guinea pig leash

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Guinea pig leash

Image by Roxanne Cooke via Flickr

Many new guinea pig owners get the impression that guinea pigs can be walked on leashes. Why is this? I believe its because these kinds of accessories are frequently found in pet stores. Obviously, if you see something for sale in a pet store – you would assume it is safe, right? Sadly – no.

The first problem with leashes is the harness that come with them. Most of these harnesses are not made for guinea pigs. Instead, most small harnesses are made for ferrets, who have different body size and makeup than guinea pigs. Many guinea pigs can easily escape from harnesses and as such, it is simply not safe to use them outdoors where you guinea pig could escape.

Additionally, guinea pigs have a very delicate spine. This is why exercise wheels, balls, and leashes should not be used – they place pressure on the spine. Any kind of yanking or pulling can cause your piggie’s spine to bend in ways it is not intended to.

If you do want to play with your guinea pig outdoors, consider building a covered outdoor play area instead.

guinea pig worms

Guinea Pig Worms

Image via Wikipedia

Many first time guinea pig owners assume that like other pets, guinea pig must be regularly de-wormed every three to six months. This is simply not the case. While guinea pigs can be susceptible to parasites like tapeworms, roundworms, and pin worms, guinea pis that live indoors are simply not too likely to ruin the risk of exposure.

Signs your guinea pig may have worms:

Intestinal distress including diarrhea

Lack of interest in eating

Weakness

Weight loss

Worms in feces

Note: Worms will appear like little white streaks.

If you do suspect your guinea pig has worms, or you notice any of the symptoms above – please take him or her to the veterinarian immediately as frequently with guinea pigs small health problems can become LARGE health problems very quickly.

Make sure you do not confuse worms and maggots. If you do not clean out old food and excrement from your guinea pig’s cage, it is not impossible for flies to lay eggs – especially in warm climates. If this is a problem, you will need to take everything out the cage – throw out the bedding, and wash everything else completely.

Lice will also appear as small brownish worms crawling on the surface of your guinea pig’s skin. This can be resolved by extensive cage cleaning and special shampoo available from your veterinarian.

Fido the Guinea Dog Book Patrick Jennings

Fido the Guinea Dog Book by Patrick Jennings

Cute new book on a guinea pig that thinks he’s a dog from author Patrick Jennings – set to be released April 13th. This basic plot is of a fifth grade boy Rufus, who desperately wants a dog, but is told he cannot have one by his father. The boy’s mother takes sympathy on her son and buys him a guinea pig instead.

Rufus names his guinea pig “Fido” anyways and then he begins to notice that something is a little unusual…Fido thinks she’s a dog!

Check it out.

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guinea pig plays basketball

Guinea pig plays basketball

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guinea pig loving teacher retires

Guinea Pig Loving Teacher Retires

Here’s a sweet story I found online today (this is from the UK) -

“Pupils, staff and guinea pigs will bid a fond farewell and a squeak of sadness for a retiring teacher who has used the small animals as teaching aids for the past 43 years.

Margaret Buchanan, who has spent her whole career at Warwick Primary School in Wellingborough, said she started using guinea pigs in the classroom after reading as a trainee teacher that they were good teaching aids.”