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Keeping and Grooming Your Guinea Pig Pet the Right Way

29 11:51:25

Keeping and Grooming Your Guinea Pig Pet the Right Way






     Being kept in captivity for decades, any guinea pig might seem not to be wary of human interaction. But this is not always the same assumption as some cavy is still evasive of human presence or interventions. But due to their calm and collected demeanor, they are one of the top picks as household pets that are safe to raise even with kids. Also, almost in a sad tone, any cavy breed is also becoming slaves of research and studies needing test subjects that resembles a human system. Like their distant cousin rodents, guinea pigs are also favorite recipients of drugs or products animal testing.

A guinea pig or abbreviated cavy can be found in almost regions of the globe but they originally came from the Andes and brought into the streamline by some European traders in the early 1960s. These active creatures have been recognized by the Southern American dwellers as source of meat and as companions. Active campaigns against killing guinea pigs for consumption and experimentation have been constantly enforced by animal rights activists. These activist help promote awareness and knowledge about the right treatment of cavy creatures.

So, as an owner or potential keeper of a cavy, what proper precautions do you need to know about before acquiring one? First, check with your local state laws regarding buying and keeping of guinea pigs as pets. If there is no restriction or special connotations, then go ahead and find a breed of cavy that can fit as your pet. Some states require proper documentation of raising a cavy. While most states have pet shops or direct breeders that sell guinea pigs, some are turning into adoption in considering raising one cavy. Many animal rights organizations encourage adoption of rescued or abandoned guinea pigs as a measure to cut back on the senseless buying and trading of these friendly creatures.

Second, you only have to concentrate on three things when grooming your pet cavy. The teeth, coat, and nails are the areas of concern for this furry fellows as these parts are mostly used in their feeding and mobilization. The pronounced chewing teeth upfront a guinea pig are used to cut grass or feeds and initially dices the big chunks of food for the cavy. Keeping these dentures healthy can greatly aid them in their digestive system and prevent any possible infliction of pain from gum or teeth disease that can prevent guinea pigs to consume food properly. Coats are another issue as this thick furry coat can help a cavy to keep warm in his life. Getting topical coat disease can compromise the body temperature of a guinea pig and can lead to disastrous consequences like hypothermia or other life threatening diseases. Nails should be maintained in a considerable length that can help a cavy to handle his food. These nails should be checked once in a while to keep the cavy from suffering to any fungal or related deterioration of nails.

Lastly, all guinea pigs should be treated with respect and loving care. Most cavy pets today are neglected once they began to grow bigger and become hard to cuddle. Kids usually have a dying attention and devotion for their pets as pets become too big to handle for them or too old to be played with. Parents should look after pets as if they are taking in another child in custody so that no cases of abuse and neglect for guinea pigs will occur.