If you have ever considered raising guinea pigs as pets, you aren't alone. Many are attracted to the idea of having guinea pigs as pets, mainly due to their cuteness. Not only that, they're actually one of the easiest pets to own. But even they will need some attention for both their health and safety. As with all pets, being a responsible owner is always important.
Before you go to your local pet store and bring home a guinea pig, you should educate yourself on some of the basic requirements for taking care of a guinea pig. Even though they are popular as pets, finding all the guinea pig information in advance will help you and your new pet enjoy a long and happy life together. There is a lot of info on guinea pigs that's available today, …show more content…
The following are some general responsibilities necessary to properly care of guinea pig pets:
Their Nails
To begin with, just as it's with humans, their nails are growing and must be trimmed from time to time. If not, they'll be too long and will be painful for your pet. However, instead of using nail clippers as you'd do for yourself, using bricks, rough stones, rocks or other rough surfaces for your guinea pig to walk on enables them to naturally keep their nails short. Make sure that whatever you choose will have no holes that they might get caught in.
If you decide to trim their nails with nail clippers, ensure you don't cut them too short. If you do snip them too close, you could hit the blood vessels located at the top of the nail. This is usually referred to as the 'quick'. You can easily see this area because the nails are generally clear in color and the area containing the blood is pink in color. However, there are certain breeds who's nails are darker. If so, it'll be difficult to see where the blood vessel in the nail …show more content…
A way to do this is with regular brushing. If the length of their hair is long, you will need to brush them daily. If their hair is short, a few times a week should be enough.
A type of hair brush that works well is a baby's brush. The brushes are often soft and gentle and won't be too hard on their scalp. If your guinea pig has long hair, a metal greyhound comb will easily remove any tangles. Regular brushing will remove excess hair, especially during the shedding season.
Bathes
Unless they get dirty, it isn't necessary to give them a bath. In fact, guinea pigs don't much like a bath, no matter what! They can become stressed when placed in water, and it has been known to lower their immune system as well. Guinea pigs can go their whole lives without ever needing a bath. So, unless directed by your veterinarian, it's not necessary to give them a bath.
If it becomes necessary, make sure you use a shampoo that's gentle to their skin. You can use shampoos that are made for kittens or babies. It's also wise to stay away from any shampoo that's medicated unless designated by the vet.
Well, there you are! By first learn everything about guinea pigs and then applying the guinea pig info listed above, you and your new pet will have a long and healthy life
Before you go to your local pet store and bring home a guinea pig, you should educate yourself on some of the basic requirements for taking care of a guinea pig. Even though they are popular as pets, finding all the guinea pig information in advance will help you and your new pet enjoy a long and happy life together. There is a lot of info on guinea pigs that's available today, …show more content…
The following are some general responsibilities necessary to properly care of guinea pig pets:
Their Nails
To begin with, just as it's with humans, their nails are growing and must be trimmed from time to time. If not, they'll be too long and will be painful for your pet. However, instead of using nail clippers as you'd do for yourself, using bricks, rough stones, rocks or other rough surfaces for your guinea pig to walk on enables them to naturally keep their nails short. Make sure that whatever you choose will have no holes that they might get caught in.
If you decide to trim their nails with nail clippers, ensure you don't cut them too short. If you do snip them too close, you could hit the blood vessels located at the top of the nail. This is usually referred to as the 'quick'. You can easily see this area because the nails are generally clear in color and the area containing the blood is pink in color. However, there are certain breeds who's nails are darker. If so, it'll be difficult to see where the blood vessel in the nail …show more content…
A way to do this is with regular brushing. If the length of their hair is long, you will need to brush them daily. If their hair is short, a few times a week should be enough.
A type of hair brush that works well is a baby's brush. The brushes are often soft and gentle and won't be too hard on their scalp. If your guinea pig has long hair, a metal greyhound comb will easily remove any tangles. Regular brushing will remove excess hair, especially during the shedding season.
Bathes
Unless they get dirty, it isn't necessary to give them a bath. In fact, guinea pigs don't much like a bath, no matter what! They can become stressed when placed in water, and it has been known to lower their immune system as well. Guinea pigs can go their whole lives without ever needing a bath. So, unless directed by your veterinarian, it's not necessary to give them a bath.
If it becomes necessary, make sure you use a shampoo that's gentle to their skin. You can use shampoos that are made for kittens or babies. It's also wise to stay away from any shampoo that's medicated unless designated by the vet.
Well, there you are! By first learn everything about guinea pigs and then applying the guinea pig info listed above, you and your new pet will have a long and healthy life