Guinea Pig Care: Nutrition, Housing & Health
Guinea pigs are gentle, social pets with unique dietary needs. Proper care prevents the most common health problems.
Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are popular family pets known for their gentle nature and vocalizations. They are social herbivores with specific nutritional requirements, particularly for vitamin C, and need appropriate housing and companionship to thrive.
Key Points
- Guinea pigs cannot synthesize vitamin C and require dietary supplementation daily
- They are social animals and should be kept in pairs or small groups
- Dental disease is common due to continuously growing teeth
- Respiratory infections (often Bordetella or Streptococcus) are frequent
- A proper diet consists of unlimited hay, fresh vegetables, and vitamin C-fortified pellets
- Lifespan is 5-8 years with good care
Nutritional Essentials
Guinea pigs are herbivores requiring unlimited access to grass hay (timothy, orchard, meadow) for fiber and dental wear. Pellets should be timothy-based, not alfalfa (too high in calcium for adults), fortified with stabilized vitamin C. Fresh vegetables provide vitamin C — bell peppers, kale, broccoli, and parsley are excellent sources. Guinea pigs need 10-30 mg of vitamin C daily.
Common Health Problems
Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) causes swollen joints, bleeding gums, rough coat, and delayed wound healing. Dental disease — overgrown molars cause drooling, difficulty eating, and weight loss. Respiratory infections cause sneezing, nasal discharge, and labored breathing. Bumblefoot (pododermatitis) develops from wire flooring or obesity. Urinary stones form from excess calcium.
Veterinary Care
Annual wellness exams are recommended. Weigh your guinea pig weekly — weight loss is often the first sign of illness. Vitamin C supplementation must be daily. Dental exams check for overgrowth; molar trimming under anesthesia may be needed. Treat respiratory infections promptly with antibiotics safe for guinea pigs (avoid penicillin). Spaying females prevents ovarian cysts.
When to See a Vet Immediately
- Your guinea pig stops eating or drinking
- There's weight loss, lethargy, or rough hair coat
- Difficulty breathing, sneezing, or nasal discharge occurs
- Signs of scurvy — swollen joints, bleeding gums
- There's hair loss, itching, or skin abnormalities
How RVC Can Help
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is showing any symptoms, please contact Royal Veterinary Center immediately at +853 6677 6611.