A guinea pig expert from Deal is reminding owners to house the animals inside following Ben Fogle's family's heartbreaking loss.

Last week, the broadcaster revealed that his family were devastated after their pet guinea pigs were eaten by foxes.

The 48-year-old revealed he, wife Marina and children Iona, 11, and Ludovic, 12, had been left in tears after the sudden loss which occurred while he was away from home filming.

Posting from his Instagram account, the New Lives in the Wild presenter said: "We lost our little Guinea Pig friends Q and Patch

"They were taken by a fox who dug into their hutch.

"I’m surprised by how sad I feel.

"They were so much more than just rodents. They were our friends, a part of our happy family.

"It’s amazing the relationship we can build with those we care for, no matter how big or small, hairy or scaly.

"They brought us so much happiness, joy and laughter. They taught the children so much about responsibility, love and now grief, but above all, they reminded us that however hard the pain of loss, it’s still worth it.

"As the great Dr Seuss said, ‘don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened’."

Now, Lucy Meadway, a 30-year-old guinea pig expert and author of The Happy, Healthy Guinea Pig Guidebook, has issued her advice to help keep the animals safe.

She said: "I urge people to keep their guinea pigs indoors.

"I believe that guinea pigs should never be kept outside as there is no such thing as a fox proof hutch or run.

"As Ben Fogle has said, guinea pigs are such fantastic creatures who can make a surprising impact on their owners, with their funny noises, behaviours and affectionate nature.

"Gone are the days where guinea pigs should be left outside in a hutch.

"They make brilliant companions indoors and love the company of their humans.

"My two guinea pigs, Nugget and Luna live in my home where they can live in complete safety.

''I urge people to keep their guinea pigs indoors'

"If space is limited in the home, then a secure shed can make a great alternative and provide a much bigger space than a hutch."

Ms Meadway, also known as Little Critter Lucy, has run her own pet sitting business for five years.

Her self-published guidebook, available on Amazon and Kindle, explores the joys and pitfuls of owning guinea pigs, what to consider before buying one, what to feed them and generally how to make them happy.

She said: "I've had rabbits and hamsters and I look after lots of different pets but guinea pigs, to me, are the best.

"They're able to fit into a busy lifestyle while being self sufficient and really affectionate."