Providing Cavy Care to Your Guinea Pig

by Peter Dranitsin⁽²⁾
Petes Original Art Inc.

Pets provide facets for the expression of human love and care. All of us, even the really hardy ones, need to express. After all, it is only human to love. For those that seek company which other people can't provide, or those who have just too much caring to contain, pets provide the best avenue known so far for expression. Though most of us don't think of it that way, deep inside we really do care. Guinea pigs, aside from being labeled as lab test subjects, are actually a great approach to let out our cares. Come to think of it, they are actually test subjects because they have traits very similar to us. Maybe there is a deeper reason why we can relate to these creatures.

Having guinea pigs for pets at home also encourages children to be responsible that is to keep the pet alive. Consequently, it is important to nurture cavies and consider them a part of the family as much as possible.

Would you let your family get bad habits? No. This also follows with guinea pigs. Through time they will accumulate habits both the good and the bad. It is up to you as its owner to curb this growth. In a paraphrase, "Keep your guinea pig clean and it will want to stay clean to please you. Let it alone and will revert to its animal habits."

Recognizing should be the first step to creating a relationship with your guinea pig. Once accustomed to your touch, smell and your voice and other sounds you make, it will be more comfortable with you. This treatment can also be used to calm down your pet when it is stressed or scared.

The next step is for you to provide your pet's needs. Again, they are animals but no one is barring you from treating them family. Aside from food and a cage to rest, give them a home. You can achieve this by giving them toys to play with for example. A single pot can do a lot for a guinea pig. It can use this as a hiding place, something to climb on and explore. This will give your pet enough activity not to mention keep him from being bored.

Also, you may consider putting plastic pipes in your cavy cage. This will serve pretty much the same purpose as the pot but in a different respect. Rocks for terrain and sticks to chew there is just so much you can give.

Looking out for your guinea pig will also be needed. They are especially prone to infections since they don't manufacture their own vitamin C. A good diet with a good activity will keep your cavy healthy.

Regularly check for any signs of disease. You can do this while petting him. As you lift your guinea pig, watch out for excessive lengths and breakages in its tooth and claws. Check for any signs of discharge in its eyes, nose and mouth. While you pet him, check for bald spots and discolorations in the skin. Before putting him back, check if it excretes wastes normally. Wet and lesser fecal matter will usually indicate digestive disturbance. Too much urine or the lack thereof will indicate urinary tract infection or bladder stones.

All in all, once you get familiar with your guinea pig, you'll know when something is wrong. In the case that you notice something wrong but just can't put your finger into it, put your fingers in the dial instead and call the vet for a checkup. A little hunch could be a great help.

Cedric James is a lifelong guinea pig lover. For more great guinea pig care information, visit http://www.guineapigsguides.com .

Article submitted Saturday, January 23, 2010 & read 86 times.

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