Guinea pigs make great pets when they are properly cared for; it's important to ensure you know how to best take care of your new family member.

Unlike ferrets which are carnivorous, guinea pigs have a diet closer to a rabbit (though not exactly the same!). They also eat grass hay, and because they are unable to produce their own Vitamin C (like humans) they need fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet every day to keep them from developing scurvy, a chronic bone disease.

Guinea pigs are social animals and can do well together in one cage with others of their own species – though it needs to be big enough to house them. Their flooring should not be made up of wire mesh (as this is a top cause of broken legs if they fall through and panic as they try to free themselves). It is also important to ensure you make their beds from the right materials (for example: no cedar shavings as they can cause respiratory conditions).

Thinking of getting a pet guinea pig (or two), but not sure if it’s a fit? We offer pre-purchase consultations. Schedule an appointment.

Here are some veterinary services we offer for guinea pigs and hamsters:

• Annual wellness exams catered to their specific needs
• Dental care
• Surgical care when needed
• Gram stains and fungal cultures and external lab work, as well as in-house diagnostics and radiographs
• Appropriate scales for accurate weight measurement
• Spaying and neutering