Do guinea pigs actually need yearly vet visits?

[FiaFlora]

I have found a lot of conflicting information. Some people say guinea pigs do need yearly vet visits while others say they only need vet visits when they are showing signs of illness. I got my guinea pigs a few months ago and I haven’t taken them in for a vet visit yet because it seems like they don’t need it. They are a normal weight, they eat, they drink, they run around, and they aren’t showing any signs of illness (I have researched guinea pig signs of illness). Obviously I would take them in if they ever started showing any signs of illness. But for now they seem to be doing good, so am I okay with just not taking them to the vet, or do I just need to take them anyway (keep in mind there is no vet that specializes in guinea pigs in my area, yes I have looked, so I’m not sure how much help the vet could really be.)

 

[G&C]

I’m not an expert at all, but I would say the answer is no. If you have no piggy savvy vet in your area, and these are who have recommended yearly checkups then that suggests they are after your money. Or that’s just my opinion. There’s loads of info on here regarding signs of illness (see out of hours life and death emergencies) and daily care threads, from nail cutting to feeding, as long as they are healthy and happy there is no need for a vet.

I’m sure someone will be able to recommend a vets in the USA on this forum, for when you do need them

 

[Betsy]

Some members take their piggies to a vet for a yearly check for peace of mind that their piggies are healthy. I think it is personal choice. There is no right or wrong way. Personally, I don't take them for a yearly check. I do take them at the first sign of anything though. Last October I had so many vets visits I only had to say "hello" on the phone and the Receptionist asked me "which one is it this time?"!

 

[VickiA]

I've never taken any of mine to the vets for an annual check. In my early days of piggy ownership I used to take newcomers to the vet for a check over and we still do that with the rescue piggies, but other than that, mine go on an as needs basis. Some of them are well known at the vets as "regulars" and others never seem to have cause to visit. I do take them at the first sign of change in weight, appetite or behaviour. Piggies are masters at disguising all manner of ailments (due to being prey animals).

 

[Flutterby]

Mine only go when they need something, not every year.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

I like the fact that my cat and my rabbit get a good check over when they go to the vets for their vaccinations. Because guinea pigs don't need vaccinations, it means they don't routinely get this general check over and a lot can go wrong before we see signs of a problem. There are pros and cons to whether you get them checked, but weighing them regularly and doing a general health check whenever you clean the cage out, means you are more likely to notice if something is going wrong.

 

[Claire W]

My piggies go to the vets every 6 to 8 weeks for nail trims and they get a quick check over whilst there which I like. But as said above, so long as you check them over yourself weekly, they probably don't need to see a vet unless there's something wrong