Are you considering getting a small pet? Take the time to learn about them first and make an informed decision regarding the commitment they need.
Guinea Pig possess many attractive qualities: they’re small, gentle, and friendly, to name a few. However, like all companion animals, they need special care and attention. Before adopting a guinea pig, here are some important questions to keep in mind:
Where should you get a Guinea Pig?
Rather than contributing to the demand for guinea pigs by purchasing from a pet store, consider visiting your local animal shelter to adopt one—or even better, two! Many shelters take in small animals that need new homes, giving you the opportunity to save a life. Some areas also have species-specific rescues, and websites like Petfinder often list guinea pigs and other rodents available from shelters and rescue organizations.
How much time do you have?
Guinea pigs need daily time outside their cage and attention from their human companions. Whether it’s spent exploring new environments, stretching their legs, or cuddling in your lap, regular interaction is crucial to their well-being.
In addition, guinea pigs need regular grooming. Shorthaired breeds require a weekly brushing, while longhaired breeds need daily care to prevent tangling and matting. Nail trimming is also necessary to avoid overgrowth, which can cause pain and lead to their nails growing into their paw pads.
Cage maintenance is equally important. Guinea pig cages should be thoroughly cleaned weekly, with spot cleaning every few days. If you dislike the smell of a dirty cage, imagine how your guinea pig feels, spending most of their time just inches away from their bedding.
Is a guinea pig right for your family?
If you’re considering getting a guinea pig for your child, think about how the care of the pet will fit into your family’s routine long-term.
- Can your child manage the responsibilities of pet ownership alongside a busy schedule of school, homework, and extracurricular activities?
- Are you prepared to take over your guinea pig’s care if your child becomes less engaged?
- If you have other pets, how will you ensure your guinea pig gets enough attention and care amidst the other demands on your time?
Carefully considering these factors can help you make an informed decision about whether a guinea pig is the right pet for your household.
Do you have young children?
Young children often lack fine motor control and self-restraint, which can lead to accidental drops, squeezing, or startling a guinea pig, potentially causing it to bite. Guinea pigs require a gentle touch and can be easily frightened by sudden movements or loud noises.
What’s your budget?
While the adoption fee for a guinea pig is generally low, there are substantial startup costs and ongoing expenses to consider. Initial expenses for equipment and supplies may include:
- A large cage or modular enclosure
- Bedding material (paper bedding is preferable to wood shavings, which can emit harmful volatile compounds, especially when dirty, leading to respiratory and foot issues)
- A small hiding box
- A food dish
- A water bottle
- High-quality pellets
- Timothy hay
- Fresh vegetables and fruits for treats
- Toys
Are you prepared to spend at least several hundred dollars a year on your new companion (not including regular veterinary expenses)? If your guinea pig requires treatment for common issues like mites or needs emergency care, the costs can add up. Regular veterinary checkups are essential, just like with other pets. Spaying and neutering are recommended, and guinea pigs can become ill just like any other animal.
Guinea pigs are also prone to dietary and dental problems and can develop life-threatening gastrointestinal issues quickly. It’s a good idea to have a veterinarian experienced with guinea pigs lined up before you commit to adopting one.
Are you willing to hire a pet sitter or board your guinea pig when you go on vacation?
Guinea pigs require daily feeding and care, so it’s important to consider how you’ll manage their needs while you’re away.
Are you willing to adopt a second guinea pig?
Guinea pigs are social animals that thrive on companionship. Keeping a solitary guinea pig can lead to loneliness and boredom, which is a challenge even for those committed to spending significant time with their pet each day. Many rescues will not allow adoptions to individuals who are not willing to adopt a pair.
Do you know whether you’re allergic?
Some people may be allergic to guinea pigs, reacting to proteins found in their saliva and urine. Contrary to common belief, hair and dander are not the primary allergens, although they can carry these proteins during handling and close contact. Additionally, hay and wood shavings may also trigger allergies.
If you’ve never owned a guinea pig before, it’s wise to test the waters by visiting a household with one or spending time with adoptable guinea pigs at your local humane society or rescue. You might just meet your new best friend in the process!
Consider Lifespan
Guinea Pig typically have a lifespan of five to seven years, which is longer than many other small pets like hamsters, gerbils, mice, or rats, which usually live only a few years. While guinea pigs may be easier to transport during life transitions compared to larger pets like dogs or cats, a commitment of five years or more is still considerable. It’s important to ensure you’re prepared for this long-term responsibility before deciding to adopt a guinea pig.
