Guinea Pig Care Guide: Keeping Your Pet Healthy and Happy

Guinea pigs may be small, but their care needs are surprisingly specific. With the right diet, living environment, and regular health checks, they can thrive for many years. This guinea pig care guide from the team at Two Feet Four Paws Veterinary Clinic in Dubai, trusted specialists in small animal and exotic pet care, covers everything you need to keep your furry companion healthy and happy.

Catching health issues early makes treatment easier and more effective. Regular home checks are a key part of responsible guinea pig health care.

Weigh weekly: Use a small pet scale to track weight. A sudden drop of more than 5–10% may signal illness or dental trouble.

Daily visual checks:

• Eyes & nose – clear, bright, and free from discharge
• Teeth – even length, no drooling or overgrowth
• Fur & skin – smooth, clean, no bald spots or sores
• Behaviour – alert, curious, and interactive
• Eating & droppings – good appetite, normal firm pellets

Seek veterinary help immediately if you notice: weight loss or poor appetite, unusual hiding or lethargy, sneezing or coughing, drooling or dental changes, diarrhoea, lumps or skin swelling, or any change in fur quality. For any of these concerns, book an appointment with Two Feet Four Paws Veterinary Clinic, your trusted guinea pig vet in Dubai.

A balanced diet is vital for your guinea pig’s digestion, teeth, and immunity. Here’s what to focus on:

Timothy, meadow, or orchard hay should make up most of their diet. Constant chewing supports digestion and prevents painful guinea pig dental problems.

Offer vitamin C-rich vegetables such as bell peppers, kale, romaine lettuce, cucumber, and parsley. Feed around one cup per two pounds of body weight daily. Avoid iceberg lettuce and starchy vegetables.

Choose high-fibre, vitamin C-fortified guinea pig pellets — about ¼ cup per adult per day. Skip mixes containing nuts, seeds, or dried fruit, as these can cause weight gain and digestive issues.

Provide clean, fresh water at all times using a sturdy bowl or bottle to prevent spills.

Never feed chocolate, caffeine, avocado, onions, garlic, potatoes, sugary treats, nuts or seeds. These foods can be toxic or cause severe digestive upset.

Tip: Guinea pigs can’t make their own vitamin C, so offering a varied, veggie-rich diet and high-quality pellets is essential to avoid scurvy in guinea pigs.

The right environment keeps your guinea pig healthy and stress-free, especially in Dubai’s warm climate.

• Cage size: Minimum 7.5 sq ft for one to two guinea pigs; larger is always better. Solid floors are more comfortable than wire bottoms.
• Bedding: Paper-based or aspen bedding is safe and absorbent. Avoid cedar or pine shavings, which release harmful oils. Spot clean daily and fully replace bedding weekly.
  
• Hideouts & enrichment: Add huts, tunnels, chew toys, and safe gnawing materials to keep your pet mentally stimulated. Guinea pig enrichment prevents boredom and stress.
• Temperature & light: Keep the enclosure between 18–24°C, away from direct sunlight and draughts. Guinea pigs are sensitive to overheating.

Social needs: Guinea pigs thrive in compatible pairs or small groups. Provide gentle daily interaction and supervised playtime with tunnels and toys outside the cage.

Even with excellent at-home care, regular guinea pig vet check-ups in Dubai are essential for long-term health.

• Routine check-ups: Healthy adults should see a vet every 6–12 months; senior guinea pigs (4–5+ years) benefit from visits every 6 months.
• What to expect: A complete exam includes teeth, eyes, ears, skin, and fur checks; weight and body condition assessment; diet and housing advice; and screening for common illnesses such as respiratory infections, urinary issues, parasites, and dental disease.
• Emergency visits: If you notice sudden weight loss, lack of appetite, drooling, diarrhoea, laboured breathing, or lumps, contact Two Feet Four Paws Veterinary Clinic – an experienced exotic pet vet in Dubai.
  

Preventive care saves your pet from pain and keeps treatments simpler and less costly over time.

With the right routine, regular home health monitoring, a hay-based diet, an enriched and safe living space, and consistent vet visits, your guinea pig can live a long, happy life. If you ever spot warning signs or need expert advice, the team at Two Feet Four Paws Veterinary Clinic in Dubai is here to help with dedicated care for small animals and exotic pets.