Hi There,
Summer is a time when all our furry friends need great consideration, and the cavy is certainly no exception; infact this creature is far more vulnerable than many folks realize.
Each year when the warm weather circulates...so does a list of preventable deaths. Many of these situations are made even more tragic because simple common sense was not used. However, even when common sense prevails, additional cooling tips are always welcome! Afterall, for some folks this will be the first summer season with their new animal.
KEEPING YOUR CAVY COOL
When you own a guinea pig, the purchase of a fan is not a luxury item; it is absolutely essential. So unless you have central air-conditioning, such a purchase should be at the top of your list. When choosing a fan...I would recommend an oscillating variety, and if you can pick up two fans...that is even better!
SOME COOLING TIPS
--Freeze a water-filled soda bottle and place this in the cage. Some folks cover this with a cloth as their sweeties are abit timid. On the other hand, some will lie against the bottle and/or lick the perspiration.
--Instead of bedding only...consider adding a few larger type ceramic tiles as a cool base. Or, on very hot days use newspaper only (with a light scattering of bedding only).
--Drape a dampened towel on one end of the cage and then blow a fan directly onto the towel (serves for cooler air, like a little air-conditioner of sorts).
--Keep your animal in the coolest room available...if it is very hot, consider moving your sweeties to the basement.
--No basement, no ceramic tiles handy...then how about the bathroom floor or temp housing in the tub.
--Do not use Pigloos or PVC pipes in the hot summer months. "Think" open-concept shelters only (ie: cardboard boxes...2-4 entry holes cut out...for tunnel type boxes don't forget to add windows and/or rooftop flaps).
Well folks, that is all for this go around. While I do have more ideas and/or comments, these will have wait for abit. Very shortly I will be off to the vet once again. My dearest Chloe (sweetie hound dog) has been through quite a lot in the past week, and so have we. On this board, I would like to highlight the nightmare she has been through (and is not out of yet) This situation will be of interest to other dog owners out there who may not be aware of the toxic properties of "raisins and grapes" (with respect to dogs).
Catch you all later! When I get back I hope to see some other cooling tips and suggestions listed for the indoors...and precautions listed when placing your cavy outside.
Please folks...jump in with any suggestions you have and/or ask questions!
Catch you on the next wave...
Best Regards,
Rosalee
Summer is a time when all our furry friends need great consideration, and the cavy is certainly no exception; infact this creature is far more vulnerable than many folks realize.
Each year when the warm weather circulates...so does a list of preventable deaths. Many of these situations are made even more tragic because simple common sense was not used. However, even when common sense prevails, additional cooling tips are always welcome! Afterall, for some folks this will be the first summer season with their new animal.
KEEPING YOUR CAVY COOL
When you own a guinea pig, the purchase of a fan is not a luxury item; it is absolutely essential. So unless you have central air-conditioning, such a purchase should be at the top of your list. When choosing a fan...I would recommend an oscillating variety, and if you can pick up two fans...that is even better!
SOME COOLING TIPS
--Freeze a water-filled soda bottle and place this in the cage. Some folks cover this with a cloth as their sweeties are abit timid. On the other hand, some will lie against the bottle and/or lick the perspiration.
--Instead of bedding only...consider adding a few larger type ceramic tiles as a cool base. Or, on very hot days use newspaper only (with a light scattering of bedding only).
--Drape a dampened towel on one end of the cage and then blow a fan directly onto the towel (serves for cooler air, like a little air-conditioner of sorts).
--Keep your animal in the coolest room available...if it is very hot, consider moving your sweeties to the basement.
--No basement, no ceramic tiles handy...then how about the bathroom floor or temp housing in the tub.
--Do not use Pigloos or PVC pipes in the hot summer months. "Think" open-concept shelters only (ie: cardboard boxes...2-4 entry holes cut out...for tunnel type boxes don't forget to add windows and/or rooftop flaps).
Well folks, that is all for this go around. While I do have more ideas and/or comments, these will have wait for abit. Very shortly I will be off to the vet once again. My dearest Chloe (sweetie hound dog) has been through quite a lot in the past week, and so have we. On this board, I would like to highlight the nightmare she has been through (and is not out of yet) This situation will be of interest to other dog owners out there who may not be aware of the toxic properties of "raisins and grapes" (with respect to dogs).
Catch you all later! When I get back I hope to see some other cooling tips and suggestions listed for the indoors...and precautions listed when placing your cavy outside.
Please folks...jump in with any suggestions you have and/or ask questions!
Catch you on the next wave...
Best Regards,
Rosalee
