Piggie Musings #2

When you have tiny pets, a few ounces difference in their weight can signal something is wrong and it can be hard to tell by just picking them up. So I keep a spreadsheet of their birthdays and their health. I weigh them on a little scale I bought from Amazon.com and I check their ears and teeth, trim their nails, listen to their breathing, and make sure their noses are clear and their poo is normal.

It’s great to record these things because well, it can be hard to remember. And it is good to have this if a vet visit is needed.

This may be controversial, but as long as I have had guinea pigs, I think regular visits to a vet are not needed in my opinion, let me explain.

First, let me sing praises for the owner of laguineapigrescue, Saskia Chiesa! She is the director of the largest piggie rescue in the US, has written many articles for magazines, and has almost 20 years of experience in taking care of piggies. From her, I have learned a whole lot. If you are thinking of adopting guinea pigs, I highly recommend following her on YouTube. She also works very closely with Dr. Katie Nennecker (aka. Dr. Nenn).

Second, I love veterinarians, I wanted to be one when I grew up but it just wasn’t in the cards for me.

Here is the thing…Guinea Pigs do not require any sort of vaccines and are not on any sort of preventative medications. Many vets will not even see piggies as they are considered exotic pets. Please also keep this in mind before adopting. Some vets will agree to see your piggie but can only prescribe them antibiotics and pain medications. They do not have the equipment required to x-ray and scan their little bodies. Now, if your piggie is wheezing or has any sort of symptoms, then PLEASE see your vet! If they cannot help you then they will know who can.

Our closest exotic vet is 2 hours away and anytime I have had anything seriously wrong, I have always been referred to them and they have been wonderful. Knowing they are not on any sort of preventative care means basically taking them in regularly for a checkup and I just don’t have the funds to visit when there is nothing wrong. BUT, I also keep a record of their weight and I perform health checks. I watch them closely. This is why I think anyone considering getting guinea pig pets for their kids knows that this requires great responsibility, much more than any young children should have.