Over 1,600 guinea pigs have been abandoned by their owners in last four years
The RSPCA has been swamped with the unloved pets since 2021.
The animal charity is also struggling to find them new homes.
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In the East Midlands, a farm had over 100 small animals taken away.
Many had contracted ringworm and were cared for by PPE protected staff, as well as quarantined. Some females even giving birth to litters during this time.
Another fluffy friend was left at Canning Town tube station, nicknamed DiscoPig.
More recently in Cardiff in May, some guinea pigs were found in a basket and the thirteen pets were treated for skin infections.
Dominika Jagoda, an RSPCA small animal welfare expert explained: ?“Owners should spend time with their guinea pigs.
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“And learn to understand their normal behaviours so they can spot signs of stress or illness and seek veterinary attention as necessary.
“Guinea Pig Awareness Week is always a really important time for owners to help us spread these important messages!
“Guinea pigs are incredible pets – with unique personalities, and it’s fantastic to celebrate them this week.
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“But owners also need to make sure the welfare needs of guinea pigs are catered for.
“Providing them with the right environment to live in and making sure that they are fed a suitable diet are both key to guinea pigs living happy and healthy lives.”
The charity believes that if the four-legged friends are kept in tip top condition- many instances where they have been given up, can be avoided.
During this Guinea Pig Awareness Week, advice is being offered out to help care for the animals, as reported on What’s The Jam.
The phrase ‘Nibble, nourish and thrive’, is being pushed which is educating people on just what to feed their pets.
Guinea pigs should be fed hay and grass.
But although they love fresh-growing green stuff, they should never be fed ‘clippings’ from your lawnmower.
The animals should be given pellets rich in Vitamin C as they are unable to produce this.
Sugary food like apples should only be a treat. Greens, including kale and broccoli, should take priority every day in order to ensure their teeth don’t overgrow.
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