This is the place to be if you want to learn about the various kinds of guinea pigs for fun or if you're wanting to buy your own one. If you're thinking of adopting one of these guinea pigs, it's crucial to understand more about them so you can be sure you're willing to provide the level of care they require.
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| American Guinea Pigs: A Comprehensive Guide to American Guinea Pigs |
Some require less maintenance than others, while others do, and some don't! You need to be aware of how much time you can devote if you have the option to pick the breed of guinea pig you want to adopt. And if you're prepared, nothing can stop you!
American guinea pigs are a breed that requires less upkeep than their siblings with longer hair! They are ideal for pig parents of all levels of experience.
Origins
The domestication of American guinea pigs dates back almost ten thousand years, making them the oldest breed of guinea pig to have been domesticated. This breed was developed as a cattle breed and is indigenous to South America. In the early 1900s, guinea pigs were first brought to the United States.
Physical characteristics of American guinea pigs
The average length and weight of an American guinea pig are 8 to 19 inches and 2 to 3 pounds, respectively. They are available in a wide range of hues, including beige, cream, black, red, and gold. Over 20 distinct coat colors in the Self, Solid, Agouti, Marked, and Tan patterns are available.
Personality
Guinea pigs can, of course, have personalities just like people do; some are friendlier than others, some have particular food preferences, and so on. However, American guinea pigs are typically thought of as being very chill and laid back.
This is what makes them excellent pets for families and inexperienced guinea pig owners. Pigs are herding animals that love to be with each other, and the company is great not only so they don't feel lonely, but also for mental stimulation!
Diet
In order to supplement the other nutrients they require, such as vitamin C, calcium, and other nutrients, guinea pigs generally require a constant supply of hay and water, pellets, in addition to about a cup of fruits and vegetables.
It is important that hay constitutes the largest part of their diet. That's partly because guinea pigs need tons of fiber for their digestive systems to work properly and for food to constantly move in and out of their bodies. Younger guinea pigs need more calcium than older ones for continued growth and development, but older ones need more vitamin C.
Make sure your guinea pig consumes a balanced diet that doesn't contain an excessive amount of any one food. Before making any significant dietary changes for your guinea pigs, it's important to speak with your veterinarian about the exact amounts they require.
Grooming the American Guinea Pig
Every guinea pig requires a different grooming routine, though! They don't need as much upkeep as their long-haired siblings in the case of the American breed. Their hair is naturally short, so they don't need to brush it every day and it hardly ever tangles.
Pedicures
Your American Guinea Pig's nails should be trimmed at least once a month! However, it depends on each guinea pig and how their nails grow. For example, the fingernails of younger guinea pigs grow faster than older guinea pigs!
The speed at which their nails regrow is also influenced by their diet. It's also crucial to remember that guinea pigs that are more activewear down their nails quicker than those that are less active. If older guinea pigs don't move around as much as their younger counterparts, it makes sense that they might require clipping more frequently.
It is important to note that guinea pigs generally have a low tolerance for nail clipping, which means you will need to be very patient with your pig and only do a few at a time. Take a break every so often, especially if your guinea pig becomes fussy, and then try again. Pruning should be done when your guinea pig is calm. If at all possible, use two people to trim your guinea pig's nails, and offer treats or fresh vegetables as a reward.
One can hold the guinea pig so its legs don't hang down, and the other person can trim the nails. If only one person is available, gently swaddle and/or burrito wrap your guinea pig in a blanket and hold it like you would a soccer ball! Then you can start to slowly and gently trim their nails.
Pedicure tools
You can use cat nail clippers or one of the small animal-specific models! There are two: guillotine or scissors types. Both are acceptable as long as you exercise caution and refrain from trimming your guinea pig's nails too short.
This can cause bleeding and make it very uncomfortable for your guinea pigs, which can be stopped by applying styptic powder or gently pressing a paper towel on the affected area until it stops.
Dental care
You should be aware that guinea pigs' teeth are constantly developing, especially if their diet contains a lot of vitamin C. However, the foods they eat naturally wear down their teeth to normal lengths. Their teeth won't wear down properly if they don't eat enough hay, fruit, or vegetables, which can result in impaction, which can be uncomfortable for your pigs.
