Do guinea pigs need vaccinations and how often should they be given?

Guinea pigs during their carefree life, which is long enough for domestic rodents, are often exposed to infectious diseases of a bacterial, fungal or parasitic nature. Most owners of cute furries doubt whether guinea pigs need to be vaccinated. At the same time, in relation to their own children, dogs and cats, such questions do not arise. It is recommended to vaccinate funny rodents even when keeping them in comfortable home conditions without contact with the external environment. For guinea pigs that often walk in urban or suburban vegetation, vaccination is a vital procedure. On free grazing, they feed on self-collected plants and hay, and also have contact with dogs and cats.

Why should guinea pigs be vaccinated?

Guinea pigs, when in contact with sick relatives or pets, can become ill with dangerous diseases. During walking or in an apartment, a pet can get diseases transmitted to humans:

• listeriosis;
• tuberculosis;
• pasteurellosis;
• rabies;
• salmonellosis;
• dermatophytosis.

Vaccinations for domestic rodents are done both to build the animal’s immunity to infections and to protect the health of the host.

How are guinea pigs vaccinated?

A veterinarian should vaccinate a pet rodent. He conducts a clinical examination and studies the data of a laboratory study. They usually do blood and urine tests. Healthy, well-fed animals with a body weight of at least 500 g can be vaccinated. The animal must have clean, dry eyes and nose. The pig should be active and eat well.

Guinea pigs are vaccinated for the first time at the age of 4-5 months. The specialist gives the animal an intramuscular injection of the drug with a repeat after 10 days. It is advisable to vaccinate at home to reduce the stress of transportation and visits to the veterinary clinic.

Owners of guinea pigs should not doubt the need for annual vaccinations for their fluffy pet. Annual vaccination prolongs the life of pets and eliminates the possibility of contracting deadly diseases for small and large owners of a funny animal.