Leash/Harness Do not EVER use these on cavies - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**Ly&Pigs** · #1 03-25-09, 12:28 pm

Just a reminder to all members that leashes and harnesses should never be used on guinea pigs. They are not made for this specific type of animal. Cavies can easily slip out of a leash. Pulling on a harness can injure their delicate spines.

**meghannmariexx** · #2 03-25-09, 01:29 pm

On, the package of the harness or the collar and leash, it states that it can be used by Guinea Pigs or Rabbits.

**guineapigluver1** · #3 03-25-09, 01:32 pm

Just because packaging says something does not make it correct. Leashes and harnesses can do serious damage.

**meghannmariexx** · #4 03-25-09, 01:34 pm

Oh okay thanks for letting me know.

**fieryone** · #5 03-25-09, 01:48 pm

They also market the exercise balls and wheels for guinea pigs but they can potentially severely injure your piggy since their backs don't bend the same way as a hamster's does.

**Wheek Weak** · #6 03-25-09, 02:59 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by meghannmariexx

On, the package of the harness or the collar and leash, it states that it can be used by Guinea Pigs or Rabbits.

We never, ever buy anything from pet stores. Most of the items they sell, that state it's for guinea pigs, are actually NOT safe or healthy for cavies.

Pet stores don't care about the health or safety of animals. They care about selling products to make money...period.

Please don't mistake my tone as angry (I'm not). I'm just trying to warn anyone who may naively believe what the pet stores tell them when it's not true and could, in fact, be very dangerous for their little one(s).

I, also, used to believe that whatever a pet store sold was what my pet needed and that it was not only safe, but necessary for their happiness and well-being. Unfortunately, after a lot of wasted money, time, and heartache...I learned the hard way.

Our rescues are so happy, well-fed, and healthy because of what we've learned from this site. All without ever stepping foot into a pet store for anything!

We get our hay from KM's, our pellets from our local farm store, cage grids from Target, fleece from fabric stores, toys are homemade or from this page: Guinea Pig Toys and Play, ivermectin from the farm supply, Critical Care from online, food bowls from tag sales (we just use small people bowls), water bottles from farm supply or online, etc., etc., etc...., nothing is ever needed from a pet store.

Pet stores are probably seen as a convenience. We're so used to getting our piggy supplies from local sources that now it would be an inconvience to go to a pet store!

**theresaj** · #7 03-25-09, 03:16 pm

I'm glad I saw this post. I wanted to get Frankie a leash or some type of thing where I can let him walk around on the grass and graze if he wants to but I thought he would be difficult to catch cause they're fast little creatures on their feet and I wouldn't want to possibly hurt him while trying to catch him. In this case what are viable alternatives to a leash? Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

**meghannmariexx** · #8 03-25-09, 03:17 pm

Yeah, what are some safe alternatives so that I can let my Piggie out on the grass without him running away?

**rabbitsncavyluv** · #9 03-25-09, 03:31 pm

Get a predator proof exercise pen. You still want to supervise though.

**Wheek Weak** · #10 03-25-09, 03:37 pm

Outdoor Environments - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**wigglesgiggles1** · #11 03-25-09, 03:46 pm

Yeah you cant go by the box. Just because treats are made for guinea pigs doesn't mean that they are good for them. Just in case anybody didnt know they are not good for guiinea pigs period.

**Jasper_Hale** · #12 05-01-09, 08:29 pm

Wow, thank you for the information. For some reason I thought you could put them on a leash....

I do buy some things at the pet store. Like pellets. I make sure they're not bad for the piggy's. We don't want any dying piggys!

**Reason&Rage** · #13 05-19-09, 05:09 pm

Thanks for the post! Safe Piggies are Happy Piggies

.... its funny that i never really thought it may be bad for mine, but glad i saw this! We are growing an indoor garden for ours, but love letting them have fresh air and grass.

**pigsmakemesmile** · #14 05-19-09, 06:51 pm

You can construct an outdoor pen with the grids. I attached the grids to each other using zipties so I can easily fold it up. This is better because they are unrestricted in movement. I would never trust using a harness on my pigs. I'd be afraid they'd choke on it.

**theresaj** · #15 05-19-09, 07:01 pm

It's good to have safe ways we can let our furbies enjoy the fresh grass and the sun when it's a nice day for it.

NewGuinea2009 · #16 09-29-09, 05:18 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ly&Pigs

Just a reminder to all members that leashes and harnesses should never be used on guinea pigs. They are not made for this specific type of animal. Cavies can easily slip out of a leash. Pulling on a harness can injure their delicate spines.

Wow, I am so happy I just came across this post. I too, thought that harnesses were ok for them, I did know about the exercise ball, even if I didn't it just looked very uncomfortable. But thank you =-)

"Thank you, Ly&Pigs, for this useful post," say these 6 members:
anniewntsaG-PIG (07-18-09), Bunnah lover (06-27-09), Simonmaal (07-29-09), theresaj (04-28-09), Wheek Weak (03-25-09), wigglesgiggles1 (05-19-09)

"Thank you, Wheek Weak, for this useful post," says:
xoLauraox09 (10-29-09)

"Thank you, rabbitsncavyluv, for this useful post," say these 2 members:
Ly&Pigs (03-26-09), Wheek Weak (03-25-09)