Did you know that July 16th is Guinea Pig Appreciation Day? These adorable little guys may not be as popular as Fido and Fluffy, but they do make great pets. One way to make your tiny buddy feel appreciated is to offer lots of toys. Small pets need entertainment and enrichment, too! Here, a Las Vegas, NV vet offers some tips on making cavy toys. 

Cozies, Tents, or Beds

Guinea pigs love to snuggle up in soft, comfy beds. You can find cute ones online and in stores. It’s also pretty easy to make small beds and tents for your furry friend. This is a great way to get some extra life out of an old towel, tee shirt, or throw blanket that has seen better days. Look online for ideas and instructions.

Hay There 

One thing Guinea pigs and rabbits have in common? They both need plenty of suitable hay, such as Timothy hay. You can weave hay into different shapes for your pet. Or, put some in a paper bag or cardboard box. 

Tiny Tree

Wild cavies eat lots of roots and fibers. Therefore, it’s no surprise that these guys love nibbling on wooden toys and/or fresh branches. However, there are a few ‘cavy-eats’ here. Stick with woods you know are safe, such as apple. Do some research on this, as many trees and plants are toxic to pets. Also, wash and disinfect the branch before you hand it over. Want a cute option? Poke holes through a toilet paper tube, and thread the sticks into that. 

Paper

Paper is great because it’s cheap and versatile. Fold it into triangles, boxes, chains, or snowflakes, or crumple it up around a snack. You can also fill a box or paper bag with shredded paper. Voila!

Mazes And Tunnels

Mazes and tunnels are also big hits with small animals. You can make them out of cardboard boxes, PVC pipe, or paper mache. Just make sure to only use safe materials.

Tips

Safety first! Don’t give your tiny buddy anything small or sharp. If offering wooden items, check for things like splinters or nails. Finally, avoid things that have varnish, dye, glitter, or paint, as well as hardwoods, such as cedar and pine. Ask your vet for more information.

Do you have questions about Guinea pig care? Contact us, your local Las Vegas, NV pet clinic, today!