Are Guinea Pigs Like Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Not as fragile as rabbits and generally less skittish than smaller rodents like hamsters and gerbils, guinea pigs are wonderful pets for elementary-school-age kids and older.

Why you shouldn’t get a guinea pig?


Your fluffy pet will become bald and scabby overnight and become prone to seizures

. Five: their teeth are another hazard – if they get too long, they can grow together and the guinea pig will starve to death. Six: guinea pigs get stressed. Loud noises and other animals scare them.

Are guinea pigs better pets than dogs?

Guinea pigs like people. They are able to recognize and respond to their owners. They can be as interactive and friendly as dogs or cats. For all these reasons and many more,

guinea pigs make great first pets

.

Are guinea pigs cuddly?

Even though guinea pigs are

super cuddly little animals

and love spending time with their humans, they need gentle handling. They also don’t like loud noises, so they aren’t always the best pets for young children.

Do guinea pigs know their names?

Are guinea pigs loud?

In general,

guinea pigs are not overly noisy pets

. The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies reports that guinea pigs are actually quiet animals — one of the reasons why they are such common and beloved household pets.

Are guinea pigs good pets for 11 year olds?


Guinea pigs are great pets for children

.

Not as fragile as rabbits and generally less skittish than smaller rodents like hamsters and gerbils, guinea pigs are wonderful pets for elementary-school-age kids and older.

Are guinea pigs loud at night?

Anyone who has tried to sleep in the same room as a guinea pig cage knows that

the little rodents can be noisemakers at night

. While you may not be able to get them to match your sleep schedule, you can take a few steps to minimize their activity during the overnight hours.

Do guinea pigs like to be in the dark?

Do Guinea Pigs Like the Dark? Yes, as your cavy’s nighttime antics would suggest,

guinea pigs do like the dark

. However, that doesn’t mean they’re nocturnal animals. In fact, guinea pigs are crepuscular, which means they’re most active at twilight.

Are guinea pigs smelly?

In general no, guinea pigs are clean little critters that regularly groom themselves. And

while they may have a slight odour

, they should never be overpowering or unpleasant.

Do guinea pigs like to be kissed?


Typically, guinea pigs like being kissed if they’ve formed a bond with a person doing the kissing

. It also depends on the personality of the individual guinea pig. Some enjoy swapping kisses (or licks) as a display of affection.

What is the easiest pet for a child?

  • Rats. …
  • Canaries and Finches. …
  • Guinea Pigs. …
  • Rabbits. …
  • Cats and Dogs. …
  • Bearded Dragons. …
  • Corn Snakes. Both vets praised corn snakes as being easy to handle and a good option for a family prepared to care for a pet snake. …
  • Greek Tortoises. Dr.

Can you sleep with guinea pigs?


You should never share a bed with your guinea pig

. Even if you don’t mind waking up in a pile of guinea pig poop, it’s way too dangerous for your little cavy.

How do you hug a guinea pig?

Do guinea pigs like to talk?


Guinea pigs rarely enjoy it when you pick them up

, since reaching into the cage invokes primal prey responses, but moving slowly and speaking in a soothing tone of voice can help calm things down.

What do guinea pigs make noise for?

Whistling: Guinea pigs will often let out a high pitched squeal or whistle, and this noise means

your furry friend is excited, perhaps about feeding time or playtime

. Purring: Another guinea pig sound is the purr, which may make your guinea pig seem more like a cat.

Can guinea pigs see in front of them?

How Do Guinea Pigs See Food? Due to the shape of their face,

guinea pigs may be unable to see directly in front of or underneath their noses

.

Do guinea pigs recognize their owners voice?

The guinea pig won’t be able to recognize the word of their name, but

they will recognize the sound

. Make it distinct and of a higher pitch than your normal talking voice (although it shouldn’t be a shriek). When you want their attention, have a healthy snack for them at the ready.

Why are my guinea pigs crying?

Guinea pigs are going to be vocal when they start to get hungry, and sometimes the noises that they make will sound like crying. You might notice the guinea pig gets excited and happy when you take the time to feed it. In all likelihood, the guinea pig’s cries were simply

an attempt to get you to give it food

.

Why is the guinea pig squeaking?

Squeal:

Some guinea pigs will squeal when they are experiencing potential pain or they need attention

. It can sometimes be that another guinea pig is stealing his favorite spot to eat. Pay attention to your guinea pig if you hear a squeal because it could indicate that they need help from something hurting them.

Do guinea pigs sneeze?

Sneezing.

Yes, guinea pigs really DO sneeze

and it sounds pretty much like a human sneeze – just quieter, gentler and much, much cuter! When you first hear your piggy emit a tiny sneeze, you might be concerned that it’s a sign that they’re poorly.

Can guinea pigs see color?

Unlike most rodents, guinea pigs — also called cavies because of their scientific name, Cavia porcellus —

do see colors

. They are not color-blind; they see most colors accurately. They also rely on their other senses, such as hearing and touch, which are more developed.

Are guinea pigs expensive?


Guinea pigs are pretty cheap to buy, costing anywhere from $10 to $40, with the average price of a guinea pig being around $25

. However, they also have setup and ongoing costs. Expect to fork out $200 to begin with, and then up to another $40 a month for a pair of piggies.

Should I get a girl or boy guinea pig?

Generally speaking, guinea pig pet parents have found that

male guinea pigs tend to be a little more confident or bolder than females

. This can sometimes lead to training males and being able to handle them a little easier than their shyer counterparts.

Do guinea pigs need shots?

While guinea pigs

do not require any vaccinations

, it is recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs at least once each year for a routine checkup.

What should I name my guinea pig?

  • Bacon.
  • Chomper.
  • Fluffy.
  • Goliath.
  • Hamlet.
  • Inky.
  • Patches.
  • Piglet.

Why is my guinea pig squeaking while sleeping?

As @Bradshaw Piggies says, it can be something as simple as

some hay stuck up the nose

– but a week is quite a while for it not to be sneezed out – or it could be an allergy to dusty hay, wood shavings or any manner of things.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.