!Let's Talk! Button

Let’s Talk!
Let’s Talk! 410-480-2222

Guinea Pig Toys

August 15, 2023
Have you recently adopted Guinea pigs? These little furballs are absolutely adorable. They’re also curious and playful. It’s important to provide safe, suitable toys. Entertainment and stimulation are very important to providing your pet with a good quality of life. As you can imagine, sitting in a cage all day with nothing to do would be extremely boring. An Ellicott City, MD vet discusses cavie playthings below.

Materials

Like many other small pets, cavies must chew quite a bit to prevent dental issues. The first and most important rule here is to only offer things that are safe for them to eat and chew. If purchasing toys, choose ones made of natural materials, such as twigs, branches, and grass hay.

DIY Options

You can also go the DIY route and make your cavy’s toys. This is a cheap and easy way to keep your little furballs happy and entertained. Offer things like plain paper or grass hay in a cardboard tube, such as a toilet paper roll or oatmeal container. You can also crumple up sheets of plain paper around small treats, or shred some and put it into a paper lunch bag. Look online for more ideas.

Other Entertainment Options

Guinea pigs are very curious. These guys love exploring things like little tunnels and mazes, which you can make out of cardboard boxes or even PVC pipe. Your cute  pets may also enjoy playing with dangling toys or things they can roll or push. Another way to offer stimulation is by letting your tiny pals out to play. Just be sure to only do this in petproofed areas where there are no dogs or cats around. You may also find that your Guinea pigs enjoy playing with you! Try different things, and see what goes over best.  

Cautions

Always put safety first! Don’t give cavies anything with small parts or sharp edges. Items covered in paint, varnish, or glitter are unsafe as well. Also, be careful with exercise balls and wheels. Guinea pigs aren’t as flexible as hamsters, so your pets could injure themselves. If offering branches or wood items, make sure to only use safe woods. Avoid pine and cedar items, as the oils may irritate your pint-sized pals. Ask your vet for more information. Do you have questions about Guinea pig care? Call us, your Ellicott City, MD pet clinic. We’re here to help!
Four small, well-groomed dogs sit and lie together against a solid, vibrant pink background.

Shedding Season: Grooming Tips And Cleaning Hacks

Does your furry friend leave a trail of fur wherever they go? Seasonal shedding is
A close-up, wide-angle "selfie" perspective of a light-colored dog on a mountain peak, sticking its tongue out and reaching its paw toward the camera with snowy mountains in the background.

Mental Stimulation For Pets:  Keeping Your Furry Pal Entertained

Does your furry friend seem bored, restless, or even a little mischievous? At Marriottsville Animal
A brown, short-haired Vizsla dog sits at a table between two people.

Your First Vet Visit After Adoption: What to Expect

Are you planning to adopt a new pet soon? Congratulations! Bringing a new pet home
A sable ferret with a dark mask around its eyes stands on a blue and white striped surface.

Ferret Care 101: Health, Diet, and Daily Needs

Ferrets are playful, curious, and highly interactive pets, but they also have very specific care
A brown tabby and a white cat sit on the wood floor and another peeks out from inside a cardboard box under a white table.

When Cats Avoid the Litter Box: Medical vs Behavioral Causes

Has your feline friend recently stopped using the litter box? At Marriottsville Animal Hospital, your
A close-up, low-angle shot of a tan and black German Shepherd lying in lush green grass.

When to Consider Laser Therapy for Arthritic Dogs

Is your canine companion showing stiffness, reluctance to walk, or difficulty climbing stairs? At Marriottsville
A brown and white rabbit with long, alert ears lies flat on a bamboo mat inside a wire enclosure.

Rabbit Care Tips: Health, Housing, and Daily Needs

Bringing a rabbit into your home is a joyful experience. Bunnies are super cute, fun,
A close-up shot of a small green parrot with blue wing feathers perching on a wooden stand against a neutral, solid background.

Understanding Aggression in Birds and How Vets Can Help

Does your feathered friend suddenly bite, lunge, or scream when you approach? Bird aggression can
A cat wearing a black harness stands in the snow.

Seasonal Weather Risks That Can Affect Your Pet’s Health

Have you noticed your furry friend acting differently when the seasons change? seasonal weather can
A golden-brown hamster explores its wooden enclosure, standing on a shelf near a bowl of colorful food and a glass water bottle.

Caring for Your Syrian Hamster: Tips for a Happy Pet

Bringing a Syrian hamster into your home can be a rewarding experience, but it also