Previously we were able to verify, in one of our articles, that, in most cases, guinea pigs are the best friends of rabbits, since combining both species is not a problem.
Now, what if we want to live under the same roof with a guinea pig and a dog? Is it possible that both species can coexist without problems and maintain a good relationship?
As you already know, dogs are very sociable animals, which makes coexistence with other species, in most cases, completely possible. We must also say that, although dogs can live with any other animal, they will not always interact in the same way with all of them, being more friends with some than with others. It is clear that, in order to achieve a good relationship between different species, we must take into account several circumstances when putting them together.
Many of you will believe that there is an incompatibility between dogs and guinea pigs, especially if we are talking about hunting dogs, which have their predatory instinct. But tell you that, with a good education and continuous supervision, they can have a beautiful friendship. The ideal situation to join two pets of different species is to do it when they are young, since, if they have known each other since they were little, there will be more chances that the mission will go great.
But let's get more specific.
First of all, we have to be very careful at the beginning. As we have already mentioned, hunting dogs are the least advisable when living with a guinea pig, due to their innate instinct, but coexistence between the two is not impossible. It is in these cases, with which we must be more careful, being absolutely necessary and advisable to be present when they are together.
The success or failure will also depend on the character of the animals. In addition, it must be said that, if both the guinea pig and the dog are sterilized, this will help them to park their innate territoriality and, thus, it will be possible for us to avoid possible fights between the two.
What should this first contact between a dog and a guinea pig be like?
- We will have to introduce them little by little. The ideal situation is that the guinea pig is inside the cage. In this way they will be able to have a first contact that will allow them to smell each other without any kind of danger and, thus, they will be able to get to know each other little by little. We must always be present. It will also be necessary to educate the dog so that it knows what it can and cannot do when both species are together.
- Another thing to keep in mind is that we must know that each pet has different nutritional needs, so it will be convenient that, at mealtime, each one has their space.
- We can never let them loose, under any circumstances, so this union, as we have already mentioned, must always be done under controlled conditions and after the necessary training. With a little luck, they will get along very well in no time.
So, in short, the union between dogs and guinea pigs is a matter of caution, vigilance and, sometimes, patience. You can see that, although there are no written rules, you have to use logic and have certain precautions when looking for new friends for our pets.
