The Dutch Guinea Pig has a distinct black and white fur and is also known as the Dutch Mouse, Dutch Pig, Tricolor, Piggy, and Guinea Pig. Its ancestors came from the Andes Mountains in South America, brought to the Western world by European merchants in the 16th century. People liked this small animal as a pet at that time. They have a gentle and adorable nature, are relatively easy to care for, and are still commonly kept as pets. Some organizations around the world are actively engaged in breeding Guinea Pigs, and have developed various breeds with different fur colors and appearances.
The Dutch Guinea Pig, also known as the Dutch Mouse, Dutch Pig, Tricolor, Piggy, and Guinea Pig, has a beautiful black and white appearance. Like other guinea pigs, it is originally from the Andes Mountains in South America and was later introduced to Western countries. It has always been loved and cherished by people and is still loved and appreciated by most guinea pig lovers today! The Dutch Guinea Pig has black and white fur all over its body. It has a body length of about 31cm and a moderate weight. Its body is slightly round and chubby, making it look clumsy. In addition, it has a large head with big black and bright eyes. Its ears are short and round, and its upper lip is split. Furthermore, the Dutch Guinea Pig has a strong and powerful body with well-developed limbs and muscles! Guinea pigs are relatively suitable for keeping as small pets at home. The Dutch Guinea Pig, originating from South America, has thick fur and is not prone to fleas and skin diseases, making it easier to raise. The key points of raising a Dutch Guinea Pig in daily life can be analyzed from three aspects: food, accommodation, and travel. Although guinea pigs are relatively easy to raise as pets, they can still get sick or even die if not carefully taken care of.
The Dutch Guinea Pig is recommended for small pet enthusiasts. It is naturally intelligent and clever, with a very gentle temperament. Despite its plump appearance, it is loved by many people. However, they are naturally timid and sensitive to the food around them. Like other guinea pigs, they have the innate habits of being greedy, sleeping a lot, and reproducing frequently. Because of this, people describe them as pigs. The Dutch Guinea Pig is truly a breed with excellent characteristics!
Scurvy - caused by a low intake of vitamin C in the diet. This leads to defects in collagen formation. There is inadequate bone formation and increased bone resorption. Fractures (most commonly in the proximal tibia) and swelling occur, resulting in joint flattening and deformities. Bleeding can occur throughout the body (due to vascular collagen defects). The animal becomes lethargic, anemic, and reluctant to move. Joints may become swollen and fractures may occur, requiring supplementation of vitamin C in water and diet.
Streptococcal Lymphadenitis - the lymph nodes in the neck become filled with pus and swell, eventually bursting and oozing. It has a high infection rate and high mortality rate. It can cause sepsis and systemic infections that are difficult to treat. Streptococcus zooepidemicus is the main culprit (but other pyogenic bacteria can also be seen). It is recommended to reintroduce clean animals into the population.
Antibiotic Toxicity - like most rodents, almost all antibiotics can cause diarrhea, ultimately leading to death. It has traditionally been believed that death is caused by moderate proliferation of Gram-negative bacteria. Recent studies have shown that toxins produced by the Gram-positive bacteria Clostridial bacteria are also important factors in death. Therefore, antibiotic treatment should only be continued for a short period of time (no more than seven days).
Spontaneous Diabetes Mellitus - this disease is common in Abyssinian guinea pigs and may be caused by a retrovirus. C-type retrovirus particles have been detected in the urine of infected animals.
Reproductive Characteristics. The Dutch Guinea Pig is born with strong reproductive ability. For them, the cycle of sexual maturity is about 40 days. The gestation period is generally two months, and they can give birth to about 7 offspring each time. They do not have a fixed breeding period and can mate throughout the year. During this period, parents should pay special attention to their living diet and breeding environment, and try to provide them with a warm and comfortable breeding environment, which is beneficial to their production! Food Characteristics. Like most rodents, the Dutch Guinea Pig has a variety of foods. Grass is naturally their favorite, followed by vegetables and vegetable leaves. When feeding, parents may consider adding some concentrated feed to the food, which is more conducive to balance their diet. In addition, in the cold winter, parents can crush dry hay, peanut vines, and add some bran, which can better meet the nutritional needs of the Dutch Guinea Pig's body! Breeding Environment. Overall, the Dutch Guinea Pig is not difficult to raise, but if you want to raise it well, it is not a simple matter. Before raising, prepare a suitable size cage for it, and place some snacks in it. This little guy loves to eat and sleep, and has a habit of gnawing. Parents should often let it play outside without worrying about losing it. This guinea pig moves relatively slowly and is very conspicuous.
1. Washbasin for bathing. It is recommended to use a higher basin because many guinea pigs are not used to taking baths and will try to jump out. Use natural shampoo or special shampoo for small animals. If not available, use a less stimulating one. Prepare a soft towel and a hairdryer, and plug in the hairdryer. Prepare some food that guinea pigs like to eat. It can also be omitted.
2. Fill the basin with warm water and wet the guinea pig, but avoid wetting the head. Apply shampoo. If using human shampoo or body wash, rinse the guinea pig several times with clean water because it can be dangerous if not thoroughly cleaned. After bathing and drying the guinea pig, it will usually clean itself again. If the shampoo or body wash is licked into its stomach, it can be harmful.
3. Wrap the guinea pig in a towel immediately after washing it. Place it in a clean box and use the hairdryer connected to the power supply to dry a small portion of the wet fur. Pay attention to the temperature of the hairdryer. While blowing, you can place your hand beside the guinea pig to ensure the temperature is not too cold or too hot.
4. After drying a small portion of the fur, lay a towel on your lap and hold the guinea pig while blowing it. If you have prepared food, you can feed them at this time. The reason for laying a towel is to keep the guinea pig warm and prevent it from getting wet again. It can also help absorb the moisture under its belly, which is difficult to dry. If you blow-dry the guinea pig upside down, it will be very uncomfortable. Therefore, laying a towel is useful. Feeding the guinea pig is to divert its attention. Many guinea pigs are not used to hairdryers and are afraid of the sound. They may hide in clothes or run away. Having food will shift their attention, and they will not run away. After eating, the guinea pig's brain will naturally adapt to the hairdryer, and it won't run away as fiercely as before, or even stop running away.
5. If drying the guinea pig that is not used to being held, try to dry it as much as possible because the arms of the guinea pig that is not used to being held are longer than those of the one that is used to being held. Water may also be hidden at the junction between the unheld and held parts of its body. Be careful not to let it get cold.
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