Did you know that today, March 1st, is Pig Day? This honorary holiday may have been meant for larger pigs, but there’s no reason not to include Guinea pigs in the fun. Guinea pigs are very cute and charming little pets! Like all of our other animal companions, they need entertainment and stimulation in order to thrive. This is a perfect time to pick up some new toys for your pint-sized pal. A local Fayetteville, NC vet offers some advice on what to put in your pet’s toybox below.

Types Of Toys

You can find some pretty adorable toys for Guinea pigs in stores and online. Many hay, grass, or wicker balls are quite popular with these little furballs. Mazes and tunnels are also a hit, as are things like boxes and little balls. Try some different things, and see what your pint-sized pal likes the best.

Stuffed Animals

In case you were wondering, stuffed animals are suitable for Guinea pigs. As you can imagine, seeing a Guinea pig curled up on a plushie can be pretty adorable. However, there are a few caveats. You’ll need to make sure to remove any small parts, such as plastic eyes. It’s best to offer a stuffy made for a dog or cat, as these won’t have these potential hazards.

Homemade Toys

In addition to store-bought toys, you can also make your little buddy some playthings. In fact, many ordinary household items can make wonderful cavy toys! Cardboard can be very useful here. Stuff a toilet paper roll with hay or herbs, or make a little tunnel out of shoeboxes. You can also use plain paper. Crumple some up into balls around a yummy treat, or shred some and put it in a shoebox with smaller treats.

Tips

No matter what type of toy you get your little buddy, be sure to stick with safe options. Don’t give your furry little friend anything with sharp edges. Items with small parts are also unsafe, as are things that can easily be broken. You’ll also need to be careful with material. Don’t offer anything coated in varnish, paint, glitter, or dye. Pine and cedar objects are also best avoided, as these woods are actually toxic to small animals.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions about Guinea pig care. As your Fayetteville, NC pet clinic, we’re here to help!