Keeping guinea pigs cool in an Australian summer

Guinea pigs originally come from the cool, high Andes, and they handle heat poorly. In an Australian summer, heat is one of the biggest risks to their health.

Signs of heat stress

• Lying stretched out and flat, and reluctant to move
• Fast, shallow breathing or panting
• Drooling or wet fur around the mouth
• Weakness, stumbling or unresponsiveness

Heat stress is an emergency. Move your guinea pig to a cool, shaded spot, offer water, and dampen its ears and feet with cool (not icy) water, then call a vet straight away.

Before summer: check the setup

• The cage is in the coolest room of the house, away from windows that get afternoon sun
• A room thermometer sits at guinea pig height, because floors can be cooler than benches
• Outdoor hutches have full shade all day, and a plan to bring pigs inside on hot days
• You know your nearest vet who sees exotic pets, and their after-hours number

Cooling tricks that work

1. Air-conditioning is the most reliable option on very hot days. Keep the room cool but out of the direct draught.
2. Frozen water bottles wrapped in a tea towel give pigs something cool to lie against. Swap them as they thaw.
3. Ceramic tiles or granite pavers chilled in the fridge make cool “lying pads”.
4. Fans help move air around the room. Don’t point them directly at the cage for long periods.
5. Extra water: add a second bottle or bowl and refill it with cool water through the day.
6. Water-rich veggies such as cucumber and cos lettuce can help with hydration (in moderation).
7. Shade cloth and closed curtains reduce heat build-up in the room during the day.

Outdoor guinea pigs on hot days

Outdoor hutches can become dangerously hot even in shade. When the forecast is 28°C or more, bring your guinea pigs inside to a cool room, such as a laundry or bathroom on a tiled floor, in a temporary pen or carrier with hay and water. Read more in our outdoor hutch guide.

Don’t forget heatwaves

During heatwaves, nights may not cool down enough for guinea pigs to recover. Plan ahead: where will they go, and how will you keep that room cool if the power goes out? Frozen bottles in an esky make a good backup.