Q&A for How to Buy a Guinea Pig

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Should I adopt or buy a guinea pig?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Rescues and shelters care for species other than cats and dogs that are in need. Whilst purchasing from a pet store is convenient and easy, consider adopting a guinea pig from a rescue instead. Not only will you be saving the life of the guinea pig you adopt, but also of the next guinea pig that is able to move into the free bed.

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Question

Will a guinea pig run off it I hold it before it trusts me?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The guinea pig may be frightened and show this in a number of ways, which could include trying to escape, giving an alarm call, shuddering, or biting. A good idea is to sit on the floor with a towel over your lap. That way, if the guinea pig panics, he doesn't have far to fall. Also, putting the towel over his head may help calm him.

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Question

Is it okay to only buy one guinea pig?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Guinea pigs are highly social creatures and greatly enjoy the company of another guinea pig. However, if you are prepared to give a lone guinea pig plenty of attention and regular handling, plus keep the guinea pig in a room where she can see what's going on, then you can become her substitute family. This means handling her for at least half an hour, at least twice a day, plus talking, grooming, feeding, and other interactions, otherwise you risk her getting lonely.

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Question

Can I use a water bowl instead of a water bottle?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Water bowls have a habit of getting knocked over or soiled with food or pellets. A water bottle has the advantage of being harder to knock over and, therefore, clean, fresh water is always available. Whichever you chose, be sure that your guinea pig is used to drinking from a bowl or bottle. You should also have a changeover period where both are available, so the guinea pig doesn't get dehydrated if he can't work things out.

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Question

Is it normal for guinea pigs to have no hair near their ears?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Yes. It is normal for guinea pigs to have periauricular alopecia, or baldness around the ears. Other animal species, such as cats, also have a similar coat pattern. The skin should look pink and smooth. If it is sore, inflamed or irritated, the guinea pig may have scratched the fur away because of an infection, and this is not normal.

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