Difference between revisions of "Walk a Guinea Pig on a Leash"
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#Make sure the harness isn't too tight. If you put on a harness, make sure it is loose enough. You should be able to put a finger or two between the harness and the guinea pig. If it's too tight, it could harm the guinea pig's back over time and chaff under his armpits.<ref name="rf2">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zqt7fHRryo</ref> | #Make sure the harness isn't too tight. If you put on a harness, make sure it is loose enough. You should be able to put a finger or two between the harness and the guinea pig. If it's too tight, it could harm the guinea pig's back over time and chaff under his armpits.<ref name="rf2">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zqt7fHRryo</ref> | ||
#* It may not be a good idea to put a harness on at all. Some owners have had trouble with harnesses harming guinea pigs' backs after they've worn it several times.<ref name="rf3">http://www.qldguineapigrefuge.com.au/health-tips.html</ref> | #* It may not be a good idea to put a harness on at all. Some owners have had trouble with harnesses harming guinea pigs' backs after they've worn it several times.<ref name="rf3">http://www.qldguineapigrefuge.com.au/health-tips.html</ref> | ||
| − | #Use leashes just for the yard. If you insist on using a leash, make sure you just do it in the yard. That is, you can use a leash to keep your guinea pig from wandering too far. However, you need to supervise the guinea pig the whole time. A leash isn't license to leave your guinea pig alone outside.<ref>http://www.animalbehavior.net/LIBRARY/GuineaPig/EFGPR/GuineaPig_Exercise_Proofing_Leashes.htm</ | + | #Use leashes just for the yard. If you insist on using a leash, make sure you just do it in the yard. That is, you can use a leash to keep your guinea pig from wandering too far. However, you need to supervise the guinea pig the whole time. A leash isn't license to leave your guinea pig alone outside.<ref name="rf1">http://www.animalbehavior.net/LIBRARY/GuineaPig/EFGPR/GuineaPig_Exercise_Proofing_Leashes.htm</ref> |
#* Also, don't tug on the leash. Just let your guinea pig roam about. | #* Also, don't tug on the leash. Just let your guinea pig roam about. | ||
#* Make sure the leash is always loose, and your guinea pig doesn't get tangled in it. | #* Make sure the leash is always loose, and your guinea pig doesn't get tangled in it. | ||
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#* This step also warns your family not to let other pets in. | #* This step also warns your family not to let other pets in. | ||
#Give them enough exercise time. Try to provide at least 3 hours outside of the cage a day if the guinea pigs are in a cage that isn't large enough for them.<ref name="rf5" /> That means that if your guinea pig has less than 7.5 square feet, you need to provide this time out of the cage every day. Otherwise, your guinea pig could get bored. | #Give them enough exercise time. Try to provide at least 3 hours outside of the cage a day if the guinea pigs are in a cage that isn't large enough for them.<ref name="rf5" /> That means that if your guinea pig has less than 7.5 square feet, you need to provide this time out of the cage every day. Otherwise, your guinea pig could get bored. | ||
| − | #Don't forget to provide food and water. If you let your guinea pigs out of their cage for extended periods, don't forget they still need food and water. If they can't go back to their cage, make sure you have food and water out for them.<ref>http://jackiesguineapiggies.com/exercise.html</ | + | #Don't forget to provide food and water. If you let your guinea pigs out of their cage for extended periods, don't forget they still need food and water. If they can't go back to their cage, make sure you have food and water out for them.<ref name="rf2">http://jackiesguineapiggies.com/exercise.html</ref> |
=== Providing Outdoor Exercise === | === Providing Outdoor Exercise === | ||
| − | #Place them in an enclosure. Outside, create an enclosure or fenced in area for them to play in. You can use a wire fence or cage, as long as it doesn't leave gaps that your guinea pigs can escape through.< | + | #Place them in an enclosure. Outside, create an enclosure or fenced in area for them to play in. You can use a wire fence or cage, as long as it doesn't leave gaps that your guinea pigs can escape through.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Keep your guinea pigs cool. Guinea pigs can stand too much heat, so make sure you keep them cool when they go outside. For one, you should always provide them with shade, so they can cool down. In addition, only let them out during cooler times of the day in the summer.<ref name="rf5" /> | #Keep your guinea pigs cool. Guinea pigs can stand too much heat, so make sure you keep them cool when they go outside. For one, you should always provide them with shade, so they can cool down. In addition, only let them out during cooler times of the day in the summer.<ref name="rf5" /> | ||
