How do you keep guinea pigs safe through the winter?

The name "guinea pig" sounds like a pig at first hearing, but it is actually a rodent of the Caviidae family; because it looks cute, many people keep it as a pet. So, how do guinea pigs get through the winter?

1. Housing

Guinea pigs are afraid of the cold, and once the temperature drops below 20 degrees in winter, you need to keep your guinea pig warm. Therefore, prepare a warm and comfortable cage for it, and add a suitable amount of clean scraps of cloth, wood shavings, paper shavings, etc. If you have heating at home, so much the better: simply lay a pet warming blanket where the guinea pig rests.

2. Diet

In winter, feed your guinea pig just as at other times: staple food or dry foods such as steamed buns and bread, paired with fresh vegetables and fruit, or simply put some higher-fat food in the guinea pig food. If you find that your guinea pig drinks less water, that is normal too, so do not worry.

3. Bathing

In winter, bathe your guinea pig as little as possible; if you must bathe it, do so at noon or in the afternoon when the sun is bright, and do not let the guinea pig be exposed to wind during or after the bath. Dry it immediately with a towel afterward. Guinea pigs that are used to a hair dryer can be dried with one; guinea pigs that are not used to a hair dryer should be wrapped well in a dry towel and put back in the cage when the fur is almost dry. If it is a sick guinea pig, never bathe it.

4. Going out

If your guinea pig goes out to play in winter, you must keep it warm. Before going out, wrap the cage well to prevent cold wind from getting in and freezing the guinea pig. You can also put pet-specific heat packs in the cage to prevent the guinea pig from catching a chill.