How to Extend the Life of Your Guinea Pig: Tips for Caring Owners

If you own guinea pigs or enjoy watching them in the pet store, you probably know a lot about them. Some guinea pigs have a short, smooth coat, while others have curly, long hair. They all like to jump, run, and chatter. Of course, if you own guinea pigs, you want them to live as long as possible. Maybe even set a world record. Keep reading to learn some facts about the pet that holds the world record for the oldest guinea pig, along with some tips for keeping your guinea pig in top condition.

The World’s Oldest Guinea Pig

According to Guinness World Records, a guinea pig named Snowball (14 years and 10.5 months) holds the official record as the oldest guinea pig. There are reports of a guinea pig named Sweetie who reportedly reached 15 years old and was seeking Guinness verification as of 2024-2025, but Snowball remains the official record holder as of June 2025. A woman named M.A. Wall was Snowball’s guardian. Snowball, who died in 1979, made his home in Nottinghamshire, England.

The Second Oldest Guinea Pig in the World

One of the oldest known guinea pigs was named Bear, who lived with his guardian Edith Rotherham in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England. Bear reportedly died in 2021 at the age of 14, according to media reports, though this is not an official Guinness World Record.

Longevity Diet and Loving Care

Snowball and Bear undoubtedly received top-notch care, which likely included a natural diet of hay along with kale, lettuce, and other leafy vegetables. They probably ate this healthful diet in a calm, stress-free environment. Clean, fresh water, lots of exercise, and regular veterinary visits were also likely part of the equation.

Tips for Guinea Pig Longevity

Not only do leafy greens like kale and romaine lettuce provide your guinea pig with nutrients, but they also help keep its teeth filed down, which prevents serious health issues. Hay is another essential in a guinea pig’s diet. Fresh water and guinea pig pellets are also must-haves in the diet of this furry critter.

Routine exercise is another way to potentially extend the life of your guinea pig. These small pets like to play, run, hide, and jump. They even perform a fun trick called popcorning, a happy little jump that expresses their joy. Exercise keeps them from gaining excess weight and provides mental stimulation.

Guinea pigs are social animals. So, having a friend or two alleviates stress and creates an outlet for positive social interactions. This is why so many guinea pig experts advise owning at least two guinea pigs. The more social they are, the happier they are!

Cleaning a guinea pig’s cage at least once per week is essential for their good health. Some guinea pigs need their cage cleaned more than once per week. Like all pets, some guinea pigs are messier than others! Best practice suggests using hot, soapy water to scrub the cage. This removes bacteria that can grow in the moist shavings covering the floor.

The wires of a cage should be cleaned with mild soap and rinsed. If you’ve ever had a guinea pig in a wire cage, you know they tend to put their mouth and teeth on the wires. Don’t forget to clean the water bottle and bowl with hot water and mild soap. These two items can pick up a lot of germs.

The final task is to put fresh shavings in the cage. Dust-free shavings made with aspen wood or kiln-dried pine are ideal choices. Using dust-free shavings cuts down on the risk of allergy flare-ups and various other respiratory issues in this pet.

Guinea pigs should visit a veterinarian who specializes in small animals. These professionals can advise owners on dietary changes and provide care if the guinea pig has health issues.