What should I do if my guinea pig is losing weight?
Continuous Weight loss in guinea pigs can be fatal for their life. Always visit a veterinarian if you see any signs of illness accompanied by weight loss in them. There can be a variety of factors that can lead to weight loss in guinea pigs, although a small variation over weeks is normal (20-50grams).
Is it normal for guinea pig to lose fur?
While light to medium shedding is quite natural, an abnormal loss associated with flaky skin, rough skin crust, dandruff, inflammation, or an open sore in the skin can be a significant concern.
What was the cause of death of my guinea pig?
A healthy and clean guinea pig requires the effort of a caring and responsible owner, but the sudden death of a guinea pig is upsetting. Guinea pigs can be hosts to fur mites, fleas, and lice. The causes of death may be infections, diseases, changes in the environment, or certain foods, among others.
What are the signs of diarrhea in a guinea pig?
Some of the signs that accompany diarrhea in guinea pigs are lack of appetite, loss of weight, dehydration, rough fur, low body temperature, fecal stains on the coat around the anus, and dull eyes.
What are the symptoms of guinea pig hair loss?
For the unlucky ones, symptoms include bilateral hair loss on the flanks, crusty nipples, and moody behavior (like mounting cagemates or acting irritable). The hair loss is caused by hormones out of wack, so these guinea pigs might act like they are in heat 24/7, rather than the normal day or two every two weeks.
Why did my guinea pig die of a fever?
Sharing is caring! Guinea pigs are great long-term pets. They become a part of your family once you get them. So the last thing you need is to see them suddenly pass away. Fever is not a sickness. It is a response to an underlying sickness.
What are the symptoms of an infected guinea pig?
Inflammation would continue indefinitely by the spread of agents like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Symptoms: Redness, swelling, loss of appetite, loss of weight, excessive saliva, wet fur and inactivity. Prevention: When you give them proper hygiene conditions, abscesses are bound not to occur in your piggy.
Continuous Weight loss in guinea pigs can be fatal for their life. Always visit a veterinarian if you see any signs of illness accompanied by weight loss in them. There can be a variety of factors that can lead to weight loss in guinea pigs, although a small variation over weeks is normal (20-50grams).
How often do guinea pigs need to be weighed?
Guinea pigs are supposed to be slim; however, if they are underweight, they can become too skinny. You can tell they are malnourished even with a slight touch of their bodies. However, experts recommend you to weight your guinea pigs every week to track their health.
How can I tell if my guinea pig is underweight?
Weighing Your Guinea Pig: What You Need to Know! So, if you haven’t weighted your guinea pigs in the past or have just brought in a new guinea pig a few weeks back, then you can look out for these signs to find out if your guinea pig is underweight. Their ribs, spine & pelvis can be felt or seen prominently.
Why does my guinea pig have no teeth?
Guinea pigs do have ever-growing teeth, and sometimes it can grow and hurt their food pipe or gums. This usually causes a lot of pain, and thus they cannot consume their food properly. Malnourishment from an early age can often be the reason your guinea pig never reached their potential bodyweight or had a robust growth.
What foods are bad for guinea pigs?
Poisonous foods include: Rhubarb, mushrooms, garlic, bishop’s weed, potatoes (green or sprouted), tomatillo or tomato, olives. Avoid feeding any of these foods to your guinea pig or results can be fatal. Out in the wild or in the garden, there are also plants to be wary of to ensure your guinea pigs don’t eat them,…
What are signs that your guinea pig is dying?
Infestation of mice in and around the breeding area of guinea pigs can be one of the major causes of Guinea pig deaths. Some of the symptoms can be lack of movement, seizures, onset of lethargy, convulsions, lack of appetite, stroke, etc.
Why is my guinea pig not eating hay?
There are three main reasons why your guinea pig might be refusing to eat hay: You have switched the brand or type of the hay and your guinea pig is used to the previous option; You are overfeeding your guinea pig with vegetables and fruits; Your guinea pig is having troubles with grinding food like hay, most likely due to the dental problems.
Is it normal for a guinea pig to still eat?
Compared to his cage mate (who is older by a few months) he looks like a baby sized pig. He is very boney which is uncharacteristic for him. The thing that is strange to me is he is still eating, drinking, running around, begging for food, etc all on his own.
Why does my guinea pig keep eating and drinking?
The thing that is strange to me is he is still eating, drinking, running around, begging for food, etc all on his own. None of his behavior has changed.. he has simply thinned out and can’t seem to put weight back on.
What are the signs of a guinea pig losing its appetite?
