Cavy care : major health issues that cavies face : Obesity
Before we get started into the wonderful world of obesity
and using words like fat deposits and calories, you must be wondering what
exactly is a cavy? Well, let me tell you, a cavy is your standard Guinea pig,
yes a Guinea pig. Those large rodents that are sold in pet stores beside the
rabbits and just down from the hamsters;
I, personally, don’t like to look at them as rodents - why? Because
rodents are kind of gross. When I think of
rodents, I think of rats and mice creeping through my walls and stealing my
food, filled to the brim with things like the plague and listeria.
Now, there are lots of websites out there about proper Guinea
pig care. I, personally, like things that are connected to well known organizations
like theASPCA – you can also adopt through them. As well,
the web page provides lots of information about care , feeding etc that is
provided by experts. They will also not
try to up sell you treats and other things that taste good but aren't all at good for the
health of the Guinea pigs. Treats from pet stores are mostly filled with sugars and empty calories, which,
just like people, lead to one of the major health problems - aka BEING
FAT. Now being fat isn’t in itself
deadly, but the problems that come along with it can be. Things like Bumblefoot,
arthritis, diabetes, heart disease as well as muscle atrophy and general weakening
of the muscles result because of the Guinea pig's extra weight .
One of the ways to check to see if there is to much cushion
on the pig in question is to rub your hands along the back of the pig. Starting
from the ears down the back, things to feel for are the ribs and backbone. According to Guinea Lynx you should be able
to feel them but they should not be sharp. We want healthy pigs not supermodel
pigs.
Now this post is about my fat Guinea pig.His name is Paul or
Paulikins as I like to call him. He meeps, he sleeps, and he eats and that’s
about it. So getting him to move and wander, run and frolic often involves food
and eating; slightly defeating the purpose of making him walk.
So, I, like many
other concerned pet parents, went to
extremes and took to Google. After searching and searching for the best and
safest solutions, I ruled out exercise balls(like
the ones you get for hamsters). They can lead to spine, foot and leg injuries.
(link) So, the next best thing was that I got a body harness and lead to take Paulikins
outside. The lead and body harness come
in 3 different colors -red, yellow and green.
So I made the most fashion forward choice and got the green one. So now,
as a regular exercize and health routine, we try to get out to walk on the lawn
everyday. For those days that are colder or rainy, we play hide and seek in the
house- though on flooring that is pee proof. A healthy piggy is a happy
piggy. Exercize and good eating - in
both pigs and people - promote a long and healthy life.
No comments:
Post a Comment