Squeak Dreams

26/05/2026

Penelope has another update of her own for everybody!

"Hi guys!!" ➡️
"Hope you're all doing goods. I'm feeling feisty and cheeky today, despite the heat! Pigmum said I should lets you know I put on 25 grams since my ordeal at the vets!" ➡️
"It's pretty damn hawt here. We're keeping the curtains closed and pigmum has set up these damp towels which are pretty neat for keeping cool 😎" ➡️
"But I haves my own coolings trick... the worst haircut ever turned out to be not too shabby!"➡️
"So much so that Nacho wanted it too!"➡️
"But we're still all well jel of Callie to be honests 😏"
"Minnie is lounging under the towels"➡️
"And Phoebe says just try dunking your chin in the drinking water 😅"

Hope everyone is keeping cool! Lots of love from Penelope and the herd! x

20/05/2026

Our latest article in the Guinea Pig Magazine 😀🌤️💚

16/05/2026

Penelope surgery update, and its good news! 🐾 She's back with the herd, eating hay and pellets, and acting her usual bright and lively self. Thank you so much for all your kind messages and well wishes. They really have meant a lot. We'll keep you updated on her recovery! 💛

15/05/2026

We've returned to YouTube with a little vlog 🥰❤️

After a little while away, I'm returning to the channel with life and pig updates ❤️🐹 Join us for morning chores, a much needed catch up, and some really ex...

14/05/2026

It's always so useful to share our experiences when it comes to vets and medical care in guinea pigs! After reading I wanted to share and add to this wonderful update on the beautiful Lies ❤️

I've also had several guinea pigs with cysts, and now three spay operations, following Penelope's yesterday (update to follow 🥰). Cysts can be hormonal or non-hormonal; often hormonal cysts are small and not obviously felt or seen - but can also give rise to symptoms such as the hair thinning, dominant behaviour, pain and enlarged crusty ni***es (Penelope had all of these). The large, fluid filled cysts are less likely to be hormone-producing, but because of their sheer size they can result in pain and gut statis (as experienced by Lies).

I completely agree that an experienced exotics vet is essential and the flank ovariectomy is the best approach. This is not usually considered major surgery when the procedure goes to plan and the ovaries are removed easily (often done in less than 15 minutes!). However, like any surgery, there are always risks and unknowns. Very large cysts can mean an abdominal incision (mid-line spay) is necessary, but draining should be considered first. In Penelope's case, one of her ovaries was fused to other tissues and her whole uterus had several cysts and growths, so had to be removed in its entirety (this was also done via the flank, just a slightly large incision on one side).

The total cost here in the UK was £210 for Penelope's spay (so slightly less expensive), but I actually think this is amazing value. Phoebe's bladder stone removal cost over £900 from the same vet. If you can, go for the most experienced vet possible, it's 100% worth it!

06/05/2026

Penelope's surgery is booked for the 13th May! In this update I'm walking through the ovarian cyst symptoms I noticed, because it's really important for guinea pig owners to know what to look out for.

Some are textbook — crusty ni***es and the dominant behaviour that started this whole journey. Others are less obvious — general hair thinning and recurring bouts of cystitis that I now believe were hormonally linked to the cysts.

Ovarian cysts are incredibly common in female guinea pigs, especially over 18 months old. Many piggies will have them without obvious symptoms, which is why knowing the signs and keeping up with regular health checks is so important.

I'm also sharing how I'm preparing Penelope for surgery, from daily weighing and supplementary Critical Care feeding, to getting her used to being handled in different environments so the vet visit feels a little less overwhelming for her.

Everything crossed for our little menace. 🤞🐾

05/05/2026

I'm just ordering on some fresh Oxbow Critical Care for our first aid supplies and I have noticed Amazon UK are stocking all three flavours at the moment - Anise, Apple and Banana, as well as the fine grind Papaya one.

So far I've never had a pig dislike Apple and Banana (but everypig is different!), it's relatively good value for the bigger bag and it keeps well (I've used it past the sell-by date with no ill effects): https://amzn.to/4dmSw62

I've also had a lot of pigs enjoy the Emeraid Sustain Herbivore (mint) one, which doesn't look to be in stock at the moment. I haven't had much look with other brands, my pigs have just not been as keen, especially when feeling under the weather.

Thought I would share in case anyone's been looking and not been able to get any previously! ☺️

Link to the full First Aid section of the Storefront for anyone interested: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/squeakdreams/list/2563P1E9HWXC9?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d

Sarah ###

Shop for recommended products from Squeak Dreams on www.amazon.co.uk. Learn more about Squeak Dreams's favourite products.

01/05/2026

Penelope has been causing chaos in the herd lately, bullying the others and generally making herself unpopular, which was really out of character for her. But as we discovered, there was a reason behind the behaviour change.

Penelope has been diagnosed with ovarian cysts, which are incredibly common in female guinea pigs and can cause exactly this kind of personality shift alongside other symptoms. She's going to be spayed to treat them, and we're keeping everything crossed that it goes smoothly and brings her some relief. 🤞

If your female guinea pig has suddenly become more aggressive, is losing hair on her flanks, has crusty ni***es, or seems uncomfortable — please get her checked out by an exotic vet. Ovarian cysts are very treatable but easy to miss if you don't know what to look for.

We'll keep you updated on how Penelope gets on 💕

29/04/2026

How I trim my long haired guinea pig's coat at home — featuring the very tolerant (and very unimpressed) Minnie! 😂🐾

Long haired guinea pigs need regular butt trims to stay happy and healthy — left too long, the hair around their bottom can become matted, soiled and really uncomfortable for them.

Here I'm using both scissors and pet hair clippers. If you're just starting out, rounded tip scissors are the safest option. Clippers can be brilliant for a quick, even finish, but be aware they'll struggle with hair that's knotted or damp.

Keeping on top of butt trims is one of the most important parts of caring for a long haired guinea pig — and once you get into a routine with it, it's much quicker and easier than it looks!

27/04/2026

Phoebe's story... This little piggie has been through a such lot and she requires special care every single day. I'm so glad she's still with us and living her best life with the herd! ❤️

18/04/2026

Meet the herd, five piggies, each with their own unique look and style (not forgetting personality!). Did you guess their breeds? 🤔 We're so happy to be back creating videos for this wonderful community. Lots of content on the way... make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss us!