The Blue Cross animal welfare charity has issued an urgent warning to guinea pig owners as the UK heatwave pushes temperatures above 26 degrees Celsius, a threshold that can be fatal for the small pets. With over 900,000 guinea pigs in the UK, owners are being urged to bring their animals indoors immediately to prevent heatstroke.
Why Guinea Pigs Are at Risk
Guinea pigs cannot sweat and therefore cannot regulate their body temperature effectively. According to the Blue Cross, temperatures above 26°C can cause fatal heatstroke. The charity stated: “Important: Temperatures above 26 degrees Celsius can cause fatal heatstroke, so it’s best to bring your guinea pigs inside before it becomes too hot. Guinea pigs can overheat very quickly, as they are unable to regulate their body temperature by sweating.”
The UK is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with provisional figures showing a temperature of 36.1°C in Gosport, Hampshire, breaking the previous June record from 1976. The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat.
Immediate Steps for Owners
The Blue Cross advises that guinea pigs kept outdoors should be moved inside to a cool room. Sheds, conservatories, and garages can also become dangerously hot. “When the weather is very hot, it’s a good idea to bring your outdoor guinea pigs inside, away from the heat,” the charity added. “Sheds, conservatories and garages can also become extremely hot in the heat, so it’s important to move your guinea pigs into a cool room. You can keep a room cool by closing curtains and blinds to block out the sun.”
Cooling Tips
To help guinea pigs stay cool, the Blue Cross recommends using frozen water bottles or ice packs wrapped in a towel or sock to avoid ice burns. “If your guinea pigs feel hot, they can lie next to the bottle to keep cool.”
Hydration is also critical. Owners should ensure guinea pigs have access to plenty of fresh, cool water throughout the day, placing bottles or bowls in different areas to encourage drinking. “Hydrating vegetables such as cucumber can also be fed in moderation to keep your guinea pigs hydrated, but feeding too much can cause an upset tummy. Watermelon is also hydrating, but it is high in sugar so should only be fed as a treat.” Soaking leafy greens in cold water or serving them from the fridge can also help.
Marble tiles or slates placed in the fridge before being put in the guinea pig's home can provide a cool surface to lie on. However, these must remain in the shade, as they can become extremely hot in direct sunlight.
Avoid Plastic Shelters
The charity warns against plastic hidey houses or shelters, which can heat up quickly. Instead, owners should provide man-made burrows made of big piles of hay, allowing guinea pigs to burrow down out of the sun.
With the heatwave expected to continue, guinea pig owners are urged to act now to protect their pets from potentially fatal heatstroke.
