With TLC, guinea pigs become cuddly pets

Dear Heloise: Here are a few hints for your pet guinea pig. Guinea pigs are cuddly, don’t claw or scratch and seldom bite, making them a wonderful pet for children. Their life span is four to seven years. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends getting more than one guinea pig, since they are social animals and should not be alone in a home. They should be the same sex so they don’t breed! A large cage and daily exercise are a must.

If you put plain paper or layers of newspaper down before changing the bedding, when it is time to clean the cage again, just roll the paper and bedding up and throw it all away, making cleanup easy.

One reader got her vet’s approval to use paper that had been put through the shredder as bedding for her guinea pig. Now the guinea pig loves to burrow deep and snuggle down each night.

Feed your guinea pig raw fruits and veggies as a supplement to its dry food. They are a real treat for guinea pigs.Read up on guinea-pig care and handling before considering this cuddly pet.

Guinea pigs can suffer from common and routinely overlooked problems of mites or lice, which cause pain, especially when touched or petted. Be watchful until you know what your guinea pig’s disposition is. Heloise

Dear Readers: Let’s check your pet-hint IQ. What percentage of homes own at least one pet?

• 20 percent.

• 40 percent.

• 60 percent.

If you guessed 60 percent, then you are right! The top three categories of pets are cats, dogs and birds. So, if you are a pet owner, you are not alone. Heloise

Dear Readers: Herby Collignon of San Antonio sent a photo of his blond retriever-looking dog, Boomer, and himself. Herby says: “I adopted him from a pet adoption agency. He had another name, but he loves to catch boomerangs. So, I call him Boomer — he is my constant companion.”

Visit www.Heloise.com to see Herby and Boomer. Heloise

Dear Heloise: If you are taking your dog on a boat, be sure to put a flotation device on your dog and everyone else on board! It’s definitely not worth taking a chance. If something happens, you will have a hard enough time yourself without having to worry about your pet. R.E. in Pennsylvania

Dear Heloise: Auto-insurance companies may cover your pet if it’s injured while in your car in an accident. Check with your insurance company to see if your pets can be put into your auto-insurance policy, and find out what it will cost. Jo H. in New Mexico

You also can purchase pet health insurance, which is regulated by states. Only licensed agents can sell it, so make sure you’re dealing with them. Policies and coverage vary. Heloise

XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate