The guinea pig is a docile rodent native to the Andes Mountains of South America.   They were first domesticated by the Andean Indians of Peru and were used as a food source and as a sacrificial offering to the Incan gods.  Dutch explorers introduced guinea pigs to Europe in the 16th century.  Because of their docile nature, clean, quiet behavior, guinea pigs became popular pets.  Selective breeding has given us the five varieties most commonly seen today.  They are:

American (or English) which has a uniformly short and smooth coat
Abyssinian which has whorls in a short rough coat
Silkie which as a long silky coat that falls into rear and side sweeps
Peruvian which as a long flowing coat but also has whorls that direct the hair
Teddy which has a short upright kinky coat that is very resilient when touched.

DIET

Quality food and fresh clean water must be available to the guinea pig at all times.   Pelleted guinea pig chow is specifically formulated for guinea pigs and contains all of the essential nutrients required.  DO NOT give guinea pigs rabbit food.   They are not the same.  Guinea pigs require high levels of folic acid and Vitamin C which they must receive from their food.

Even when stored properly in a cool dry place, guinea pig food looses about 1/2 of its Vitamin C content within 6 weeks after manufacturing.  Therefore, it is recommended add a Vitamin C supplement to the guinea pigs water.  50 milligrams of liquid Vitamin C added to 1 cup of drinking water is sufficient, but must be made up fresh every 12 hours.  Alternately, a handful of fresh kale, cabbage or 1/4 orange offered daily will give enough vitamin C.

Any change to the animals diet should be made gradually as they have very sensitive digestive systems. Guinea Pigs also tend to be creatures of habit.  It is common for them to refuse food and water if there is any abrupt change in its taste, odor, texture or form.

Foods should be provided in heavy ceramic bowls or feeders.  The feeders should be high enough to keep bedding and feces out of the food, but low enough for easy access by the animal.  A water bottle equipped with a sipper tube works well for guinea pigs.   Guinea pigs tend to contaminate and clog their water bottles.  It is necessary to clean and disinfect all food and water containers daily.

HANDLING

Guinea pigs are not aggressive animals.  They rarely bite or scratch when handed.   Instead, they protest with a high-pitched squeal.  When handling, place one hand under the guinea pig's chest and abdomen, while the other hand supports its hindquarters.

HOUSING

Guinea pigs can be housed in cages made of wire, durable plastic or Glass.  Wood should not be used since it is not only difficult to clean, but is subject to gnawing. The enclosure should have adequate ventilation.  This is sometimes difficult when using aquariums .

The enclosure must be escape-proof and free of sharp edges.  The size should allow at least 250 square inches of floor area for each guinea pig.  If there are no dogs and cats in your home the guinea pig cage can be open on the top if it is at least 10 inches tall.  A solid floor in the cage helps prevent injuries to the guinea pigs feet and hocks.  Solid flooring takes more effort to keep clean but is safer for your pet.

BEDDING

Acceptable beddings are wood shavings, shredded paper and commercial pellets.   Cedar shavings can cause respiratory difficulty and liver disease in some guinea pigs and should not be used.  Sawdust should also be avoided.

ENVIRONMENT

Guinea pigs are more comfortable and relaxed when kept in a quite spot away from noise and excitement.  They thrive in a dry, cool environment with adequate ventilation.   High temperatures and humidity should be avoided.

NON-INFECTIOUS CONDITIONS

Dental Malocclusion (Slobbers)
is the condition where where fur under the jaw and down the neck remains wet from constant drooling.  The primary cause if overgrowth in the guinea pigs molars and/or premolars.  Consult a veterinarian as soon as this condition is suspected.  Treatment is to trim the overgrown teeth as they develop.

Scurvy
Guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own Vitamin C. Lack of Vitamin C results in scurvy.  Signs of scurvy include: poor appetite, swollen painful joints, reluctance to move poor bone and teeth development and spontaneous bleeding.  Scurvy can be fatal.  Contact a veterinarian at the first sign of this problem.

Heat Stress/Stroke.
Contact your veterinarian immediately.  If indoors, air conditioning during the heat of summer provides the best prevention.Guinea pigs re very susceptible to heat stroke, particularly those that are overweight and/ or heavily furred.  Temperatures above 85 F, humidity above 70%, poor ventilation, lack of shade, and overcrowding can all cause heat stress.  Signs of heat stroke include panting, slobbering, weakness, reluctance to move, convulsions, and death.  Heat stressed guinea pigs should be misted with cool water, bathed in cool water, or have rubbing alcohol applied to the foot pads.

Antibiotics.
Guinea pigs are very sensitive to certain antibiotics.  Never attempt to treat your guinea pig without first consulting with your veterinarian.  Even some topical antibiotics can produce serious problems.

Barbering
occurs when guinea pigs chew on the hair of other guinea pigs that are lower in the social "pecking order", or when sufficient roughage is not provided.

Hair loss
can also be caused by fungal diseases, external parasites, and metabolic disorders.

DISEASES

Pneumonia
is one of the most common bacterial diseases of the guinea pig.  Respiratory infections are caused by a number of bacteria and virus.   Symptoms of pneumonia may include difficult breathing, eye or nose discharge, sluggishness, and loss of appetite.  In some cases, sudden death will occur without any of these signs.  Sometimes, ear infections accompany respiratory diseases.   Additional symptoms in these cases would include lack of coordination, tilted head, circling to one side, or rolling.  Call your veterinarian when a guinea pig has any of these symptoms.

Bacterial Enteritis
is an infection of the digestive tract.  Some of these bacteria are introduced by contaminated vegetables, or water.  In addition to diarrhea, other signs of intestinal disease are sluggishness and weight loss.  A veterinarian can determine the best treatment.

Bacterial Pododermatitis (sore hocks)
is a sever infection of the footpads.   This is very common among guinea pigs who are housed in cages with wire flooring. Symptoms of this condition are swelling of the feet, lameness, and reluctance to move.  Improved sanitation and cage floor alterations are the first steps to take to correct the problem.  The feet should be treated by a veterinarian.

Ringworm
is a skin disease caused by a fungus.  It typically appears as patchy hair loss on the face, nose, and ears.  The skin may look flaky and scabby.  The hair loss can also spread along the guinea pigs back.  A veterinarian can diagnose and prescribe an appropriate medication for your pet.  Ringworm can be transmitted from guinea pigs to people.  Therefore, it is very important to limit handling of infected animals, and thoroughly wash your hands afterward.

External Parasites
such as lice and mites are the most common parasites of guinea pigs.   They are transmitted through direct contact with an infested guinea pig.   Mites are microscopic, spider-like organisms that infest the top layers of the skin causing severe itching, scratching, and considerable hair loss. Lice are tiny insects that live within the hair coats of infested animals.  A veterinarian can diagnose mite or lice infestation by examination of the hair coat and skin, and can provide the appropriate treatment.