Have you recently adopted Guinea pigs? These little furballs are absolutely adorable. They’re also curious and playful. It’s important to provide safe, suitable toys. Entertainment and stimulation are very important to providing your pet with a good quality of life. As you can imagine, sitting in a cage all day with nothing to do would be extremely boring. An Ellicott City, MD vet discusses cavie playthings below.
Materials
Like many other small pets, cavies must chew quite a bit to prevent dental issues. The first and most important rule here is to only offer things that are safe for them to eat and chew. If purchasing toys, choose ones made of natural materials, such as twigs, branches, and grass hay.
DIY Options
You can also go the DIY route and make your cavy’s toys. This is a cheap and easy way to keep your little furballs happy and entertained. Offer things like plain paper or grass hay in a cardboard tube, such as a toilet paper roll or oatmeal container. You can also crumple up sheets of plain paper around small treats, or shred some and put it into a paper lunch bag. Look online for more ideas.
Other Entertainment Options
Guinea pigs are very curious. These guys love exploring things like little tunnels and mazes, which you can make out of cardboard boxes or even PVC pipe. Your cute pets may also enjoy playing with dangling toys or things they can roll or push.
Another way to offer stimulation is by letting your tiny pals out to play. Just be sure to only do this in petproofed areas where there are no dogs or cats around. You may also find that your Guinea pigs enjoy playing with you! Try different things, and see what goes over best.
Cautions
Always put safety first! Don’t give cavies anything with small parts or sharp edges. Items covered in paint, varnish, or glitter are unsafe as well. Also, be careful with exercise balls and wheels. Guinea pigs aren’t as flexible as hamsters, so your pets could injure themselves. If offering branches or wood items, make sure to only use safe woods. Avoid pine and cedar items, as the oils may irritate your pint-sized pals. Ask your vet for more information.
Do you have questions about Guinea pig care? Call us, your Ellicott City, MD pet clinic. We’re here to help!
