How to Find the Right Vet for your Guinea Pig

Although adorable, guinea pigs are not the strongest of animals. They can succumb to a number of illnesses quickly. You will need to have a professional and knowledgeable vet nearby throughout the life of your cavy.

Vets see more dogs and cats than guinea pigs, so you will need to make sure your vet is knowledgeable about guinea pigs. The more experience your vet has with guinea pigs, the happier and healthier your animal will be over the long run.

Make sure you can find a qualified and experienced vet that has worked on a number of guinea pigs. Look for a great vet before you get your guinea pig, including interviewing a variety of vets to see which one has the most experience and fits you best. This can help you and your new pet significantly later on in life.

If you have dogs and cats, you might have to have one vet for them and another for your guinea pig. Most people would rather have one vet for all of their animals, but you will need to be sure that your new vet can handle your guinea pig and keep it as safe and healthy as possible, educating you on the right medications and techniques to keep it healthy.

Guinea pigs are very sensitive to a number of medications. There are some medications that are great for them and others, like the popular penicillin, that are fatal for them. Enterotoxemia can lead to fatal diarrhea and is a reaction to antibiotics. If you see this, you will know that you gave your animal the wrong antibiotic. Having a great vet will prevent seeing this problem if you consult an experienced vet for all medications and techniques.

Your vet can help you with more things than just medications. You can find medical treatments, advice on diets, grooming, bedding and more that will impact the overall happiness of your guinea pig as well. You will want to be sure that your vet has enough experience and knowledge that you can trust and follow his or her opinions about your animal.

Make sure that your vet is experienced and up-to-date on the latest techniques and methods with guinea pigs. You will want them to be current on the latest diseases and technologies to give you pet the best it can have. You would expect nothing less from your dog or cats and guinea pigs are nothing less!

Some evidence suggests that the phenols given off by pine or cedar wood shavings are not great for guinea pigs and can harm their respiratory tracts. You will need a professional opinion to keep your guinea pig in the best health and shape. With a vet’s opinion on the latest opinions, you can be sure that your animal has the best professional care. You can weigh the evidence objectively and make sure that your professional is experienced and knowledgeable about your breed. Take the time to find a good vet for your guinea pig before you bring it home and you and your guinea pig are sure to benefit from the superior care.

         

More Guinea Pig Health, Illnesses and Symptoms Articles: