How often should I take my guinea pig to the vet for a check up?

Question

We got our guinea pig 4 weks ago when he was 5 weeks old and we have not taken him for a vet check up yet. How often shoul we do this?

Answer 1

If you havn't yet take him over sometime and after that i would say you should only bring him if he seems ill.

x

Answer 2

Guinea pigs do not generally need to be taken to the vets unless you think something is really wrong. A dog or cat needs boosters e.t.c so they need to be taken often, but guinea pigs are only in need of the vet if a) you don't have any experience in cutting their claws, so therefore a vet must do it so you don't injure your guinea pig b) they are showing signs of having mites/tics e.t.c (scratching and biting) c) they are not eating or you think you have fed him?her something that they cannot eat. (in a guinea pigs case this is potato's)

If you noice your guinea pig has bald patches, then at first you might be alarmed, but this could simply be lack of Vitamin C. So feed your guinea up on a few segments of orange and he will be cured in no time! No need to take him to the vets unless the problem continues.

Hope I helped! X

Answer 3

i only took my pets wenever they need to go.

Answer 4

Twice a year, so every six months a check-up.

Answer 5

You could take him now or in a couple of weeks time when hes slightly older. After that every six months or if he ever needs to go.

Though as long as he is healthy they don't really need to go,but if your either a beginner with guinea pigs or are unsure of self checking his health taking him to the vets every 6 months is best.

Hope this helps. x*x

Answer 6

take him once and then ask the vet :-)  

Answer 7

Every day. Your vet will be very happy to keep giving you the bill

Answer 8

Guinea pigs, as well as most rodent or bird type pets, don't need to go to the vet for any check-ups like your dogs or cats.  Guinea pigs generally only need vet care when something is wrong with them.  Some of the warning signs may include: eating or drinking less or more than normal, sores, extensive itching or seizures.

The last three come from mites.  Mites live under the skin so you won't see them like fleas.  A percentage of guinea pigs have a genetic trait that make them immune to mites but all of my guinea pigs have gotten mites at one time or another.  Depending on your guinea pig mites may cause your piggie to get seizures (like mine).

There's nothing saying you can't take him to the vet to ask about correct diets but I think your little piggie is just fine.  The best thing to do is that when you notice something wrong with your piggie is to take them in to see the vet right away.  Since piggies are prey animals by nature, they tend to try to hide their pain or illness.  So by the time you start to notice something it could already be a few days or a week or so from the beginning of when your piggie wasn't feeling well.

Answer 9

i would say every 6 months or so thats like 2 times a year thats good enough

Answer 10

No need to take them for 'check ups' like you would a cat or a dog- take them if they seem to need it due to illness or injury.

You may want to get it checked out in a few weeks to check it is healthy at a young age and ask the vets for pointers to keep it healthy, but generally there's no need to take it for check ups like you would do with other animals like dogs/cats.

Answer 11

Guinea Pigs are usually healthy if their eyes look bright. Biggest problems are mange (they scratch alot), long nails or overgrown top teeth. Nails can be cut at home, mange needs vetinary care and so do overgrown teeth

Answer 12

You really only need to take your guinea-pig to the vet if he is ill or injured. Spending time with your new guinea-pig will allow you to recognise ailments. Signs of an unhealthy animal are quite clear.

There are a range of books & websites available which offer in depth info on the correct care of guinea-pigs. They provide easy to follow advice & allow owners to assess the problem & respond appropriately.

A few to help you get started:

BOOKS

* Collins family pet guide....GUINEA-PIG by Peter Gurney

* Piggy potions.....natural remedies for guinea-pigs by Peter Gurney

WEBSITES

* http://www.omlet.co.uk/guide/guide.php?v...

* http://www.oginet.com/pgurney/index.html

* http://www.smallanimalsadvice.com/guinea...

Answer 13

you shouldnt need to take him unless there is something wrong with him, but if want to take him for check ups, then i would suggest perhaps every 6 months. :)