I want to first see if I absolutely need to take my piggy to a vet before I do it. I don't want to spend money on something I may be able to fix with a few in store creams and shampoos. My guinea has a few skin issues I'm a little worried about but I think I should confirm that the vet is the way to go from the people at the store I bought her from. Petsmart has a few vets on site so maybe they will have some advice. I would gladly accept any opinions or suggestions. Thanks.
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Can I take my piggy to petsmart to ask if I need a vet?
- Thread starter livie444
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CharlieH
Teenage Guinea Pig
You could take your pig there, and the sales assistants will probably have no idea, so sell you everything under the sun to no effect and then you'll be back at square 1 for the same price (if not more) than a vet consult and a distressed animal.
If your piggy has been poorly for getting on for 2 years (as mentioned in your other thread) I think you're best to just take her to the vet who is actually trained in what symptoms relate to each other and what to look out for.
I'm afraid if the vet is out of the question, maybe you should consider handing them over to a rescue, there could be some serious health condition underlying that's not being diagnosed or treated which is causing her pain and suffering.
If your piggy has been poorly for getting on for 2 years (as mentioned in your other thread) I think you're best to just take her to the vet who is actually trained in what symptoms relate to each other and what to look out for.
I'm afraid if the vet is out of the question, maybe you should consider handing them over to a rescue, there could be some serious health condition underlying that's not being diagnosed or treated which is causing her pain and suffering.
piglet_and_rogers_mama
Adult Guinea Pig
I agree with charlie. Believe me, I live on a budget, and since you said PetSmart I know you are from the US, and yes, exotic vets are expensive over here. BUT your pig is completely dependent on you, and it is not fair to leave her untreated. Also if you go the PetSmart route 1st all you will have is a minimum wage employee trying to sell you something. Don't waste your money and take her somewhere that knows what they are doing.
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Please speak to your Mom - as I believe on one of your other posts you have said you are a teenager and ask her to take your piggie to the vet. They need to be seen by a vet.
sarah0712
Junior Guinea Pig
No, you need to take her to see a vet
twiams
Adult Guinea Pig
Heres just a few pointers.
Someone working at petsmart which I'm guessing is a pet shop, will have no medical diagnostic training, they won't have learnt anything about medical issues etc. They're simply taught how to house and handle the animals they sell. Only a vet should diagnose and recommend a good treatment.
Secondly any creams shampoo's bought from a shop can't help your pig, anything sold in a shop, will be limited to how much of certain chemicals etc. it can have meaning that 99.9% of the time it's ineffective and will leave you spending money on something that doesn't work and still having to go to the vet after. This is the same with flea treatments that are bought in the shop they literally have no effect as they're just not strong enough.
I know sometimes it can be tight with money taking a pig to the vet, i've experienced it before, but it's whats best for your animal, and i'd much rather go without buying something i wanted or without going somewhere than have to watch any of my pets suffer.
Someone working at petsmart which I'm guessing is a pet shop, will have no medical diagnostic training, they won't have learnt anything about medical issues etc. They're simply taught how to house and handle the animals they sell. Only a vet should diagnose and recommend a good treatment.
Secondly any creams shampoo's bought from a shop can't help your pig, anything sold in a shop, will be limited to how much of certain chemicals etc. it can have meaning that 99.9% of the time it's ineffective and will leave you spending money on something that doesn't work and still having to go to the vet after. This is the same with flea treatments that are bought in the shop they literally have no effect as they're just not strong enough.
I know sometimes it can be tight with money taking a pig to the vet, i've experienced it before, but it's whats best for your animal, and i'd much rather go without buying something i wanted or without going somewhere than have to watch any of my pets suffer.
Thanks everyone. I will make sure my Guinea pig gets to a vet soon. I have heard many responses to my problem and they all seem to point in that direction. It is possible for me to take her to a vet but I will have to stash away a little cash to pay for it. Does anyone know how much an appointment costs for a guinea pig? I'm sure someone will know. It could vary where I live but I just want to see some rates here.
CharlieH
Teenage Guinea Pig
I'm so glad piggy is going to the vet!
Where abouts are you located? I'm not sure how much a consultation would be, best to give your vet a ring to see. Where I live it's £27 for the 1st then £20 for the 2nd!
Sorry if my earlier post seemed a little abrupt. I'd just woken up!
Where abouts are you located? I'm not sure how much a consultation would be, best to give your vet a ring to see. Where I live it's £27 for the 1st then £20 for the 2nd!
Sorry if my earlier post seemed a little abrupt. I'd just woken up!
I called and found out it was $30 and anything else added on such as medications.- Status