Guinea Pig Check-Up & Health Care
Today my fiancé, Lucas took our five guinea pigs to the vet! Guinea pigs should have a check-up at least once a year. This is because piggies know they are prey animals, so their natural instinct is to hide any illness that may be happening. Because they do this, you may not know your guinea pig is sick until it's too late.
Poppy and Daisy relax after the vet check-up.
Besides a yearly vet check-up, make sure you are doing a weekly check. You can do this by feeling for any lumps, checking their skin for lice, watching for excessive scratching (may be evidence of mites), and looking at their teeth. Guinea pigs are rodents, so their teeth continue to grow, so they should always have access to hay to keep their teeth at a healthy length. One cup of a variety of vegetables a day is a necessity, as well. They can also be given safe chew toys. I would encourage ordering treats from Small Pet Select.
Daisy cuddles with Poppy. She's enjoying some sun, too!
Guinea pigs have sensitive noses, so fleece bedding that is changed weekly is also a better choice than paper bedding. This way respiratory problems or infections are avoided. To avoid weight gain, make sure only 1/8 cup or 1/4 cup of pellets is the amount you give to your guinea pig each day. Some guinea pigs are picky, so it's good not to get them hooked on only pellets. Always give them a variety of foods, this is healthy for them!
Our vet told Lucas that we were doing a fantastic job of caring for our five guinea pigs. Our oldest pigs, Poppy and Daisy, are almost four years old. Usually guinea pigs are only expected to live 3-4 years. This is because pet stores only tell people the bare minimum of care. Since Lucas and I give our guinea pigs the care they deserve, our piggies may live an extra 3-4 years.
Lucas gives the piggies treats for doing well at the vet! Poppy enjoys her barley Oxbow treat.
Today it felt good to be told that our guinea pigs are receiving excellent care. They may be small animals, but they deserve the same humane care as bigger animals like dogs and cats. Lucas told me that the vet and other workers loved our five guinea pigs, many stating that they were adorable and, "You just made my day!" Not only have Lucas and I rescued five guinea pigs from the Animal Rescue League in Iowa, but we also know the research we did before rescuing them paid off. Next time you want an animal, do your research and adopt, don't shop!
xx Rae