Considering your spay options for your pet? We have the answers you seek. While it is tempting to search the internet for the best surgery options, be careful of what information you base your decisions on. Some information may not fit your and your pet’s specific needs.
Spaying is the term we use for females and it means the surgical removal of sections of the reproductive tract. This renders the pet unable to reproduce.
This, of course, dramatically impacts the hormone levels of the pet. We are learning over time that retaining some hormones may be a beneficial process.
The hardest part of the hormone question is knowing how much hormones are needed for health. Unfortunately, even in the human world, hormone levels vary from day to day, and from person to person over time.
We cannot set a one-size-fits-all number for the ideal amount of estrogen to leave in the body. So while there is some thought that leaving some hormones may be the best option, the exact levels are open to interpretation.
First off, on a positive note, let’s list the things you need for your guinea pig:
Preferably a companion for your little friend
Guinea pigs do better in pairs
Immature females are a good start
Males may fight if a female is around; growing up together usually makes males bond
If single, gender does not matter much
Fresh water and good food
A roomy hutch (cage)
The larger the better – males can get territorial
Put in a place where the guinea pig can interact with you
Not direct sunlight but not in a dark area either
Bedding
Hiding Places – they do like their privacy
Nail clipper (human kind are okay)
Cut back the nails every few weeks
Do not cut into the quick
Exercise
Spend time with your little one daily
Guinea pigs lover to interact with people and walk around
Do not use exercise wheels, they are not for guinea pigs but for smaller animals
Hygiene
Brush their little coats with a soft brush
Bathe in warm, clean, water every few months, soaps are usually unnecessary
Be gentle, use a soft cloth
DO NOT GET WATER IN THE EARS.
Towel Dry
Ears
Examine often – take to vet if red and irritated
Wipe clean with a warm, clean, water and a soft cloth
Do not poke or use cotton buds
Spaying and Neuterin
Every guinea pig situation is different
Oddly, male (boar) behavior does not significantly change when neutered
If same sex companions, there may be less reason to neuter/spay
Guinea pigs should always have water, grass hay, and pellets available.
You can supplement your guinea pig’s diet with
Cucumber (not much nutrition)
Bell peppers with the seeds removed
Carrots (moderately)
Chard
Endives
Zucchini
Arugula
Artichoke
Leafy lettuce other than iceberg lettuce
No cabbage
Veggies are good:
Cauliflower in small doses
Kale in small doses
Corn silks and husks
Parsley greens and root (less often – too much calcium)
Dill
Celery leaves
Celery cut in small pieces to avoid choking
Pesticide free fresh grass
Tomato – no seeds and not the green top (poisonous)
Occasional fruits like apples, pear, apricot, blueberries and blackberries. No seeds, ever. Dried fruit in very small doses (too much sugar). Always cut small, seedless, small quantity (1/8 of an apple or orange or a like portion of grapefruit) and keep it infrequent (no more than once or twice a week) as it may lead to bladder problems.
No leashes or harnesses
No exercise wheels (guinea pig spines are delicate and the wheels are made for smaller animals)
Avoid direct sunlight and high temps, guinea pigs can get heat stroke
Single piggies don’t do as well as those with company
Small cages
Bad diet – no junk food, no seeds or anything not on the recommended list
Not providing fresh hay and water
Not enough vitamin C – their diet should be enough
Artificial food additives, especially in water (often they may not like the taste it gives to the water)
Unclean living conditions
Being loud and yelling and scaring your guinea pig
Rough handling
Letting your cat or dog “play” with your guinea pig
Letting the nails overgrow
No wire mesh bottoms to your cages
Lack of exercise
Inappropriate bedding material
Ignoring illness problems – especially respiratory. Untreated symptoms can lead to death.
Not being attentive to your pets’ needs. It is not an ornament but a living animal that needs your attention. Guinea pigs are social animals.
Inadequate supervision during free walking time or letting them walk in hazardous areas
As with any animal, good medical care may be required from time to time. Make sure your vet is qualified to see exotics like guinea pigs. If you see any signs of health issues, especially breathing or blood in urine or excrement, please see your vet.