Keeping Pet Rabbits and Guinea Pigs Healthy

 Rabbits and guinea pigs can make great family pets. They are social creatures and have funny, unique personalities. They can be great for someone who may be allergic to dogs or cats. But rabbits and guinea pigs require some special care that many may not be aware of. They should be fed primarily a grass hay like Timothy hay or Orchard grass. In addition to the grass hay, they may have a small amount of pelleted feed, ample fresh veggies, and small numbers of fruits daily. Guinea pigs are unique in that they absolutely require vitamin C to be supplemented in their diet every day, just like humans! Good sources of vitamin C include: red and green bell peppers, dark leafy greens like kale, mustard greens and dandelion greens, oranges, and strawberries. Rabbits and guinea pigs should always have food available to them. They need to be eating throughout the day to keep their unique gastrointestinal systems healthy. Any time a rabbit or guinea pig stops eating and passing feces, is considered an emergency and they should be seen by a veterinarian right away. Both species have a tendency toward dental problems. Again, feeding them primarily a grass hay diet will help them keep their molars worn correctly, but some rabbits and guinea pigs may still experience overgrowth of their teeth that require veterinarian intervention to correct. Signs of dental problems may include drooling, dropping of food, or reluctance to eat certain food items. Lastly, never house a rabbit and guinea pig together in the same cage. Besides the fact that many will become aggressive with each other, rabbits can carry a respiratory bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica which, while not problematic for rabbits, can be deadly to guinea pigs.
Cinema Veterinary Centre is located at 23460 Cinema Drive, suite L in Valencia 661-253-9300.