Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Getting Your Guinea Pig Ready For Space Travel

If you are thinking about traveling and can't find a responsible person to care for your guinea pig, you may be able to take him along for the trip. However, here are a several things to consider:

First of all, keep in mind that cavies are very sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations. So never, never, never take your guinea pig on a plane. The plane's cargo area is not always properly regulated and a guinea pig can have a heat stroke or freeze to death. For that reason alone, car travel is ideal should you decide to travel at all. Luckily, most guinea pigs don't mind car rides.

Some cavies may find the change of travel stressful, so make you cavy at ease by bringing their cage. It provides a sense of familiarity & coziness while traveling. For shorter trips; those guinea pig pet carriers are perfect. If you are traveling overnight, however, better to bring their cage with you. Set your cavy up with food, water and plenty of hay. Keep in mind that keeping the water bottle in their cage may result in leaks and wet bedding. On the other hand, if you don't keep the water bottle in the cage, then you will need to make frequent stops to make sure your cavy gets plenty of fluid. Also, bring a few bottles of water with you just in case you go to a rest stop where there are no vending machines or the restrooms are not clean.

If it's hot, make sure the air conditioner is running at all times. Keep the cage sheltered away from direct sunlight by throwing a towel or any other type of covering partially over it, but make sure your guinea has plenty of ventilation..

A couple of seemingly obvious things to think about: Do not walk away and leave your cavy in the car under any circumstance. Even with the windows cracked, the temperature in a car on a hot humid day can rise up to 120 degrees. Conversely, please don't stick your pet in the trunk of the car.

When traveling in cold weather, make sure to have the heat running prior to setting the cage in the car.

Many people are against traveling with their guinea pigs, but as long as travel conditions are safe and you know what you're doing he/she should be fine.

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