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Guinea pigs make excellent pets for children and adults alike. If you’re considering adding one of these small creatures to your family, there are a few tips you should follow to ensure they remain happy and healthy. As the leading pet store in Mililani, HI, The Pet Hale is the best place to find the accessories needed to care for your furry friend. Below, they’ve compiled some advice for first-time guinea pig owners.

How to Care for Guinea Pigs 

1. Get the Right Equipment

At a minimum, you’ll need a cage, bedding, and dishes for food and water. Guinea pigs also enjoy chewing, so supplying them with safe wood blocks from a pet store will keep them busy. A hideaway hut will give them privacy and uphold their comfort. It’s also essential to purchase a brush and nail trimmers for grooming.

2. Keep Them Active

Animal care experts don’t always recommend exercise wheels. Overuse can lead to health issues like back problems and foot injuries. They can also be squeaky and cause a disturbance when you’re trying to sleep at night. Instead, exercise guinea pigs by setting up a playpen or other safe space where you can supervise them as they roam.  

3. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Your guinea pig will need fresh grass, water, and pellets to stay healthy, but you can also feed them fresh veggies. Carrots and broccoli leaves are ideal for these rodents, but be sure to consult with a pet shop to learn more about the needs for your specific breed. Some professionals also recommend vitamin C tablets, as these critters can become deficient in the vital nutrient.

4. Help Them Stay Safe

guinea pigs An owner must keep guinea pigs out of harm’s way. Separate them from other pets and always make sure they’re shielded from falling objects when they’re roaming outside of their cage.

5. Clean Their Cage Regularly

Cages should be cleaned once a week, both for your benefit and your pet’s. When bedding is swapped out weekly and pens are wiped clean, you won’t have to worry about odors or poor living conditions for your guinea pig. It’s also wise to spot clean any wet areas in between cleanings if you notice them. 

If you’re ready to bring a guinea pig into your home, The Pet Hale is the place to go. With friendly service and a huge selection of pets and supplies, their store is Hawaii’s premier destination for anything feathered, furry, or scaled. To learn more, call (808) 696-1083 or visit the shop online for additional information about their products.

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