Guinea Pig Proofing

Because guinea pigs are gnawing animals and have an innate need to chew, it is vitally important that you guinea pig proof your home before you let your pet run loose. Along with providing your guinea pig with toys he can chew on, you’ll also need to devise ways to keep him from gnawing on household items, for the sake of your home and the animal’s health.

Electrical cords pose the greatest threat to your guinea pig’s safety and should be a primary concern. Guinea pigs will chew through cords, electrocuting themselves and creating a fire hazard in your home. You can protect your home and your guinea pig by moving dangling cords out of reach. Cords that cannot be moved should be covered with plastic aquarium-type tubing. To do this, slit the tubing lengthwise and lay the cord inside. Or try wrapping the cord with spiral cable wrap, available in electronics stores.

Guinea pigs will chew on anything made of wood, so wooden moldings, furniture legs, and other chewables that will be attractive to your guinea pig can be covered with thick plastic or treated with a scent deterrent. Perfume and cologne re repugnant to guinea pigs, who have a sharp sense of smell. You can also use store-bought repellents made to keep away other pets. Not all guinea pigs will be rebuffed by this, however, and you may have to resort to covering areas with unchewable surfaces.

Another important aspect to guinea pig proofing your home is to take a survey of all the places where your guinea pig could get caught or hide. Since guinea pigs are inquisitive animals, your pet will want to explore every nook and cranny of your house. Look around for guinea pig–size spaces that your pet can escape through or get trapped in. Block off these areas securely. And while you are surveying the house, make sure that toxic household chemicals and trash bags are well hidden from your pet.