A lot of cavy owners feel like their pig is a little small.If you're worried about your guinea pig's weight, weigh them regularly and keep a record of any weight gain.To help your guinea pig lose weight, adjust its diet and cut back on certain foods.Encourage your pig to be active so it burns calories.
Step 1: Your guinea pig needs to be weighed once a week.
Place your guinea pig on the scale to measure their weight.If you keep a log of your pig's weight, you can see how much they've gained or lost since the last time you weighed them.If you want to discuss your pet's health, you should keep a log of their weight.
Step 2: Feel the ribs of your pig.
If you can feel their ribs, you've done your job.If your pet is overweight, you won't be able to feel their ribs.You may not be able to feel their spine.If your pig is a normal weight, you can feel their ribs, hips, and spine.
Step 3: Evaluate your pig's shape.
From the side, look at your pig.When you're looking at the side, you should be able to see their feet.The hind end of the guinea pig should be narrower than the chest end.If the guinea pig is overweight, you won't be able to see their feet.The guine pig carries more weight than other small rodents.Eating keeps their teeth filed down and helps their digestion.
Step 4: If you notice a change in weight, contact the vet.
If you have noticed a dramatic weight gain in your guinea pig, or if you are concerned that he is overweight, you should schedule an appointment with the vet.They'll look at your pet to see if a medical condition is causing the weight gain.In order to encourage weight loss, the vet can give you specific recommendations about adjusting your pig's diet.If you don't think you'll be able to see a vet, you can get a second opinion from other guinea pig owners on an online cavy forum.
Step 5: Don't starve your pig to help them lose weight.
It's better to go for a gradual, healthier approach.Your goal is to reduce the amount of food your guinea pig eats, but he should never go without food for too long.If you go without food for 24 hours, it can have a negative effect on your pet's health.
Step 6: You can offer an unlimited amount of grass hay.
80% of your pig's diet should come from grass hay.Timothy grass, orchard grass and botanical grass are included.Try to give your guinea pig different types to see what they like.If you have an overweight guinea pig, don't feed it alfalfa since it's high in calories and calcium.
Step 7: Feed your guinea pig produce that's high in vitamins C and E.
If you want to give your guinea pig a variety of vitamins and minerals, give it a cup of fresh vegetables a day.If you want to cut calories, limit your fruit consumption.Bell peppers, cabbage and cauliflower, baby carrots, and tomatoes are good produce choices.
Step 8: Limit the amount of pellets you give your pig.
Grains can be a cause of weight gain.Cut back on how much you give your pig and make sure they get enough vitamins.
Step 9: Commercial treats and high-starch foods should not be fed.
Too much sugar can be found in commercial treats and high-starch foods.If you want to give fresh vegetables, offer them in moderation.These high-starch foods should not be fed to your guinea pig.
Step 10: Provide your guinea pig with unlimited water.
It's a good idea to check the water bottle several times during the day to make sure there is always fresh water.It's important to stay hydrated since it will prevent dehydration.The guinea pig won't be able to tip over if you put the water into a heavy crock.
Step 11: Allow floor-time to encourage your pig to move.
The guinea pig can run around a bigger space if you let them out of their cage.A few hiding places, such as paper bags or empty tissue paper boxes, will help your guinea pig become comfortable with floor-time.Try to work at least a few hours a week.Setting up gates or closing the doors will make sure your guinea pig can't get out of the room.
Step 12: Adding toys and obstacles to the cage will encourage your pig to be active.
There are toys that will make your guinea pig play and move around their cage.This will help your pig lose weight.You should only use toys that are designed for use in a hamster or guinea pig cage.Since your pig may chew on them, they shouldn't contain toxins or lead-based paints.If you put too many toys in their cage, they can become overwhelmed.Even with the toys in the cage, your guinea pig still has plenty of room to run.
Step 13: The guinea pig needs more room in their cage.
The cage size can be a factor in whether or not a person is obese.If you have a small cage, or one stuffed with too many obstacles, it will limit your guinea pig's exercise space.A bigger cage will allow your pig to run around and play.This will help them lose weight.Place food, water, and their hidey hole apart from each other in order to encourage your guinea pig to move throughout their large cage.
Step 14: The exercise wheels and balls should not be put in the cage.
These are not designed for guinea pigs and can cause serious harm.When you take your guinea pig out of his cage, don't put a leash or harness on him since these can hurt his neck or spine.
Step 15: Put bits of food in a container so your pig can't find it.
Fresh hay or food can be tucked into an empty paper towel roll instead of being put in the same part of the cage every day.Put the roll in the cage so the pig can't find the food.Put the pellets into a hollow ball that you've drilled holes into.The pig will roll the ball until the pellet falls out.You can put food in a small box that your pig will be able to chew on.