By Chris Short
Guinea pig health considerations must be on top of your priority list if you want to rear strong and happy cavies. You should provide them with a clean environment that is free from harmful substances and bacteria. You should also give them healthy diet plans that are packed with the essential nutrients they need.
Lastly, you should see to it that all of their grooming needs are properly met on a regular basis. Grooming, proper feeding, and appropriate housing are the basic needs of growing cavies. This article will discuss the general care that every guinea piglet should receive.
Proper Feeding and Diet Plans
Guinea pig health is directly related to the eating habits of all cavies. If your cavies consume appropriate amounts of nutrients and vitamins, their life would last longer. It is okay to feed them with pellets because these prepackaged goodies are also packed with Vitamin C. You should also incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into their diet. Keep in mind that pellets do not provide all the nutrients that cavies must receive.
Cavies that eat healthy remain happy. However, start watching how much you feed your pets. Both overfeeding and underfeeding them can cause serious health complications that can lead to illnesses.
In ensuring guinea pig health, it is also important to provide them with sufficient Vitamin C supply. This could keep them safe from scurvy, a disease that causes stiffness of joints and loss of teeth. Normally, a cavy would need at least 10 to 30 milligrams of Vitamins C a day. Give them ¼ of a Vitamin C tablet daily to ensure sufficient intake.
Water should be available for your piglets 24 hours a day. Store their water in sealed drip bottles to prevent water contamination. Change their water supply on a daily basis.
Grooming and Cleaning
Grooming your cavies is an important aspect of developing guinea pig health. Keeping them immaculately clean is equivalent to keeping them away from harmful viruses. You should regularly inspect their eyes, ears, and nose. Once you see any signs of infection, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
You should also see to it that their nails are clipped on a regular basis. This could avoid chances of bacteria accumulation in their nails. Be careful while cutting their nails because their toes might bleed if you cut them too short.
Bathe them when they start smelling bad. Use a mild shampoo. Strong shampoos may cause excessive fur shedding, dryness of skin, and itchiness.
Guinea Pig Health and Appropriate Housing
Keep in mind that some bedding materials are harmful for cavies. Do not use straw, cedar shavings, and other potentially harmful materials. Use hay in the topmost layer of the bedding. Hay can provide many benefits. It could keep their teeth from excessively growing. Its softness can also provide them with the comfort they need. They can even burrow under hay in order to relax and hide whenever they want to feel alone.
You could also add some accessories inside their home. However, see to it that the toys you choose are suitable for them. Do not overcrowd their cages because they need ample amount of space to explore and walk around. Change their absorbent beddings at least twice a week.