It can also cause guinea pig teeth to grow in a way that makes it difficult for your guinea pigs to eat, and it can even cause them to stop eating altogether. When this happens, a visit to your veterinarian becomes necessary for treatment.
Common Health Problems in American Guinea Pigs
Unfortunately, guinea pigs are prone to certain health issues even though they appear to be perfectly healthy! There are some things you should watch out for, that way you can give them the treatment they need if they contract something.
Respiratory infections
Pneumonia is one of the most common illnesses that guinea pigs tend to suffer from due to the bacteria they pick up in their environment.
According to research done by VCA Animal Hospitals, guinea pigs acquire the pneumonia-causing bacteria but show no symptoms. VCA refers to these bacteria as "opportunistic" because they only become harmful when conditions related to the guinea pig's health permit.
This includes stress or other illnesses that make the immune system weaker than normal. That's why it can be important to reduce man-made stress as much as possible! Too much stress and anxiety in your guinea pig will make it vulnerable.
Symptoms include the inability to eat, runny eyes and/or nose, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. If your guinea pig exhibits any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately, as it is important to treat your guinea pig as soon as possible. To help them diagnose what's wrong with your guinea pig, your veterinarian can obtain cultures of the discharge from their eyes and nose.
We believe the best way to prevent infection is to make sure their living environment stays clean and hygienic!
Diarrhea
Guinea pigs have a very delicate digestive system, which makes them susceptible to problems involving it. When it comes to their diet, too much water or too much fiber can disrupt their usual digestion and cause diarrhea. This is accompanied by loss of appetite, dehydration, weight loss, and things like low body temperature.
Scurvy
Like humans, guinea pigs cannot create their own vitamin C in their bodies and need it from outside sources, especially as they age. A vitamin C deficiency can be detrimental to their health, as it can make them more susceptible to illnesses and infections.
Symptoms include things like rough hair, loss of appetite, diarrhea, reduced mobility, and swollen feet or joints are likely to be vitamin C deficient.
Urinary problems
Guinea pigs are prone to developing bladder stones which usually form in the bladder or kidneys, or in the tubes that drain the kidneys called the ureters.
When stones become lodged in the ureter or block the urethra, it can be life threatening. Surgery is often needed to remove stones, but regular checkups with your vet can prevent such emergencies.
Bumblefoot
This is when sores form on the bottom of the feet from the pressure, which usually comes from the guinea pig being overweight. The sores can be painful and lead to an inability to be properly mobile. Treatment can be a bit difficult, but visiting your vet and following their treatment suggestions such as surgery, bandaging, and antibiotics can ease your guinea pig's pain.
Cage size
According to the Humane Society, a guinea pig needs a minimum of 7.5 square feet of space, but 10.5 square feet is recommended for one or two guinea pigs - the more space, the better! You want to give them as much space as possible so they can move freely and be active, thus staying healthy and young.
What is the best place to get an American guinea pig?
It is more ethical to adopt your guinea pigs from a shelter if possible. It is common for new guinea pig owners to give them up for adoption soon after acquiring them when they are unprepared for the amount of care their guinea pig needs, especially if they require more. maintenance.
Some guinea pigs in shelters have been abused and poorly cared for in the past, before they arrived at the shelter. Shelters are doing the best they can, but many have limited resources to help and fund, and they take in and care for as many guinea pigs as they can.
When we adopt from the shelter, the guinea pig parents not only provide better personalized care to each guinea pig but also help free up the capacity of rescue centers to help more animals in need.
If your neighborhood shelter does not have any guinea pigs, you can "rescue" them from a pet shop since some pet shops may not be able to devote as much time and money to providing specialized care for guinea pigs. guinea pigs because they have to care for so many other animals as well.
What is left to know?
Before acquiring your own guinea pig, make sure you are aware of the needs and levels of care American guinea pigs require and that you are committed to caring for your guinea pig to the best of your ability with the information available to you. . searched beforehand!
Once you've learned everything there is to know about American guinea pigs, you're ready to find one and give them the love and care they deserve!
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