How to Keep a Guinea Pig Healthy

Even though guinea pigs are not actually classified as pigs, nor do they come from New Guinea, they are still one of the most popular household pets of our time. With a long body, short little ears, and excessive eating habits, guinea pigs have been making children happy for centuries.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guinea Pig
• Guinea Pig or other small rodent cage (preferably with a plastic bottom to avoid hurting their feet)
• Food Dish
• Water Bottle
• Plastic or wooden house (or any area in which the guinea pig can hide and sleep)
• Food (Nutriphase brand is a very good source of nutrition for guinea pigs)
• Water
• Vitamin C Drops

1. In order to keep a guinea pig healthy, the most important step is to eliminate all stressful situations for the guinea pig. The less stressed a guinea pig is, the healthier it will be. Avoid stressful situations for a guinea pig by providing them with the correct amount of nutrition and play time. Fresh food and water should be provided on a daily basis and the guinea pig should interact with people at least once a day.

2. Always add Vitamin-C drops daily to the guinea pig's water bottle. This is very important because guinea pigs need the correct amount of Vitamin-C in order to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Dosage information is found on the Vitamin-C bottle. Always use accordingly.

3. Always check the guinea pig's nails and clip them when necessary. Their nails are constantly growing and if they are not clipped on a regular basis, the guinea pig will not be able to walk correctly.

4. Always check the guinea pig's teeth to make sure they have not grown to an uncontrollable length. Provide the guinea pig with wooden chews to make sure that their teeth do not grow too far. If this happens, the guinea pig will not be able to eat and they should be taken to a veternarian right away.

5. Always check the guinea pig for any mucous that could accumulate around the eyes and nose. If mucous is present, the guinea pig could have a respiratory infection which could lead to a sudden death if not treated. If the guinea pig has mucous, take it to a veternarian immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• If at any time, a guinea pig starts acting outside its normal behavior, or if the guinea pig appears sick, always take it to a veternarian to be sure of its condition. If a guinea pig does get sick, it usually does not take very long for death to occur.