If you’re traveling out of the country, you may be worried about your guinea pig’s condition. And one thing you may ask is “Will they even miss me?”
Here’s a short answer –
Yes, your guinea pigs will miss you while you’re gone for a long period of time. This is because guinea pigs also have emotions like other pets.
They can sense and feel their owners’ love.
You might find your pet squeaking with joy if you come back after a long time. It shows that it definitely missed you.
It’s advisable to not leave your pet alone for more than 12-24 hours.
However, it depends on how much your pet cares about you, or the quality of your relationship.
Now, let’s discuss the 5 common signs that your guinea pig misses you and the steps to take for your pet when you are away.
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5 Signs That Guinea Pigs Miss Their Owners
#Sign 1: Hyperactive
If you are gone for a long time, your guinea pig may welcome you with cheerfulness.
As soon as it sees you it will get the energy to greet you and hurry around.
This shows that when you are gone, it misses you and is happy that you are back.
You may notice that your guinea pig will roam around you more than usual. This is because it now wants to spend time with you as much as possible.
# Sign 2: Popcorning
Guinea pigs are known to popcorn when they are very happy and excited.
It’s when they suddenly jump into the air for no obvious reason once, twice, or even more times than that! This process is called “popcorning“.
Popcorning is surely an excellent way in which a cavy shows its love for its owner.
#Sign 3: Purring
Purring is the sound that guinea pigs make when they are extremely happy.
It is a sign that your pet has missed you. If you return home and see your pet purring, it means that it is now happy to see you home.
Purring is a way guinea pigs show their emotions. You can also find them making the same noise when you offer them their favorite treat.
However, some guinea pigs may appear less energetic if they don’t see their owners for a long time.
#Sign 4: Lack of Energy
Sometimes guinea pigs get inactive and lazy when they do not see you for a long time.
Your pet will not show much energy. It may just lie down and remain sad when it’s missing you. And it may eat less as well as it doesn’t use its energy by staying active.
# Sign 5: Eating Less
Guinea pigs always like to eat. But, your guinea pig may eat less when someone else is serving the food.
Guinea pigs are well aware of the smell of their owner. So, when you are out of home and someone else is providing the food, it would instantly recognize that it’s not you.
So, when you come back home, you may find that it has not been eaten properly.
This is another sign that guinea pigs miss you.
How Long Can Guinea Pigs Go Without Their Owners?
Guinea pigs cannot go without their owners for a long time. This is because they eat a lot, drink a lot and they are also very sensitive.
In the best-case scenario, you shouldn’t leave your guinea pig for more than 24 hours at a time (although several sources suggest not more than 12 hours).
A guinea pig that is left on its own can have the risk of suffering from dehydration, lack of food, injury, and loneliness. For this reason, it needs regular care and attention from its owner.
It’s risky because guinea pigs don’t have the quality to keep themselves safe for that amount of time on their own.
Guinea pigs should have their health examined every 12 hours, according to several specialists’ suggestions.
What To Do When You Are Away On Vacation?
If you are going to be gone for a lengthy period of time, you need to make sure that your guinea pig has everything they require to maintain its health and comfort.
This includes providing them with plenty of food, water, and toys.
So, if you are planning to go on a vacation you need to make plans and preparations ahead of time to ensure that your guinea pig will be secure and comfortable.
Let’s discuss the preparation you need to take before going on a vacation.
Get a Pet Sitter
The first thing you should do when you are away on vacation is to find a pet sitter.
This individual could be a member of your family, a neighbor you know and trust, or any other person that provides pet-sitting services.
Ensure that they are familiar with how to properly care for a guinea pig.
They need to make sure the animal has enough supply of food and water.
Also, you should make your guinea pig familiar with the new pet sitter so that it trusts the pet sitter.
If you are not getting a pet sitter, then serve it enough food.
Provide Enough Food
Your guinea pigs need to have access to hay at all times, regardless of whether you will be gone for a few hours or the entire day.
It is recommended that timothy hay be placed in hay racks. Small containers are a very good method to store more hay while ensuring that it remains dry.
Along with enough food also provide sufficient water to your guinea pig.
Provide Enough Water
A guinea pig that is well hydrated is a healthy guinea pig, so it is important to provide it with enough water at all times.
Using water bottles that come with a nozzle is very easy to use by guinea pigs.
The well-being of your guinea pig is your duty and should be your main focus while you’re gone.
So, store enough water in that bottle.
Give Plenty of Toys
Guinea pigs love to play with toys. So, when you are away, try to give as many toys as possible.
A guinea pig needs to have as much mental and physical well-being as it can get when the owner is not there. And this can be done by playing with the toys.
So, your pet will be more content and less likely to engage in behavior such as chewing its cage or fighting with the other guinea pig.
Apart from toys, your guinea pig also needs enough space to roam around.
Enough Space
Ensure that your guinea pigs have enough space to move around. This is because most guinea pigs like to explore.
So, if you plan to leave it alone for longer periods, it is important that it has sufficient space to explore.
Also, make sure to keep it at a comfortable temperature.
Ensure the Right Temperature
A temperature in the range of 18 to 24 degrees Celsius is ideal for guinea pigs. So, make sure the temperature is good for your pet when you are not there.
They are at risk of developing bronchial difficulties if the temperature is any lower than this.
Also, they are at risk of heatstroke and dehydration if the temperature is much higher.
It is in your best interest to get ice pods and self-heating blankets for your guinea pigs so that they can remain as comfortable as possible while you’re absent.
Make Sure of Its Security
Make sure that the hutch can’t be opened from the outside and that all of the doors and hatches are shut.
Also, fix any holes or cracks in the cage to prevent your pets from fleeing or preventing any possible attackers from entering.
When it comes to security, you can also get a surveillance camera.
Surveillance Camera
If you know that you will be worried about your pet during the vacation, get a surveillance camera.
With this camera, you will be able to watch your guinea pig whenever you want.
And if you see anything unusual you can then call your friends or neighbor to come over and check.
Clean the Cage
Before going on vacation, make sure to clean the cage of your guinea pig.
Guinea pigs eat a lot and also poop a lot. So, you have to make it clean before leaving so that it does not become a mess.
Final Words!
To conclude, guinea pigs do miss their owners when they are not around them. And they also express their emotion in certain ways when they are reunited with their owners.
This also means that guinea pigs do understand humans.
However, guinea pigs should never be left unattended for longer than a period of twelve to twenty-four hours at a time.
You may ask a friend or a neighbor to keep an eye on your guinea pig for you, or you could hire a pet sitter to do it.
As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to take care of your guinea pig and ensure all sorts of comfort and security when you are away.
I mentioned that guinea may sometimes feel lonely when they miss their owners. Does it mean they can be dramatic too? Click here to learn more!
