Guinea Pig Care Guide

Written by Dr. Barry Baker, Exotic Animal Veterinarian

Guinea pigs are friendly, sociable companions that bring a lot of personality into a home. If you’re thinking about adopting one — or better yet, a pair — this guide covers the essentials, from diet and housing to common health concerns. As an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital on the South Shore, Duxbury Animal Hospital is proud to provide knowledgeable Exotic Pet Care for guinea pigs and other small companions.

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Is a Guinea Pig Right for You?

Guinea pigs typically live 6 to 8 years and thrive on social interaction. They’re ideally kept in same-sex pairs or groups, since they can become lonely on their own. If you have a single guinea pig, be prepared to spend plenty of quality time with them and provide enrichment through toys, tunnels, and attention.

One male housed with multiple females can work, but keeping multiple males with females may lead to aggression — even after neutering. Keep this in mind when planning their living arrangements.

two guinea pigs sitting in their cage at home

Common Health Issues

Guinea pigs are prone to several health problems, so regular checkups and close observation at home are essential. The most common concerns include:
  • Dental disease
  • Gastrointestinal stasis
  • Pneumonia and respiratory infections
  • Bladder stones
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)
  • Cancer
  • Pododermatitis (sore feet)
  • Conjunctivitis (eye inflammation)
If you notice changes in eating habits, drooling, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or changes in stool, contact your veterinarian right away.
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Understanding Their Natural Rhythms

Guinea pigs are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. You’ll notice them perking up in the early morning and evening — a great time to interact, feed, or clean their enclosure without disrupting their rest.

Spaying and Neutering

Spaying or neutering can help prevent reproductive diseases, including cysts and tumors. While any surgery carries some risk due to anesthesia — especially in small animals — your veterinarian can help you decide whether your guinea pig is a good candidate. It’s a decision that can contribute to a longer, healthier life.

Diet: The Key to Good Health

Diet is one of the most important parts of guinea pig care. These little herbivores rely on hay for about 80% of their daily intake. A constant supply of good-quality grass hay, such as timothy hay, keeps their digestion healthy and helps prevent dental problems.

Alongside hay, guinea pigs need daily leafy greens, especially ones rich in vitamin C. They can’t produce vitamin C on their own, so their food must supply it — try kale, parsley, red and green bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli. Small amounts of fruit such as oranges, kiwi, or tomatoes can boost vitamin C but should be treated as an occasional snack.

A guinea pig–specific pellet with added vitamin C can be included, but should never replace hay and vegetables. Be cautious with high-calcium foods, which may contribute to bladder stones.

Housing Your Guinea Pig

Their cage should be roomy, well-ventilated, and have a solid floor, as wire floors can injure their feet. Use a soft, absorbent bedding such as recycled paper or kiln-dried pine shavings, and avoid cedar chips, whose aromatic oils can irritate their respiratory system.

It’s also critical never to house guinea pigs with rabbits. Even healthy rabbits can carry bacteria that are deadly to guinea pigs, so it’s safest to keep them completely separate.

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Questions About Your Guinea Pig?

If you have questions about guinea pig care or would like to schedule a wellness exam, our team is happy to help. Please call us at (781) 737-7820 or email info@duxburyanimalhospital.com. We want you and your guinea pig to enjoy a happy, healthy life together.

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