving your loved one a happy and healthy life.

Millions of healthy cats and dogs are euthanized each year in the U.S. due to overpopulation and homelessness. You can do your part to end this by having your pet sterilized at a young age. There are also health and behavior benefits for your pet that receives the spay or neuter.

Health Benefits

Longevity

Studies show that pets who are spayed/neutered, have a longer life than unaltered animals.

Cancer

Spayed females have a greater chance of avoiding cancer, including breast tumors. Also, females that are spayed before their first heat tend to be healthier than those that wait.

Neutering your male pets can help prevent testicular cancer and prostate problems.

Pyometra

Unaltered female dogs run the risk of contracting Pyometra, which can be avoided if they get spayed. Pyometra is an infection in the uterus that can occur if the female has had several heat cycles without getting pregnant.

Clinical signs of Pyometra are determined by an open or closed cervix. The most common symptom of an open cervix is excretion of pus or abnormal discharge. Other symptoms include fever, lethargy, anorexia and depression. A closed cervix is much more dangerous because the discharge collects in the uterus, causing a distended abdomen. Bacteria from the uterus drains into the bloodstream and the dog can rapidly become ill. Contact our office as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur in your dog.

Behavior Benefits

Females will not go into heat if they are spayed. A pet in heat normally will urinate all over the house, so you are saving yourself a lot of trouble by having the surgery done.

Roaming is less likely in neutered pets. Intact males like to go out looking for females and will leave your house frequently to find them. They risk getting hit by a car or fighting with other male animals.

Neutered males act much better. Intact males mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine everywhere. They are more aggressive and will mount on almost everything, including your leg. Neutering helps decrease this.

Have we convinced you?

We encourage you to do your research before spaying or neutering your pet, however, do take into consideration that there are more pros than cons for having the procedure done. You can make a huge difference in ending pet overpopulation simply by making the first step and scheduling an appointment with us.

Happy National Train your Dog Month!

Why train your dog? Why NOT?

  
Dogs don’t come programmed knowing what sit, stay or come means; nor do they know difference between an expensive pair of shoes or piece of furniture.  The moment we bring home a four-legged animal--sometimes three-legged fur child--we owe it to them to show them the ropes. The house rules need to be clear and consistent. Investing in your dog through training can provide lasting benefits. Training should be approached in a positive hands free manner with the intention of being a calm and consistent leader.  Training also allows quality time to bond with your canine companion which is key.  A genuine bond helps the both of you work as a team. A trained dog has a higher chance of staying in a forever home with a forever family. Out of pure canine logic they display gratitude through loyalty, love and slobber kisses.  It’s a win-win!

--Courtney Stauffer, Certified Dog Trainer


All of us at Parrish Creek highly recommend that as soon as your puppy is old enough, to have him/her trained by a professional dog trainer. By starting good behavior habits, you are providing a safe and healthy relationship with your dog for the rest of his/her life. While it is true that you can teach old dogs new tricks, it is more preferable to train your dog at a young age. Like a young human child, puppies soak things up like a sponge!

This new year, resolve to have your new dog trained. You won't regret it! Contact our resident dog trainer, Courtney Stauffer, for more information on getting started. Visit her Facebook page, Bark to Basics, L.L.C.