Symptoms and Types. The signs your guinea pig displays will depend on the underlying cause of its loss of appetite. Some common signs include: Weight loss. Lethargy. Depression. Water and food laid out are untouched. Loss of elasticity in its skin.
Why does my guinea pig refuse to eat?
A guinea pig may have partial loss of appetite ( inappetence) or refuse to eat altogether (anorexia). And while anorexia is mostly due to various forms of infections, inappetence is a common manifestation of several diseases and disorders, including lack of fresh water, an inability to chew properly, or exposure to extreme temperatures.
Guinea pigs are supposed to be slim; however, if they are underweight, they can become too skinny. You can tell they are malnourished even with a slight touch of their bodies. However, experts recommend you to weight your guinea pigs every week to track their health.
Why is my guinea pig not eating anything?
Things as simple as moving the cage or introducing a new guinea pig, or an upper respiratory infection or ectoparasites like lice can stress your guinea pig out enough so that it doesn’t eat and develops ileus. Monitor food intake and be aware of how any changes may have impacted your pet.
Why does a guinea pig go into ketosis?
Guinea pigs are especially vulnerable because of their need for vitamin C and tendency to develop ketosis. “Irreversible ketosis may develop rapidly in guinea pigs despite a resumption of eating.”
When to take a guinea pig to the vet?
Take your guinea pig to your vet right away. When you first notice symptoms of GI problems in your guinea pig, do not wait and see if the symptoms go away on their own. They won’t. Your guinea pig will need to be diagnosed and treated by your vet as soon as possible. Not eating for 12 to 24 hours can be fatal for a guinea pig.
Why are my guinea pigs gaining so much weight?
Once a medical concern is ruled out, get your veterinarian’s opinion about your guinea pig’s weight. Hay And Guinea Pigs: Too much food and too little exercise are usually the cause of excess weight. One food that you can free-feed with confidence is hay.
When do you Know Your guinea pig is not feeling well?
Your guinea may stop eating its pellets and eat only treats, and then stop eating the treats. When your guinea pig refuses the tasty treats it normally loves, you will know it’s not feeling well. With a decreased appetite, your guinea pig will lose weight. Determine if your guinea pig has less energy. A healthy guinea pig is playful and energetic.
Can a fat Guinea Pig be a healthy guinea pig?
Food is an area where guinea pig fans might go a bit overboard. A fat guinea pig is not necessarily a happy guinea pig — and a fat guinea pig is certainly not a healthy guinea pig. But with a body shape similar to a rounded brick, how can you tell if a guinea pig is fat, and how do you prevent or treat guinea pig obesity?
Why do guinea pigs get bigger in the winter?
The weight of your guinea pigs has nothing to do with the season. Whether it’s summer or winter, your guinea pig’s weight won’t be affected by it. However, your guinea pigs might look a little bigger in winter as they grow some extra fur in the winter.
How much should a 8 month old guinea pig weigh?
In this article we find out what a healthy guinea pig weight is, what causes guinea pig weight loss, and how to help a fat guinea pig slim down. So, how much should a guinea pig weigh? Guinea pig pups weigh around 100g at birth, and reach their adult weight by around eight months old.
If your guinea pig continues to lose weight over several days, or loses more than 10% of their normal weight, then it’s definitely time to arrange for your vet to see them. Even brief loss of appetite can have serious consequences for a guinea pig. We’ll come back to why in minute. Why is my guinea pig losing weight?
What happens if a pregnant guinea pig dies?
If you fail in taking proper care of your pregnant guinea pig, they could die. The litter of newborn guinea pigs is very active and quite large in size. Prevention: Dystocia in pregnant guinea pigs cannot be prevented without expert medical advice.
How can I tell if my guinea pig is healthy?
Gently remove the guinea pigs back to their hutch, and their weight will appear as a negative figure on the scales. Part of working out the healthy weight for your guinea pig is getting into a routine of checking their weight regularly, so you can tell when it’s gone up or down. Find whatever routine for weighing your guinea pig works for you.
What happens if a guinea pig stops eating?
If your guinea pig is not eating their food, then the same can affect their gut movement. If your guinea pig doesn’t eat their food for 12-24 hours, then their health can go bad in no time. They will start experiencing severe digestive problems and will need a professional Veterinarian help immediately.
The weight of your guinea pigs has nothing to do with the season. Whether it’s summer or winter, your guinea pig’s weight won’t be affected by it. However, your guinea pigs might look a little bigger in winter as they grow some extra fur in the winter.
How can you tell when a guinea pig is getting old?
