Keeping guinea pig as calm as possible for vet visits.

[sofiakucera]

Hi! I am scheduled to take my guinea pig to the vet for a health check up and geriatric screening. What are some recommendations for keeping him as calm and less scared as possible during this?
I am planning on putting him in a black carrier covered with a black blanket so it’s less stressful. Also putting one of his blankets in with him and giving him lots of hay. Is there anything else anyone would recommend?

 

[Freela]

If he has a cagemate companion, you may want to bring his friend along for moral support. Guinea pigs definitely feel safer with other guinea pigs!

 

[weepweeps]

I agree. Always take their friend with them but if they are a single piggy then the steps you have mentioned will help keep them calm. Good luck. I hope they get a clean bill of health.

 

[ScrufflesRules]

You've been given some great advice above.
Vet visits are inherently very stressful for prey animals like guinea pigs though, so it likely won't be a nice experience for him no matter what you do.
How are you getting there, and how long is the journey?
Put some cucumber slices in the carrier for him. He may well ignore them if he's too stressed, but if not they are a good way to keep his fluids up.

P.S.
See an exotic vet if at all possible, and bring a list of his weekly weights for the past few months with you.
The vet weighed one of my pigs once and the scales weren't calibrated properly- I nearly had a heart attack when they told me my 1.4kg chunky boy was 900g. Luckily I questioned them and they brought another set of scales out which brought my heart rate down...

Do you have any actual health concerns regarding your guinea pig? I never took mine for checkups, only when I thought there was an issue. I've always found that even when they were very poorly, my guinea pigs hid most symptoms of their illnesses at the vets because they were so scared.

I hope it goes well regardless, and please keep us updated

 

[ScrufflesRules]

Also, please do discuss getting a second guinea pig with your vet. It's never too late, and would make the world of difference for him. We're more than happy to discuss any questions/concerns about guinea pig companionship on here. I personally believe that providing for your guinea pigs' social needs is one of the most important things you can do for their health and wellbeing.

We have lots of amazing guides on the forum which talk you through the process:
A Closer Look At Pairs (Boars - Sows - Mixed)
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
The Herd, the Group and I: Investigating Guinea Pig Identity and Society
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated Bonding Dynamics and Behaviours

 

[Wiebke]

Hi! I am scheduled to take my guinea pig to the vet for a health check up and geriatric screening. What are some recommendations for keeping him as calm and less scared as possible during this?
I am planning on putting him in a black carrier covered with a black blanket so it’s less stressful. Also putting one of his blankets in with him and giving him lots of hay. Is there anything else anyone would recommend?

Hi

You may find these guide links here helpful. They contain our collection of practical tips for vet visits and the journey to and from:
Tips For Vet Visits
Travelling with guinea pigs
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips

The first two or three visits are usually the most stressful. A stably bonded companion is usually the biggest and best stress lowering measure. I call companions on medical trips 'paw holders'.

All the best.