Pet owners are most concerned about the lifespan of their pets. Hence, it is necessary for the pet owners to provide proper care to their pets. The kind of care needed will be different for different pets. The methods to care for the pets also vary from one another. It is necessary to know about the lifespan of the guinea pigs.
How long do guinea pigs live?
The guinea pigs have an average lifespan of 5 to 7 years in captivity. Guinea pigs luckily survive longer in comparison to some other varieties of adorable pets like hamsters, gerbils or mice.
The lifespan of theirs is dependent on multiple factors, though, and it is only with proper care that their survival power increases. The lifespan of the guinea pig may span over a decade based on the diet, medical treatment, and the breed. The longest lifespan of a guinea pig ever recorded is 14 years and 10.5 months. The wild guinea pigs have a shorter lifespan and they live between 1 to 4 years.
Breed
The breed is not the major factor over the growing environment of guinea pigs. Certain breeds of guinea pigs usually have a much longer lifespan. The skinny pigs live much longer and they normally have a lifespan of about 6 to 8 years. The average lifespan of other guinea pigs is about 5 to 6 years.
Diet
The care guinea pigs receive is a major factor which has an influence on their lifespan. The important aspect related to guinea pig care is their diet. It is necessary to plan a balanced diet for guinea pigs. The grown guinea pigs should not be fed with alfalfa based pellets. The higher calcium content available in them is the best to feed the pregnant and growing cavies. Too much of it can lead to health issues. The much safer and healthier options are orchard grass and timothy hay. Vitamin C is another major aspect to consider in the diet of guinea pig. They need a lot of Vitamin C for staying healthy and having a longer lifespan. The Vitamin C fortified pellets, lettuce or carrots are the best sources of it. Vitamin C tablets are also another source of it.
Health-related aspects
The lifespan of a guinea pig is influenced not just by food but also by other health-related aspects that need to be taken care of. It is not good to keep them in a cage which is too small, as it will make it very hard for them to move around. If there is not much exercise, it can lead to underdeveloped muscles. The lesser amount of activity will reduce the chances of eliminating their body toxins through sweat. Regular cleaning of their place of stay is equally important in promoting their health.
The guinea pig owners should get a good vet if a guinea pig has any ailment. It is necessary to weigh them weekly as weight loss is one of the symptoms that tells us that the guinea pig is ill. There are also many other symptoms of their ailments which include diarrhea, lethargy, sneezing, wheezing and labored breezing. Taking care of the guinea pig, even during the slightest ailment, helps in giving them a longer life.