Guinea Pig Care – Pittwater Animal Hospital
All the vets at Pittwater Animal Hospital see guinea pigs.
Our veterinarian with a special interest in exotic pets is Dr Juliet Smithyman.
What is the best way to monitor my guinea pig's health?
Weigh, weigh, and weigh again.
Because guinea pigs are small, it’s hard to spot illness early. Most weigh about 1,000 g. A loss of 100 g is significant and should prompt a vet check.
My guinea pig has a skin problem – what should I do?
Skin disease is common in guinea pigs. Always consult your vet if you notice itching, hair loss, redness, or scabs. Bring all of your guinea pigs, as they may all need treatment.
Make an Appointment with the Vet →
Call us on 9913 7979
Or message us through the website or email reception@pittvets.au
My guinea pig is not eating – is this a problem?
Yes – it’s urgent. Guinea pigs need to eat every day to wear down their teeth. Without this, dental problems develop quickly.
Signs of illness include:
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Not eating
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Less movement
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Weight loss
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Wet fur around the mouth
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Sunken eyes
If you notice any of these, contact us straight away.
Make an Appointment with the Vet →
Call us on 9913 7979
Or message us through the website or email reception@pittvets.au
Do guinea pigs need a special diet?
Yes – they require vitamin C in their diet.
Most guinea pig pellets include vitamin C, but it can degrade over time. Fresh sources include dandelion greens (washed), capsicum, tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, brussels sprouts, kale, carrots, parsley, broccoli, cauliflower, and strawberries. Variety is healthy and keeps them interested in food.
Should I have my guinea pig's nails or teeth trimmed?
Some guinea pigs need regular nail trims – your vet can do this safely.
Overgrown teeth are a more serious issue. Incisors can be trimmed while awake, but molars require a general anaesthetic. Both can cause pain and need prompt treatment.
Should I have my guinea pig desexed?
We do not perform desexing on guinea pigs at Pittwater Animal Hospital due to the risk of complications. If required, we can refer you to a specialist exotics veterinarian.
Does it cost less to have my guinea pig examined at the vet?
Guinea pig care is a specialised skill. Consultations often take longer to allow gentle handling and thorough history taking. Our standard consultation fee applies, but discounted fees are available for rechecks and nail trims.
Some complex problems are best managed by a veterinary specialist. For urgent care, it’s best to see one of our vets first – we can stabilise your guinea pig and arrange referral if needed.
Our closest exotic pet specialist is Dr Izidora Sladakovic (Izzy).
Make an Appointment with the Vet →
Call us on 9913 7979
Or message us through the website or email reception@pittvets.au
