Are you looking for a pet that’s small and easy to care for? Is your child begging for a furry buddy? A Guinea pig may be the perfect solution! These little guys—also called cavies—are both charming and adorable, and they won’t do much damage to your wallet or schedule. A Wichita, KS vet lists some cavy care tips below.

Get A Great Cage

First and foremost, you’ll need to get your Guinea pig a great cage. Pick one that offers lots of room. Put it in a spot that is safe and quiet, but not isolated. You’ll need to add a suitable substrate, such as aspen; bedding; toys; hides; and dishes. Ask your vet for specific instructions.

Double The Fun

Guinea pigs are very sociable, and they can get lonely without roommates. It’s best to get at least two. You can often find bonded pairs up for adoption together. Be sure to keep only same-sex cavies together!

Offer Lots Of Chew Toys

Guinea pigs have open-rooted teeth, so they must chew continuously to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Provide your pet with lots of things to nibble on. This doesn’t have to cost much. You can easily make chew toys out of things like cardboard tubes, plain paper, and many wood or wicker items. Just don’t use anything that is covered in paint, stain, or glitter. Also, avoid items with sharp edges, small parts, or dangling threads.

Don’t Skip Veterinary Care

Just like any other pet, cavies can get sick or hurt. They also benefit from regular wellness checks. Ask your vet to recommend an appointment schedule. In between visits, watch for signs of illness or injury.

Be Careful With Food

Guinea pigs can have commercial pellets or blocks for their main meals. They also need grass hay. You can supplement this with fresh produce. Always research fruits and veggies before handing them over to your tiny pal. Not everything is safe for these guys! There are also many foods that are fine on occasion, but shouldn’t be fed daily. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Keep Other Pets Separate

Fluffy and Fido are wonderful pets, but they aren’t suitable playmates for Guinea pigs. Play it safe, and keep dogs and cats in another room when your pint-sized pal is out of his cage.

As your Wichita, KS veterinary clinic, we’re here to help! Contact us anytime!