Guinea Pig Care Guide
Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Guinea Pig Happy and Healthy
Guinea pigs are friendly, sociable pets that bring a lot of personality into a home. If you're thinking about adopting one—or even better, a pair—this guide will walk you through the essentials of caring for them. From diet and housing to common health concerns, we’ve got you covered.
Is a Guinea Pig Right for You?
Guinea pigs typically live 6 to 8 years, and they thrive on social interaction. They should ideally be kept in same-sex pairs or groups, as they can get lonely if left on their own. If you have just one, be prepared to spend plenty of quality time with them and offer lots of enrichment through toys, tunnels, and attention.
While one male housed with multiple females can work, keeping multiple males with females may cause aggression—even if they’ve been neutered. Keep this in mind when planning their living arrangements.
Understanding Their Natural Rhythms
Guinea pigs are crepuscular, meaning theyre most active at dawn and dusk. Youll notice them perking up in the early morning and evening, which is a great time to interact, feed, or clean their enclosure without disrupting their rest.
Housing Your Guinea Pig
Their cage should be roomy, well-ventilated, and have a solid floor—wire floors can hurt their feet. Use a soft, absorbent bedding material like recycled paper or kiln-dried pine shavings. Avoid cedar chips, as the aromatic oils can irritate their respiratory system.
Its also critical not 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.
Diet: The Key to Good Health
Diet is one of the most important parts of guinea pig care. These little guys are strict herbivores, and hay should make up about 80% of their daily intake. A constant supply of good-quality grass hay, like timothy hay, keeps their digestion healthy and helps prevent dental issues.
In addition to hay, they need daily portions of leafy greens, especially ones rich in vitamin C. Guinea pigs can’t produce vitamin C on their own, so their food must supply it. Try vegetables like kale, parsley, red and green bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli. Small amounts of fruit—such as oranges, kiwi, or tomatoes—can help boost their vitamin C, but should be treated as an occasional snack.
You can also include a guinea pig-specific pellet with added vitamin C, but it should never replace hay and veggies. Be cautious with foods high in calcium, as they may contribute to bladder stones.
Common Health Issues
Guinea pigs are prone to a few health problems, so regular checkups and close observation at home are essential. Some of the most common issues 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 vet right away.
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying or neutering your guinea pig can help prevent reproductive diseases, including cysts and tumors. While surgery carries some risk due to anesthesia, especially in small animals, your vet can help you determine if your guinea pig is a good candidate. It’s a decision that can contribute to a longer, healthier life.
More Questions?
If you still have questions about guinea pig care or you’d like to schedule your next wellness exam, please don’t hesitate to call us at (781) 737-7820 or email us at info@duxburyanimalhospital.com. We want to ensure that you and your guinea pig have a happy, healthy life together.