Chloe Green has eight top tips for winter guinea pig care
December 14, 2020
How is your guinea pig doing at the moment? Are the cold winter temperatures affecting them? Does their accommodation, daily routine and food give them everything they need? Are they suffering from or at risk of any health issues?
Guinea pigs can’t tell you what’s going on with them, and most health issues aren’t obvious to the untrained eye. That’s why it’s important to get them checked over by a vet from time to time, who can give your guinea pig a thorough health check, and give you some helpful advice.
Book a small furry health check
Guinea pigs don’t hibernate, but equally they don’t do well in cold temperatures as they originate from warmer climates. You can tell if your guinea pig is suffering from the cold if they are shivering, sleeping longer or being more lethargic than normal, less interested in food & drink, and they have cold feet, ears, and a cold nose.
Head nurse Chloe has 8 top tips to help you care for your guinea pig this winter:
- Move your guinea pig’s housing away from any cold areas or drafts. Relocate indoors if necessary and add extra bedding material for warmth.
- Don’t expose your small furry pet to heaters, open fires, candles, and log burning stoves for long periods as the fumes can harm them.
- Peak your pet’s interest in food again by introducing a foraging tray – hide their food in hay, scrunched up newspaper and cardboard tubes.
- When it comes to food, make sure they’re getting the right food for their nutritional needs – our veterinary team can help you with this.
- Add some new toys to play with and switch up your pet’s hutch or cage layout to stimulate their mind.
- Groom your guinea pig regularly and make sure their rear end and ears stay clean, and their nails and teeth aren’t too long. Our nurses can show you how.
- If your guinea pig is injured, or older and a little stiff, try reducing their accommodation to one level and remove any difficult-to-climb furniture.
- If you have recently lost one of a pair, giving your remaining guinea pig a soft toy to snuggle up to may help them adjust.
Book a small furry health check and help your guinea pig get through winter unscathed.
