Guinea Pig Veterinarian
in Erie, PA

Pets of all sizes and species require special care and attention to help maintain their quality of life. Our guinea pig veterinarian recommends bringing your small furry friend to our animal hospital at least once a year to provide preventative care throughout their life and keep them happy and healthy. Let our team know if you notice any changes in your pet’s appetite, bathroom habits, demeanor, or activity, so we can examine them for any health changes as well.

or call us at (814) 864-3019.

Appropriate Guinea Pig Care in Erie, PA

Glenwood Pet Hospital recommends an annual exam for guinea pigs so we can evaluate their health on a regular basis. Female guinea pigs are predisposed to develop ovarian cysts, which are incredibly painful and may cause anorexia, weakness, depression, and based on the type of cyst, hair loss on the flanks. We recommend spaying your pet when they are between 3 to 5 months old to prevent any future health issues from occurring. Because male and female guinea pigs are sexually mature at 3 and 2 months respectively, it’s necessary to house males and females separately to prevent unwanted litters. In addition, along with most rodents, guinea pigs’ teeth continue to grow throughout their lives. Because of this, they need regular access to hay and chew toys to manage the length of their teeth and stop overgrowth. An exotic veterinarian should assess your pig’s teeth at least once a year.

guinea pig veterinarian erie pa

We know you care a lot about your pet’s well-being and are here to help you provide their essential needs for daily life including:

Grassy Hay and Fresh Vegetable Diet

Daily Vitamin C Supplementation

Well Ventilated Caging with Solid Flooring

Regularly Cleaned Cage

Quality Diet for Guinea Pigs

A suitable diet for adult guinea pigs should be comprised of grass hay, such as timothy (1/8 cup per day), orchard, or meadow, and alfalfa hay for young guinea pigs. Vegetables such as bell peppers, kale, strawberries, oranges, kiwi, snow peas, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, and more can add a nice variety to your guinea pig’s diet as well as a small amount of occasional fruit. Introducing new foods at a gradual pace is recommended. A surplus of foods such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, collards, kale, mustard greens, spinach, swiss chard, and parsley may lead to urinary stones, so it’s important to be mindful of what and how much you’re feeding your guinea pig. They also require a vitamin C supplementation each day through Oxbow’s guinea pig pellets or vegetables rich in Vitamin C.

Acceptable Housing

Optimal housing for your pet guinea pig should include:

  • Good ventilation
  • Solid flooring
  • One hide box per pet
  • Paper-based absorbent bedding
  • Clean water bottles
  • Room temperature at 65-79° F

A complete cleaning should take place at least once a week to ensure your pet is living in quality conditions. Guinea pigs are highly social and should never be housed alone. Pairs, trios, harems (1 boar and 1-10 sows) and same sex guinea pigs can safely live together.

Get the best care for your best friend.

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