Blog – Page 32 – Pocket Sized Pets

Guinea pigs are fun pets to have and great for all ages because they don't require that much maintenance. Even though you can keep them without too much extra effort, there are still some things you might need to make sure they stay happy and healthy. Speaking of keeping them healthy, many pet guinea pig owners use heat pads to keep their guinea pigs warm. So are heat pads safe for guinea pigs? Heat pads are safe for guinea pigs when used correctly. Heat pads don’t affect their health and can be used to keep them warm in the winter months. Like most other rodents, guinea pig's bodies can be influenced by both heat and cold, that's why it is recommended to keep them a good environment according to your local weather conditions. Even though there is nothing wrong with giving them some extra warmth, it’s still important to follow the safety instructions that the heat pad comes with. That way your guinea pigs will stay safe. Guinea pigs can have heat pads in their cage. So if you do use them, then you don't need to worry about much as long as you’re following the safety guidelines. Are Microwaveable Heat Pads Safe For Guinea Pigs? Yes, microwaveable heat pads are safe for guinea pigs and you can use it to keep them warm. Now one thing you have to keep in mind is that not all microwaveable heat pads are made the same, so make sure to choose them properly. There are a lot of options out there to choose from but you should only use microwaveable heat pads from reliable companies that use high-quality materials. Along with that, heat pads are usually only used in guinea pig cages when the temperature starts to become extremely cold, or it's just generally colder where your guinea pig cage is located. For example, the perfect temperature for guinea pigs ranges from about 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 75 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius. So if the temperature is in between this range, then you shouldn’t use a heating pad as it might make your guinea too hot. But if the temperature is below this range, then you can use heating pads and some other alternative warming methods to keep your guinea pigs warm. Are Electric Heat Pads Safe For Guinea Pigs? Electric heat pads have gained a lot of popularity and some prefer using them, but are they safe? Well, the answer is sometimes. Electric heat pads aren’t as safe for guinea pigs because of the power line that is attached to it that your guinea pigs can chew on. That being said, some electric heat pads do come with a more chew proof wrapping around the power line that does make it slightly safer. It’s true that if you live in extremely cold conditions then you should increase the amount of heat in your guinea pigs cage, but electric heat pads just aren’t as safe as the microwaveable ones. But if you do decide to use electric heat mats, then make sure to keep the cage in a place where you can monitor it properly. Recommended: Best guinea pig heat pads Safely Using Heat Pads In Your Guinea Pigs Cage Heat pads are very easy to use and you don't need to do anything extra to make them work. If the temperature is very low, then you should consider making the cage fully insulated. To use non-electric heat pads, all you have to do is put them in a microwave for a few minutes to warm them up properly. Generally, these pads come with a fleece cover to make it more comfortable for your pets. If you don’t get one with a cover then you can just use a soft cloth. Once the heat pad is warmed up nicely, put the pad in the fleece cover and place it in the cage. These kinds of heat pads provide amazing warmness for hours. If you’re using an electric heat pad, then make sure the cord is chew-resistant and just plug it in. The microwaveable ones are a lot safer, which makes them perfect for overnight use. Reasons You Should Use Heating Pads In Your Guinea Pigs Cage One of the main reasons to use heating pads in your guinea pig cage is that if the temperature is very low. As you know, if the temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 degrees Celsius, then you should do something to keep your guinea pigs warm. If the temperature has only fallen a few degrees then you don’t really need a heating pad, a warm blanket is enough. But if the temperature is so low that even you can’t handle it well, then you should consider using a heating pad in your guinea pigs cage. Now if you live in a colder reign, then you might need to use heating pads all year long. The best way to figure out whether you should use a heating pad or not is by using a thermometer in your guinea pigs cage. That way you will know when your guinea pigs need some extra warmth. Use Heating Pads Only When It's Too Cold For Your Guinea Pigs Guinea pigs came from the Andes, that's why they're more comfortable in cold than they are in heat. So if you can stand the cold in your house, then most likely your guinea pigs can stand the cold too and there is no need for any additional heat in their cage. Guinea pigs don't need any extra insulation and heating if the temperature is normal. But if you live in a colder area, then using a heating pad is a great option. A good quality microwaveable heat pad is enough to provide them with enough warmness. If you don't know if it’s cold enough for one, then you can use a thermometer to get the exact temperature and make a decision from there. That way you will be able to make the best arrangements for your guinea pigs in any weather. Remember, it’s recommended that you use a microwaveable heat pad to keep your guinea pigs cage warm. These types of heating pads are safer and can be used easily. But if you’re using an electric heating pad, then be very careful and always keep an eye on your guinea pigs. If you keep your guinea pigs outside in the winter season, you should put a blanket in the cage to keep them warmer at night as well.