| − | #* Guinea pigs prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While they can stand a bit more variation, you don't want to go too much colder or warmer.< | + | #* Guinea pigs prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While they can stand a bit more variation, you don't want to go too much colder or warmer.<ref name="rf3">http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/tips/guinea_pig_housing.html</ref> |
#Don't let them go out on damp grass. Damp grass can give your pig a chill, and that's not good for them. Also, make sure you aren't setting them down on grass that has been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals, as that can be damaging for your guinea pig.<ref name="rf5" /> | #Don't let them go out on damp grass. Damp grass can give your pig a chill, and that's not good for them. Also, make sure you aren't setting them down on grass that has been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals, as that can be damaging for your guinea pig.<ref name="rf5" /> | ||
| − | #Provide food and water. Once again, you want to be sure to always provide your guinea pig with food and water. Water is especially important when your guinea pig is outside because it can easily get dehydrated when it is warm out.< | + | #Provide food and water. Once again, you want to be sure to always provide your guinea pig with food and water. Water is especially important when your guinea pig is outside because it can easily get dehydrated when it is warm out.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Check for poisonous plants. Guinea pigs love to chew on any plant in their vicinity, which is fine when they're munching on grass. However, some plants are poisonous to guinea pigs, so you want to make sure they don't have access to those.< | + | #Check for poisonous plants. Guinea pigs love to chew on any plant in their vicinity, which is fine when they're munching on grass. However, some plants are poisonous to guinea pigs, so you want to make sure they don't have access to those.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#* Use a database like Cornell's http://poisonousplants.ansci.cornell.edu/index.html to look up poisonous plants in your area. Many common plants like daisies and buttercups are poisonous to guinea pigs. | #* Use a database like Cornell's http://poisonousplants.ansci.cornell.edu/index.html to look up poisonous plants in your area. Many common plants like daisies and buttercups are poisonous to guinea pigs. | ||
#* If you keep your guinea pigs just on grass without weeds, you should be fine. | #* If you keep your guinea pigs just on grass without weeds, you should be fine. | ||
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#* In addition, you want to make sure your guinea pigs don't wriggle out and escape. | #* In addition, you want to make sure your guinea pigs don't wriggle out and escape. | ||
#* Also, because guinea pigs are susceptible to heat stroke, you want to keep an eye on them while outside. Signs of heatstroke include lethargy, a limp body, trouble breathing, a rapid pulse, and a wet chin. Your guinea pig may also feel hot to the touch. Check the ears to see if they feel extra warm. | #* Also, because guinea pigs are susceptible to heat stroke, you want to keep an eye on them while outside. Signs of heatstroke include lethargy, a limp body, trouble breathing, a rapid pulse, and a wet chin. Your guinea pig may also feel hot to the touch. Check the ears to see if they feel extra warm. | ||
| − | #* If you notice signs of heatstroke, bring the guinea pig indoors. Use tepid water (not cold because it can cause shock) to dab around the ears and feet. You can even dip its feet in water. Once the guinea pig seems cooler, take it to the vet.< | + | #* If you notice signs of heatstroke, bring the guinea pig indoors. Use tepid water (not cold because it can cause shock) to dab around the ears and feet. You can even dip its feet in water. Once the guinea pig seems cooler, take it to the vet.<ref name="rf4">http://www.guineapigwelfare.org.uk/guinea-pig-care/seasonal/summer/in-the-heat-of-the-moment/</ref> |
=== Getting the Right Cage === | === Getting the Right Cage === | ||