There are many other signs you should look out for. Loss of vision, change in the color of fur, sleeping a lot, or loss of hearing indicate that your guinea pig is getting older. You will also notice a loss in weight, mobility problems, inability to groom, and stress due to changes in the environment.
What should I know if my guinea pig gave birth to pups?
Probably the best indicator is the babies’ relative weights. For example, if your guinea pig has given birth to 4 pups, with 3 weighing around 100 grams and the other weighing just 60 grams, it is probably wise to monitor this pup more closely.
Why is my senior Guinea Pig losing weight?
Weight loss is commonly the first sign that something is awry and that we need to start thinking about senior guinea pig care. This could be simple, such as pain from arthritis that’s easily managed with medication from your vet. Or, it could be a sign there is something more going on.
When does a guinea pig become a senior?
Guinea pigs can survive only for 5 to 8 years, in which when a guinea pig reaches 5 years of age, they are considered seniors. When guinea pigs enter in their senior years, then they come across with different signs of aging which are explained below:
How much does a female guinea pig weigh?
And on average, a female guinea pigs weigh 608 – 1,130g, which is 1.5 – 2.5lb. Naturally, when weights fall within a range, they tend to cluster in the middle of that range, so in fact the majority of guinea pigs are between 700g and 1,200g, or 1.5 – 2.6lb.
What’s the average life span of a guinea pig?
The average life span of a guinea pig is 5 to 7 years, give or take. Guinea pigs will start to develop these old-age related challenges in the later years of its life, and older guinea pigs don’t recover from illness as quickly as young guinea pigs.
Why are my guinea pigs losing their appetite?
Treatment depends on whether the infection is in the outer ear canal, middle ear, or inner ear. The most common nutritional disorder in guinea pigs is a lack of vitamin C. Loss of appetite also occurs and is usually a sign of another problem such as disease or problems with the teeth.
What to do if your guinea pig stops eating?
If your guinea pig must take antibiotics, you will need to monitor its health carefully. If your pet develops diarrhea or stops eating during treatment, contact your veterinarian immediately. Digestive disorders in guinea pigs may be caused by infections or by an improper diet.
Treatment depends on whether the infection is in the outer ear canal, middle ear, or inner ear. The most common nutritional disorder in guinea pigs is a lack of vitamin C. Loss of appetite also occurs and is usually a sign of another problem such as disease or problems with the teeth.
What happens to guinea pigs with vitamin C deficiency?
Guinea pigs with vitamin C deficiency may be weak, lack energy, and walk with a limp. They may have a rough hair coat, lose their appetite, lose weight, have diarrhea, become ill, or die suddenly.
Do you think guinea pigs need a lot of attention?
Guinea pigs are no different than a cat, dog, or other animals when it comes to love and attention. Do Guinea pigs need a lot of attention? Guinea pigs do not need more love and attention than any other animal, but they still need it. They do not like to be handled excessively, and there are certain ways your guinea pig likes to be held.
Guinea pigs with vitamin C deficiency may be weak, lack energy, and walk with a limp. They may have a rough hair coat, lose their appetite, lose weight, have diarrhea, become ill]
Why is my guinea pig losing so much weight?
Stress can also lead to loss of appetite in guinea pigs. Improper living environment, loud noises, other pets like dogs and cats in the house, etc. are some common factors that lead to stress in guinea pigs.
Is it OK to grieve the loss of a guinea pig?
It is entirely healthy to grieve the loss of a beloved pet. You will handle the loss of your guinea pig much more easily if you let yourself experience the natural feelings that accompany the loss of a loved one. This process is really no different from coping with the loss of a human relative or friend.
What should I do if my guinea pig won’t eat?
Blend or mix a guinea pig “smoothie” that contains hay, water and ground up pellets and feed it to him. Don’t force your guinea pig to eat or drink if he doesn’t want to.
Symptoms and Types. The signs your guinea pig displays will depend on the underlying cause of its loss of appetite. Some common signs include: Weight loss. Lethargy. Depression. Water and food laid out are untouched. Loss of elasticity in its skin.
How can I get my guinea pig to lose weight?
How to Get Your Guinea Pig to Lose Weight Method 1 of 3: Determining if Your Guinea Pig is Overweight. Weigh your guinea pig once a week. Method 2 of 3: Adjusting the Guinea Pig’s Diet. Avoid starving your guinea pig to help them lose weight. Method 3 of 3: Getting Your Guinea Pig to Exercise. Introduce floortime to encourage your guinea pig to move.
Can guinea pigs get overweight?
