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Safeguarding your guinea pig: common household hazards to avoid

Guinea pigs are popular companion animals that many owners keep indoors, allowing them to roam freely within the house and even explore parts of the yard. While this setup can provide them with a stimulating environment, it also exposes them to various household hazards. Guinea pigs are curious and can easily get themselves into dangerous situations if not properly supervised.
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  • RSPCA Australia
  • Monday, 24 March 2025
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Guinea pigs are popular companion animals that many owners keep indoors, allowing them to roam freely within the house and even explore parts of the yard. While this setup can provide them with a stimulating environment, it also exposes them to various household hazards. Guinea pigs are curious and can easily get themselves into dangerous situations if not properly supervised.

One of the primary concerns for guinea pigs is their tendency to chew on almost anything, which can lead to serious injuries or health issues. Read on to explore some common household dangers that guinea pigs face and how to reduce these risks to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

Electrical wires: a shockingly common hazard

The biggest danger to guinea pigs in most homes is electrical cords. Guinea pigs like to chew on everything, especially something that looks like a root or twig. Because of this, guinea pigs are more than capable of snipping through all kinds of wires lying around the house. It’s a good idea to both get the cords up and out of your guinea pigs’ reach, and also use wire covers, such as split loom wire tubing.

Dangerous household items.

Houseplants: Many common houseplants are toxic to guinea pigs. If a toxic plant is within their reach, they may nibble on it out of curiosity. To prevent this, remove toxic plants from areas your guinea pigs can access or place the plants out of reach. Always check whether a plant is safe before bringing it into your home.

Human foods: Human foods can be dangerous for guinea pigs. Foods such as cereals, bread, chocolate, and sweets should never be given to guinea pigs. Even processed grains can cause digestive problems or worse. Only feed foods that are safe and appropriate for guinea pigs – if you have any doubts, don’t do it.

Household chemicals: Chemicals like cleaning products, insect sprays, and rodenticides can be deadly to guinea pigs. Always use pet-safe cleaning products in areas where your guinea pigs roam and be extremely cautious with insecticides and other poisonous substances.

Plastic bags or packing material: Plastic bags or soft rubber plastics are particularly dangerous because they can be chewed and swallowed by guinea pigs, leading to choking or intestinal blockages. There's also the risk of suffocation if a guinea pig gets trapped inside a plastic bag. Always keep these items out of their reach and dispose of them properly.

Household pets: Even the friendliest cats and dogs can scare or even pose a physical danger to guinea pigs. Avoid putting your guinea pigs in situations where they might be scared or put at risk from other animals - ensure your guinea pig has a safe, secure space away from other animals where they can retreat and always closely supervise interactions between your guinea pig and other household pets.

Heat: Guinea pigs are highly susceptible to heatstroke, especially during the summer months. If the temperature in your home rises above 30°C, your guinea pigs are at risk. Always provide a cool, shaded area for them, and monitor the temperature closely.

By following these tips and taking the necessary precautions, you can create a safe environment for your guinea pigs.

For more information visit the RSPCA Knowledgebase

 

This piece was originally published in Australian Community Media newspapers.

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