Q&A for How to Care for Guinea Pigs

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What is the average life expectancy for 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

The average life expectancy for a guinea pig is around four to eight years. To help your guinea pig live a long and healthy life make sure he gets plenty of good-quality hay for all that excellent calcium and to keep those teeth trimmed down.

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Question

How do you bond with your 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

Bonding is about winning the guinea pig's trust. Always act quiet around the guinea pig, avoid sudden movements, and always speak in a reassuring voice. Avoid carrying your guinea pig in your arms as they dislike being off the ground. Regularly handfeed the guinea pig delicious treats such as dandelions.

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Question

What foods should I not feed to 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

Guinea pigs are strict herbivores (vegetarians) and should never be given meat. Do not give a guinea pig human foods such as chocolate and biscuits. Avoid giving avocados, onions, and the green part of tomato plants. If in doubt about what to feed, always check if it's safe before offering it.

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Question

Do you have to take a guinea pig to the vet?

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

There are no formal vaccinations that a guinea pig requires, and most are not neutered (unless you plan on keeping males and females together). However, a yearly vet check is a good idea to make sure they are healthy. If your guinea pig becomes unwell, then a vet trip is essential.

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Question

How frequently do they mate?

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

Good question! To turn it on its head, female guinea pigs very easily get pregnant and can do so from as young as four to six weeks of age, and remain reproductively active their whole life. In addition, females come into heat again within hours of giving birth, and have a heat every two to three weeks. Long story short, don't keep males and females together unless the male is doctored.

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Question

What do you need to take care of 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

You will need a safe, spacious area for the guinea pig to live. Inside this, you'll need a shelter, food and water bowls, and deep bedding. You'll also need to provide plenty of fresh hay, some pellets and fresh foods, and toys to play with. If yours is an indoor guinea pig, then it's also a good idea to have a harness so you can take the guinea pig outside to get sunshine, and booster Vitamin D.

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