As with most other creatures, guinea pigs become overweight if they consume too much of the wrong foods and don’t get enough exercise. A guinea pig’s diet should consist of 75% Timothy hay or orchard grasses.
How much are guinea pigs supposed to weigh?
A standard adult guinea pig should weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds and measure between 10 and 14 inches from head to rear.
How much can Genia pig weight?
Guinea pigs can grow from 8 to 11 inches long and their weight should always be relative to their size. While the ideal weight of a guinea pig can best be determined by its size, males should weigh around 900 to 1200 grams or 1.98 to 2.65 pounds .
How much should a female guinea pig weigh?
Like a lot of animals, male guinea pigs are generally a bit heavier than female guinea pigs, but as you’d expect, there is a bit of overlap too. On average, male guinea pigs weigh between 910g and 1,360g. That’s 2 – 3lb. And on average, a female guinea pigs weigh 608 – 1,130g,…
Compared to his cage mate (who is older by a few months) he looks like a baby sized pig. He is very boney which is uncharacteristic for him. The thing that is strange to me is he is still eating, drinking, running around, begging for food, etc all on his own.
The thing that is strange to me is he is still eating, drinking, running around, begging for food, etc all on his own. None of his behavior has changed.. he has simply thinned out and can’t seem to put weight back on.
How can you tell if a guinea pig has a respiratory problem?
Your guinea pig may start wheezing. In addition, you may hear clicking or rattling noises when he breathes. Look at your guinea pig’s eyes and nose. A respiratory problem can cause your guinea pig’s eyes and nose to produce discharge. If the discharge is green or yellow, your guinea pig could have a bacterial respiratory infection.
What to do if your guinea pig has a runny nose?
1 Antibiotics. Antibiotics should be carefully administered to the ailing pig depending on the nature and culture of the bacterium causing the infection. 2 Anti-Inflammatory Agents. Several anti-inflammatory agents are used in curing inflamed sinuses in pigs. 3 Antihistamines. 4 Vitamin C. 5 Sufficient water. …
The Guinea Pig health check. Your cavies are in good condition if the following checks match: Eyes. The eyes should be clear and clean and shows no incrustation or defluxion / discharge. Ears. The ears are clean and dry without any incrustation or dirt. Mouth. The mouth is dry and clean without incrustation.
How can you tell if a guinea pig has an allergy?
Respiratory problems, whether an allergy or infection, can affect your guinea pig’s eyes. For example, you may notice a discharge coming from his eyes. This discharge may be yellow or green if he has an infection. Your guinea pig’s eyes may look crusty from the discharge. His eyes may also look red.
1 Antibiotics. Antibiotics should be carefully administered to the ailing pig depending on the nature and culture of the bacterium causing the infection. 2 Anti-Inflammatory Agents. Several anti-inflammatory agents are used in curing inflamed sinuses in pigs. 3 Antihistamines. 4 Vitamin C. 5 Sufficient water.
What happens if my guinea pig doesn’t eat?
If your guinea pig doesn’t eat their food for 12-24 hours, then their health can go bad in no time. They will start experiencing severe digestive problems and will need a professional Veterinarian help immediately.
What’s the average weight of an adult guinea pig?
If you are weighing your guinea pigs regularly, you can quickly tell if your guinea pig is underweight on not. Although the weight might differ depending upon the breed, age, and size of your guinea pig. Still, here is a rough idea: The average weight of an adult female guinea pig is between 700-900 grams.
What are the signs of a guinea pig with pneumonia?
Signs of pneumonia include oozing or discharge from the nose, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. In addition, guinea pigs with pneumonia may have conjunctivitis (pink eye), fever, weight loss, depression, or loss of appetite. Sudden death can occur when outbreaks occur among groups of guinea pigs.
If your guinea pig is not eating their food, then the same can affect their gut movement. If your guinea pig doesn’t eat their food for 12-24 hours, then their health can go bad in no time. They will start experiencing severe digestive problems and will need a professional Veterinarian help immediately.
How to tell if your guinea pig has anorexia?
Appetite Loss and Anorexia 1 Symptoms and Types. The signs your guinea pig displays will depend on the underlying cause of its loss of appetite. 2 Causes 3 Diagnosis. Loss of appetite is frequently diagnosed by completing a thorough medical history of your guinea pig.
Weighing Your Guinea Pig: What You Need to Know! So, if you haven’t weighted your guinea pigs in the past or have just brought in a new guinea pig a few weeks back, then you can look out for these signs to find out if your guinea pig is underweight. Their ribs, spine & pelvis can be felt or seen prominently.
