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ello Guinea Pig Care World! For all of you living in climate regions of harsh winters and summers, here are some essential tips for how to care for your guinea pigs in such conditions. Remember, it is not only you who could get uncomfortable when it is too cold or too hot – guinea pigs are far more sensitive to temperature changes, which could seriously harm them.

If you remember from our Guinea Pig Health page, ideal environmental temperature for a cavy is between 19°C and 22°C (68°F – 72°F), but acceptable environmental temperature is between 15°C and 18°C (59°F – 64°F). They are more tolerant to lower than higher temperatures, so always give them an option of a hiding place.

How to care for your guinea pig in a cold winter

Beware, for Winter is Coming… :

1. Major problem with the winter is this: it is cold. Keep a close eye and try to provide extra warmness for very young and sick cavies.
2. Because of the cold and damp, try to keep your guinea pig(s) inside.
3. Watch out for the temperature changes/drops. Rapid temperature changes are very dangerous for their health. Try to keep the temperature in the room steady by using thermometers and thermostats. Don’t presume that your pet will be ‘allright’ when you turn off the heating and go to your job to do some serious Internet surfing.
4. Pay extra attention to the bedding – it is crucial that it is dry, as wet and cold bedding has nothing to do with being comfortable and safe.
5. Make their bedding thicker, use three layers: clean white paper + wood shavings + hay.
6. Winter is extremely useful time for you to realize that you should have more than one guinea pig: they can keep each other warm and cozy.
7. You and your guinea pig(s) should consume more Vitamin C through natural food: Bell peppers (red, yellow, green), parsley, broccoli, mustard greens, guava, kiwi, etc.
8. Keep your cavies away from the draft!
9. Lift the cage (hutch) from the ground. Ground is cold. Use wood, or bricks, or some furniture.
10. Provide some towels or blankets or old socks for them to play and cuddle.

How to care for your guinea pig in hot summer days

Remember, your cavy has low tolerance for high temperatures. Be sure to:

1. Keep him/her in the shades and cool places
2. DON’T leave them in direct sunlight or drafts, with no possibility to hide in shaded areas
3. Provide enough fresh WATER for drinking
4. Provide watery summer treats
   like CUCUMBERS, bell peppers, strawberries
5. CLEAN the cage more often.
   Your pet will drink more water and urinate more frequently.
6. Here is a great trick some owners are using: wrap a frozen ice brick with a towel or some cloth, and put it in some corner of the cage. Guinea pigs can lay beside the cool refreshment and ease the heat. Just be careful that it is not too cold, thus use thicker cloth.