Guinea Pig Supplies

We have just spent the last hour in the dark, with my love of the Earth Hour for the 2^nd year now.

This is a list of useful items that I like to have in my cabinet, just in case you want them for any guinea pig illnesses.
These are everyday things that you can buy over the counter on online I recommend the National Pet Pharmacy for Good Products & Price!
I would put an explanation on it, so its easy to grab when you feel the need to.
There are no antibiotics or medicated eye drops, or prescription medications here. Please consult a Veterinarian before using anything which is medical.

Electrolyte solutions, for any guinea pigs that may have diarrhea or are not drinking adequately. Note that some of these products may have a high-sugar content: guinea pigs can not handle high- or complex-sugar diets. It is best to stick with infant products, such as Pedialyte, which are sugar-free.
Acidophlius powder (with lactobacilli), a probiotic for use as additional Its function is to provide a supply of the natural, intestinal flora that aid in digestion. Some antibiotics can kill off these natural bacteria, leading to diarrhea.
Pediatric simethicone, which helps to eliminate gas, a source of intolerable pain in guinea pigs.
Kaopectate can be given after diarrhea, though you should note that it treats the diarrhea only, and not any potential causes (entiritis, parasites, bacterial infections, etc.).
Hydrogen peroxide is useful for flushing out wounds and abcesses, and can even be used to remove hardened urine and urine stains from the guinea pig's coat. It should be used at a 3% concentration.
Patroleum jelly, for softening the hardened lumps on guinea pigs.
Vitamin C tablets, generally the chewable kind, are for emergencies when large doses of vitamin C are necessary (scurvy, etc.).
Baby food, particularly carrots and bananas, for hand-feeding guinea pigs who can't eat themselves.
Guinea Pig shampoo that is mild and safe for use on guinea pigs,
Guinea Pig Mite Spray: These are for treatment of lice and some varieties of skin mites.
Eucalyptus oil, for the relief of congested breathing. Note that this treats symptoms only, and not any potential causes (respiratory infections, etc.). Also note that eucalyptus oil should not be injested, as it is toxic.
Quick stop. If a toenail breaks, or you accidentally cut the quick when trimming your guinea pig's nails, this product can be applied to the exposed area in order to clot the blood and stop the bleeding.
Eye droppers, for feeding juices or water to a guinea pig.
Open/needleless syringes, in the 1cc and 5cc (or 3 cc) sizes, for administering exact doseages of oral medications. You may need several of these, as the rubber plungers may wear out after a few uses.
Worm RId Keep your guinea pig health, put drops in thier water every few months.

I have a useful Guinea Pig Glossary that may help in some of the Terms that Vet's may use or just to help you understand about guinea pigs.

I also have more Guinea Pig information for you to look at.Differences between the Guinea Pig Breeds which may interest you.

I got this useful idea for my from a list of pet illness I saw on www.beanmakers.com
Have fun with your Piggy!

Guinea Pigs are tailless, plant eating mammals of the family Cavilidae that originated in South America. They are actually a relative of the Chinchilla & Porcupine & considered for a long time to be of the rodent family.

In 1991, the genetic classification of the Guinea Pig came into question when an article in 'Nature' magazine seemed to suggest they weren't rodents at all.

Guinea Pigs have no tail unlike rodents. They also carry their young & give birth 3 times longer than rodents at 68 days. Their young are born in an advanced state of development unlike rodents. The young can move around independently of each other soon after birth – unlike rodents. Guinea Pigs also require additional vitamin c unlike rodents.

Guinea Pigs were first domesticated by the Moche people in Peru, who used them as a food source.
They were also used for medical purposes, & as a sacrifice. The Moche began domesticating them between approximately 2500 – 5000BC. An exact date cant be given because of the lack of evidence of fossil remains. But mummified remains & statues depicting Guinea Pigs have been found in coastal Peru indicating a strong presence in the Moche culture there.

Later early Dutch & British explorers bought them to Europe, where they were raised as exotic pets. Queen Victoria I was one of the first to own a Guinea Pig in England.

Relatives of the Guinea Pig can still be found in the wild. They live in the forest edges, Savannah's & swamps from Columbia to Argentina. Small groups live in burrow, eating from the forest floor at night.

A Guinea Pig is sometimes referred to a Cavy, which is a shortened name from its Latin name; Cavia porcellus. Cavia refers to the scientific family & means 'little pig'. How it became 'Guinea Pig' is a little mystery. The pig part definitely relates to the squealing & oinking part, which is a noise Guinea Pigs make from time to time. The 'Guinea' part is maybe because it cost one guinea in England to buy them at the time, or maybe they came from Guyana, a South American country, that once was a Dutch colony & a likely export area. The name Guyana may have been miss spelled & said as 'Guinea”

One thing is for sure & that's that now the Guinea Pig is in almost every continent. They are as loved today as ever by their owners!

Have Lots of Fun with your piggy!
Sarah

Smooth T/Shell
Sheltie
Self Black
Rex

Dalmation
Coronet

Dutch Peruvian

Crested