3 Tips On Keeping Your Guinea Pigs Warm And Healthy This Winter
With winter weather just around the corner, many pet owners may find themselves wondering what they can do to keep their furry friends warm and healthy during the cold season. Whether you're a new owner or have owned guinea pigs for years, check out the three tips below so you can ensure your guinea pig's comfort and health.
Protect Your Guinea Pigs from Drafts
As a guinea pig owner, you probably know just how susceptible guinea pigs are to upper respiratory infections. This risk increases during colder months and the number one culprit is drafts.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to keep your guinea pig's enclosure away from drafts. The best way to prevent drafts is to keep your guinea pig's enclosure away from windows and doors. For some owners, this may not be a possibility, however. So, if your guinea pig must be placed near a drafty area, be sure to cover the part of the cage near the draft with a fleece-lined or other heavy material blanket.
Provide Your Guinea Pig with Cozy Hiding Places
As guinea pigs tend to be skittish animals, it's important that your guinea pig has a warm place to hide that will shield them from view and provide them with a sense of security.
While that warm and cozy rodent bed may seem cute, it's good to remember that guinea pigs don't generally like to relax out in the open. Instead, they prefer shelter in the form of a hidey hut or tent. So, how can you provide your guinea pig with warmth and security? One way to do so is to provide your guinea pig with fleece-lined tunnels or tents to snuggle up in. This will give them a place to burrow and relax without fear or discomfort.
Bring Your Guinea Pig to the Veterinarian at First Signs of Illness
Even when you've done your best to keep your guinea pig warm and comfortable, it's still possible for your fuzzy friend to become ill. This is why it's vital that you know what signs to look for and when to seek medical attention.
Guinea pigs are good at hiding their illness, but there's a few signs that are easy enough to look out. The most obvious sign of illness in your guinea pig is lack of appetite and/or thirst. This means it's important to keep an eye on how much your guinea pig is eating and drinking, because if they deviate from that norm, something may be wrong. Another sign of illness is lethargy and irritability. While your guinea pig may try their best to hide their pain or discomfort, they may find it difficult to summon the strength to do things they once loved, such as playing with a favorite toy or interacting with their cage mates.
If you suspect that your guinea pig has fallen ill, or if you'd just like to speak with a professional about proper guinea pig care, consult with a local veterinarian, like one from Community Animal Hospital, immediately.
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