Are you worried your guinea pig might be dying, or wondering what to look for as your guinea pigs age? Signs your guinea pig might be dying include weight loss, poor appetite, and lethargy. Dying guinea pigs may have loud, labored breathing, or slow, shallow breaths. If you think your guinea pig might be dying, please see your veterinarian for help. In this article, we’ll discuss signs your guinea pig might be dying and what you can do to help them say goodbye. Important: Only Your Vet Can Diagnose Your Guinea Pig Never assume you can’t help your guinea pig without speaking to a vet first! Eve ..read more

It can be so difficult to know which pet is right for you! If you’re comparing guinea pigs vs rabbits, I’m here to tell you about their similarities and differences. Guinea pigs and rabbits are both social animals who require same-species companionship. Rabbits tend to be more difficult to bond and more destructive, but cleaner. Guinea pigs are easier to handle and require less space, but they do have shorter lifespans. In this article, we’ll discuss 16 differences and similarities between rabbit and guinea pig care. 1. Guinea Pigs and Rabbits Are Social Animals Both guinea pigs and rabbits ar ..read more

Guinea pigs can get sick or injured just like humans, so it’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your home in case of illness or accidents. If you’re new to guinea pigs, you might wonder what should be included in this kit! Your guinea pigs’ emergency kit should include items for grooming and health checks, such as a kitchen scale and nail clippers. You also want to be prepared if your guinea pig gets hurt with things such as saline solution and vet wrap. Recovery food, needleless syringes, and a towel can help if your guinea pig is ill. Below, I’ll discuss everything I used to keep in my ..read more

What is a rabbit digging box? Do rabbits need a dig box? What happens if you don’t have one for your rabbit? Rabbits are known for two things: breeding and burrowing. Digging is a natural instinct in all rabbits, whether in the wild or your home. The only difference is that domestic rabbits don’t get the same opportunities to exercise that habit. But not being able to dig and chew does not mean the instinct will ever go away. Keep reading to learn more about dig boxes and how to make a DIY dig box for your rabbit! What Is a Dig Box? A rabbit digging box or dig box is a great enrichment tool to ..read more

Guinea pigs are sweet, docile pets who make great companions. You might have heard that you shouldn’t adopt them from pet stores–but where are the best places to get guinea pigs? The first place to look is your local guinea pig rescue, if you have one. You can also check your local shelter or adopt from guinea pig owners in your area who need to rehome their pets. Lastly, you can try to find a reputable guinea pig breeder, though they’re rare–and backyard breeders are, unfortunately, abundant! In this article, we’ll discuss four places to adopt guinea pigs and also where to avoid purchasing fr ..read more

Is your guinea pig pregnant? There’s a lot to consider when it comes to caring for young guinea pigs. Baby guinea pigs need a warm enclosure, vet care, constant access to fresh hay, and small amounts of daily pellets and vegetables. Their mothers typically care for them so long as you provide the essentials, though orphaned or neglected babies will need more care. In this article, we’ll discuss how to prepare for a litter of baby guinea pigs and how to care for them after their birth. Preparing for Baby Guinea Pigs If your guinea pig is pregnant, the first thing you’ll need to do is see a vete ..read more

Critical Care for guinea pigs is produced by Oxbow. It’s also a term used more broadly to refer to recovery foods, which are fed when guinea pigs are unwell and need more food moving through their gut. They’re also used to keep piggies from losing weight when they’re old or recovering from surgery or illness. In this article, I’ll discuss everything there is to know about Critical Care, from what it is to how and when to feed it to your guinea pig. What is Critical Care for Guinea Pigs? Critical Care is an essential part of any guinea pig emergency kit. It’s a recovery food that can be syringe ..read more

When I adopted my first guinea pigs, I made so many common mistakes! I didn’t know about all of the items sold by pet stores that are dangerous for guinea pigs. Luckily, there is now a lot more information out there to educate new piggy owners. Common items that are unsafe for guinea pigs include small cages, hamster wheels and balls, harnesses, and some foods and treats labeled as guinea pig-safe. Also, avoid items with holes small enough for your piggies’ heads to get stuck inside. In this article, I’ll take you through 13 items that are unsafe for guinea pigs with explanations and alternati ..read more

Before you bring your new friends home, it is important to make sure you are set up with all the right kit to look after them. Most important is buying a suitable cage. Here are some things to think about when it comes to mice cage requirements. This post was coauthored by Beri Instone, a responsible mouse breeder and Alison’s mouse guru. How Big Does a Mouse Cage Need to Be? Most pet mice spend the majority of their time in their cage so it needs to be large enough to be a complete environment for them, with enough space and furnishings to allow the animals to express all their natural behavi ..read more

Many common health issues in guinea pigs are a result of poor diet or unsanitary conditions, such as scurvy, bumblefoot, and more. They’re also very prone to respiratory diseases and gastrointestinal problems, which can be fatal if left untreated. Illnesses can progress quickly in guinea pigs, so it’s important to educate yourself on their common health issues and symptoms to watch out for. In this article, we’ll go over 15 common health concerns in guinea pigs, their symptoms, treatments, and more. Upper Respiratory Infections Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are one of the most common ail ..read more