THE pets They bring a multitude of benefits to our lives, both emotional and physical. Having a pet can prevent loneliness by providing constant companionship and emotional support, which helps reduce depression and stress. Similarly, interaction with a pet stimulates the release of hormones such as oxytocinwhich promotes well-being and reduces anxiety. Additionally, pet owners experience increased happiness due to the production of serotonin and dopamine, which combat stress and depression.
Pets also encourage responsibility, especially in children, by teaching them how to care for another living being and respect animals. Additionally, walking animals encourages physical activity, which improves overall fitness. For children, the relationship with a pet boosts their self-esteem and provides them with a lasting friendship. Finally, some trained dogs can even help people with diabetes by detecting changes in glucose levels.
The Best Pets for People With Limited Time and Space
@veteasy These #animals are ideal as #pets for people with limited time and space. 🐹🐶🐭 #mascotastiktok #veterinarian ♬ original sound – VetEasy
If you want a pet but are concerned about time and space, consider options that easily accommodate small environments and they require less care than dogs and cats, as one veterinarian explains on social media.
THE ferretsfor example, are ideal because of their small size; They are very active and affectionate animals that are content with a positive environment to be happy.
For their part, the guinea pigs They are calm and enjoy their own space. From now on, it is essential to enrich their habitat with hiding places and toys, and to take them out of their cage at least twice a day to keep them happy.
THE chinchillasOn the other hand, they are calm and adorable rodents, considered an excellent choice for the home. Like guinea pigs, they need an enriched environment and it is important to respect their personal space. These animals can offer you excellent company without requiring much care.
How to care for a guinea pig
Guinea pigs are sociable rodents native to the Andes. These animals usually live between four and ten years, measure between 20 and 35 cm and weigh between 500 and 1,500 grams. Their vision, thanks to the lateral position of their eyes, covers 340 degrees and is dichromatic, perceiving only violet, blue and greenish tones. They are gregarious animals that can be very funny and affectionate.
Adopt a guinea pig is a great option, especially for those looking for a pet that doesn’t require the same level of care as a dog or cat. Basic care for a guinea pig involves providing a spacious cage with adequate bedding that won’t damage its paws. The cage should be located in a quiet area, away from drafts, and kept clean.
Guinea pigs do not need regular walks and do not need constant attention, but it is important brush his furProvide them with toys and allow them to go outside of the cage under supervision to exercise. Their diet should include hay, fresh water, fruits, vegetables and specialized foods. In addition, it is essential to trim their nails once a month.
He guinea pig housing It should fit your needs. Small cages are not recommended because they need room to move around; some vets recommend keeping the cage with the door open to give them more freedom. The bedding should be soft, like pressed paper pellets, and the enclosure should include a shelter for them to sleep in. On the other hand, hygiene is crucial: guinea pigs groom themselves, but it is important to clean their cage daily and change the substrate every week.
As for the healthIt is essential to be alert to any changes in the guinea pig’s behavior or physical appearance. Common illnesses include scurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency; mange, caused by mites; fungus, due to a low-fiber diet; diarrhea, due to excess vitamin C or changes in diet; and colds or pneumonia, due to cold or damp environments. They may also suffer from constipation, internal or external parasites, and malocclusion of the teeth.
Curious facts
Guinea pigs have several curious characteristics. First of all, unlike other rodents, they are born very developed. At birth, they have open your eyesThey are covered in hair and their teeth are already out. This early development helps them survive in the wild by protecting themselves from predators.
In addition, guinea pigs have a body temperature higher than ours, with a normal range of 37.2 to 39.7 ºC. This makes them more sensitive to changes in ambient temperature. Finally, they are coprophagous animals, which means that they eat their excrement to obtain B vitamins and optimize their protein intake, an important adaptation for their diet.
