NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Travel
  • Home & Away
  • Podcasts
  • Win
  • Video
NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Travel
  • Home & Away
  • Podcasts
  • Win
  • Video
Subscribe
Home and Away opening title
Watch 1:09

Home and Away opening title

{headline}

{headline}

The World’s Favourite St Bernard: The Beethoven Movies

The World’s Favourite St Bernard: The Beethoven Movies

David Beckham secretly films wife Victoria as she attempts to take selfie

David Beckham secretly films wife Victoria as she attempts to take selfie

Meet the Beckhams' newest family member!

Meet the Beckhams' newest family member!

The Best Dog Friendly Beaches In Australia.

The Best Dog Friendly Beaches In Australia.

{headline}

{headline}

Sophie Monk's 'bogan Britney Spears' moment at ARIAs with Robert Irwin

Sophie Monk's 'bogan Britney Spears' moment at ARIAs with Robert Irwin

Lewis the  koala rescued by a shirtless grandmother dies from burns

Lewis the koala rescued by a shirtless grandmother dies from burns

VIDEO: Black cat runs on the field during NFL game

VIDEO: Black cat runs on the field during NFL game

{headline}

{headline}

WATCH: Horrifying moment woman throws cat across yard

WATCH: Horrifying moment woman throws cat across yard

Bindi Irwin confirms heartbreaking personal loss

Bindi Irwin confirms heartbreaking personal loss

Chimp mum filmed swinging baby in heart melting scenes

Chimp mum filmed swinging baby in heart melting scenes

Rebel Wilson to host Seven's 'Pooch Perfect'

Rebel Wilson to host Seven's 'Pooch Perfect'

How puppies become seeing eye dogs

How to pick a pet for an apartment

How to tell if your dog has anxiety

  1. Home
  2. Pets

Common health issues for guinea pigs

And how you can prevent them - by Dr Alanna Cannone
  • 20 Jun 2019

Guinea pigs make 
a great pet for our children, but when it comes 
to their health, there are a few problems that they might suffer. Here, Dr Alanna Cannone from Greencross Vets  reveals the most common health issues for guinea pigs and how you can prevent them…

Vitamin C Deficiency
A common yet preventable health condition in guinea pigs is vitamin C deficiency. This can cause serious pain and discomfort but is easily avoidable by including 30mg of vitamin C in your guinea pig’s daily diet. If your guinea pig exhibits signs of weakness with swollen joints, rough hair coat and diarrhoea, visit your local vet and seek assistance on the most effective way to boost vitamin C in a guinea pig’s diet.

Mites
Guinea pigs are appealing hosts for mites, and when they become infected, guinea pigs suffer hair loss, intense itchiness, and discomfort. If you are finding that your pet 
is suffering from mites, seek advice from your local vet on the best medication. Cleaning the cage regularly helps in minimising the spread of mites. Mites are difficult to detect so seek advice from your vet if constant itchiness and scratching occurs.

Dental disease
This is a health problem that causes severe discomfort and pain for guinea pigs. But feeding your guinea pig an appropriate diet will help avoid the issue. Guinea pigs’ teeth are constantly growing, so it’s recommended that you provide fibrous materials such as grass, grass hay or leafy green vegetables for them to chew on. If you do notice symptoms such as drooling or harder than normal droppings, or any of the other problems mentioned, visit your local Greencross Vet to investigate.

Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!-SAVE 79%

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!

Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!-SAVE 79%

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!

Recommended to you

Home and Away opening title
Watch 1:09

Home and Away opening title

{headline}

{headline}

The World’s Favourite St Bernard: The Beethoven Movies

The World’s Favourite St Bernard: The Beethoven Movies

David Beckham secretly films wife Victoria as she attempts to take selfie

David Beckham secretly films wife Victoria as she attempts to take selfie

Meet the Beckhams' newest family member!

Meet the Beckhams' newest family member!

The Best Dog Friendly Beaches In Australia.

The Best Dog Friendly Beaches In Australia.

{headline}

{headline}

Sophie Monk's 'bogan Britney Spears' moment at ARIAs with Robert Irwin

Sophie Monk's 'bogan Britney Spears' moment at ARIAs with Robert Irwin

Lewis the  koala rescued by a shirtless grandmother dies from burns

Lewis the koala rescued by a shirtless grandmother dies from burns

VIDEO: Black cat runs on the field during NFL game

VIDEO: Black cat runs on the field during NFL game

{headline}

{headline}

WATCH: Horrifying moment woman throws cat across yard

WATCH: Horrifying moment woman throws cat across yard

Bindi Irwin confirms heartbreaking personal loss

Bindi Irwin confirms heartbreaking personal loss

Chimp mum filmed swinging baby in heart melting scenes

Chimp mum filmed swinging baby in heart melting scenes

Rebel Wilson to host Seven's 'Pooch Perfect'

Rebel Wilson to host Seven's 'Pooch Perfect'

How puppies become seeing eye dogs

How to pick a pet for an apartment

How to tell if your dog has anxiety

NewIdea
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions
NewIdea Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions

Brands

  • Girlfriend
  • New Idea food
  • Practical Parenting
  • That’s Life
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from New Idea

Magazine Subscription Offer

Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!-SAVE 79%

Shop This Offer
Just $6 for 6 issues delivered!