Keeping Warm and Cool
Temperature control is essential for guinea pigs, as they are highly sensitive to both heat and cold.
These little animals can quickly overheat in hot weather, putting them at risk of heatstroke, and they can also suffer from hypothermia when it's too cold. The ideal temperature range for guinea pigs is between 18–24°C (65–75°F), and prolonged exposure outside this range can lead to serious health issues—or worse.
To keep them safe and comfortable, avoid direct sunlight, cold drafts, and sudden changes in temperature. A good rule of thumb? If you're rushing to switch on the air-con or reaching for an extra jumper, chances are your piggies need some climate care too!

🌞 Keeping Cool in Hot Weather
It's very important to remember that guinea pigs can die from heatstroke in as quickly as ten minutes, so you need to be vigilant in keeping them cool during hot weather.
🌞 Remember, if YOU don't want to sit out in the hot sun, your piggies won't want to either!
Tips on keeping your piggies cool:
🌡️ Bring Them Indoors
We always recommend keeping guinea pigs indoors during all weather, however if your guinea pigs are usually outdoors, move their enclosure inside to a cool, well-ventilated room during hot days—especially during heatwaves.
🧊 Use Ice Bricks or Frozen Water Bottles
Wrap ice bricks or frozen water bottles in a towel or sock and place them in their cage for a cool spot to lie against.
🌬️ Use Fans or Air Con
Use a fan in the room (not directly blowing on them) to improve airflow and help cool the area. Never point fans straight at the cage.
🛀 Give them a bath
Sit your piggies in some shallow, luke warm water (not straight cold) to cool them down. Don't wet them all over as they might catch a chill (especially if you have fans or air con on as well). Make sure your towel them dry thoroughly before putting them back in their cage.
💧 Keep Water Fresh and Full
Check and refill water bottles frequently. Add extra bottles or bowls if you have them available. Offer cucumber or watermelon for added hydration, but don’t overdo it.
🪟 Curtains or Blinds Closed
Keep blinds/curtains closed to block out direct sunlight and keep indoor temperatures down.
🚫 Avoid Hot Surfaces
Don’t place their cage on heat-retaining surfaces like tiles in full sun or metal shelving that can overheat.

VET BLOG with DR SAM
More on Heat Stress in Guinea Pigs
Join us as we delve further into the threat of heat stress in guinea pigs, the signs to look for and how we can help our piggies avoid this during our hot summers!
❄️ Keeping Warm in Cold Weather
In winter, it's important to take extra precautions to keep your guinea pigs warm and safe.
Housing them indoors provides a more stable and sheltered environment, offering better protection from the cold. It also allows for the safe use of heating appliances, closer monitoring by humans, and reduces the risk of predators or pests. Keeping your guinea pigs inside also means their enclosure isn’t exposed to the elements or easily visible, making it a more secure and private space.
Winter Warmers
Keep your floofs snuggly with these product picks!
Our Cage liners are the ultimate bedding for your Ozzy C&C cage or for any guinea pig or rabbit cage! They are so comfortable, absorbent, and reusable. Check our range of fleece liners or Vet Bed for guinea pigs in fun and stylish designs! In addition we also have our disposable beddings perfect for those high traffic potty areas.