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Senior Guinea Pig Care

The senior guinea pig checklist. Gentle Care Tips for Your Senior Cavy.

Gentle Care Tips for Your Golden-Aged Cavy





A guinea pig on a soft fleece ramp with a walker.

Mobility Matters

Senior piggies often experience stiffness, arthritis, or trouble navigating their cage. Look for signs like:

  • Limping or stiff movement

  • Reluctance to climb ramps or enter hides

  • Less floor time activity

Try this instead:

  • Add fleece-covered ramps for easy climbing

  • Use low-entry hideys and shallow bowls

  • Provide non-slip surfaces for safe walking


➡️ Clean Cavy Living

A guinea pig bowl of pellets, leafy greens, and hay, next to a vitamin bottle.

Adjust Their Diet

Aging cavies can struggle with chewing, digesting, or absorbing nutrients. That’s why a senior-safe diet is essential.

Include:

  • Soft, easy-to-chew hay (like 2nd cut timothy)

  • Soaked pellets to assist with dental issues

  • Leafy greens high in vitamin C, like parsley, bell peppers, and cilantro

  • Vet-approved supplements to boost immunity and joint health


👉 Tip: Weigh your piggy weekly to track changes that may reflect underlying health concerns.




A guinea pig wrapped in a towel being groomed with a soft brush.

Gentle Grooming

Older guinea pigs may not clean themselves as well. This can lead to discomfort or even infection if left unchecked.

Keep them fresh with:

  • Gentle brushing sessions

  • More frequent nail trims

  • Occasional scent gland cleaning (especially in boars)


✨ Turn grooming into a bonding ritual—it’s relaxing and reassuring.



Create a safe and snuggly place with a guinea pig and a cozy hide.

  • Create a Safe & Snuggly Space

    As their mobility and sensitivity change, a comfortable environment becomes vital.

    Make sure to:

  • Avoid slippery or hard cage floors

  • Provide multiple cozy hideouts

  • Use fleece bedding with good absorbency

  • Maintain a consistent temperature (between 65–75°F)

  • Add soft background sounds or calming music—your voice counts too!


Consider a safe heating pad outside the cage for chilly pigs (always monitor to avoid overheating).




A guinea pig in a pet carrier with a vet putting his hand on the top.

Don’t Skip Vet Checkups

Senior cavies are more vulnerable to arthritis, dental disease, heart issues, and tumors.

Stay ahead of illness with:

  • Annual or bi-annual vet visits

  • Weight tracking (weekly is best)

  • Observing eating, drinking, and pooping habits

  • Dental exams to catch molar or incisor problems early

👉 Prevention is easier than treatment—early detection saves lives.


➡️ First Aid Kit




Emotional Care Matters. Two guinea pigs, being held, are about to touch noses.

Emotional Care Matters

Many aging piggies become more emotionally needy, or even grieve after the loss of a cage mate.

Help them feel loved by:

  • Sitting with them daily during quiet time

  • Gently stroking them if they enjoy it

  • Allowing them to live near (or with) a calm companion piggy

    • Always supervise new introductions


🐾 Some senior piggies thrive with a mellow friend—others prefer solo serenity. Respect their pace.




Three guinea pigs snuggling together in front of a pink heart.

Cherish the Golden Years

Senior guinea pigs have so much love left to give. Whether they’re still popcorning or slowing down, their presence is precious. With small adjustments and lots of love, you can help your piggy enjoy a peaceful, joy-filled retirement.


Download The Senior Guinea Pig Care Checklist



If this guide helped you, share it with other piggy parents. Let’s spread compassion for our golden-wheeked companions. 💛

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