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Calming Guinea Pigs
Even tame guinea pigs can become frightened in situations such as a thunderstorm, a vet visit or a car journey. These exercises may not result in long-term bonding, but are useful for settling a nervous guinea pig. Remember to always ensure that you have identified and controlled the source of the guinea pig's distress - a cavy may be in pain if he is frightened without an apparent cause. Guinea pigs that have had a large shock may need veterinary attention to prevent death from heart attack.A slightly timid expression
 
This page outlines general calming solutions, then ideas for reducing the stress of specific situations such as a car journey or vet visit. Due to the calming nature of taming activites, there may be some overlaps with the Taming page.
While playing the radio to your guinea pigs will not help them bond with you, if they have been tamed to the sound of a human voice, it can be useful in ongoing situations such as thunderstorms where you cannot stay with the guinea pigs the whole time. Ensure that they are secure, then play the radio quietly on a station that is unlikely to have shouting, loud music or heated discussions. It's a good idea to have a battery-powered radio in case of power outage. You can also use talking CDs, quiet TV shows, audiobooks etc.
Holding the guinea pig is also useful and can be a bonding experience as well. The best way to calm is to place the guinea pig on a flat surface, such as a floor or tabletop, and wrap your arms around them (not too tightly) so that they feel secure.
Music can also be used as a calming device in a similar way to the radio. Rock music may be too exciting but anything played at a low volume can help to distract the guinea pig from noises such as thunder or nearby construction work.
Talking to your guinea pigs will also calm them down if they're used to the sound of your voice. Be careful not to raise your voice or speak too fast.
At the vets'
  • Place a towel over the carry cage and try to sit away from cats and dogs in the waiting room.
  • Talking to the guinea pig can help.
  • If the guinea pig is not likely to be contagious, taking their cagemate can help keep them calm.
  • Have treats on hand to feed afterwards, but don't give them before you go in, as they may obscure the guinea pig's teeth if the vet checks their mouth.

Car journeys

  • Bring juicy vegetables for water and to give them something to do. Don't put in a water bottle unless it's non-drip, or the bedding will be soaked.
  • Give hay if possible.
  • Put in shredded paper for the guinea pig/s to hide under - it will make them feel more secure.
  • On long trips, use the largest cage possible.
  • Hideys will help the guinea pigs to feel secure.
  • If travelling with cagemate guinea pigs, put them together so they can snuggle.
Background graphics by Jackie • All photographs by webmaster unless otherwise stated.
 (c) 2007-2008 Cavybeat • All information is unofficial, original experience. 

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