New research released for Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW) shows that while 99% of guinea pig owners regularly talk to their pets, almost a third (30%) don’t know how to recognise signs of stress.
Commissioned by Burgess Excel for GPAW, the survey of 248 guinea pig owners found that while owners are deeply bonded with their pets, with 97% reporting improved mental wellbeing since becoming owners, almost half (45%) said they weren’t confident in how to reduce stress when it occurs.
This year’s GPAW, which is running until October 24, aims to brings together vets, rescues, retailers and welfare organisations to champion small animal care under the theme ‘Comfort, Care, Companionship’.
Mary Coles, postgraduate researcher specialising in small animal health and welfare, and trustee of charity Guinea Pig Welfare UK, says that stress remains one of the most common and underestimated welfare challenges for the species.
She said: “Stress is one of the biggest hidden contributors to poor health in guinea pigs. It can suppress the immune system, disrupt digestion, and make animals far more susceptible to issues like bloat, respiratory infections and urinary tract problems.
“In rescue and clinical settings, we see the effects of chronic stress all too often – and they’re usually preventable. By helping owners understand subtle stress signals and the importance of environmental stability, we can make huge strides in improving welfare outcomes.”
John Chitty, qualified vet and also a trustee of the charity, added: “The industry can play a pivotal role here: vets by reinforcing stress awareness in consults, retailers by guiding on social housing and enrichment, and rescues by modelling best practice.
“The benefits of better awareness include improved welfare for the animals and more confident, engaged owners who provide better lifelong care.”
