When you have a pet, you want to take care of it and keep it healthy. You also don’t want to see it suffer at the hands of sickness or old age.
A well-cared-for guinea pig will be happy and ready to enjoy life for as long as possible. However, some may not get the same treatment.
A Guinea Pig should be treated like a member of the family; an animal that is part of your household is much happier than being trapped in a cage or a stall all day.
They need enrichment and stimulation, they need a time out from time in their own company so they are free from anxiety and stress and they need love too.
Including other animals in your household can help keep things interesting and reduce the risk of loneliness. If you own a pet, particularly a small one, there is an even greater risk of them developing cabin fever and not getting any attention at all.
So what do you do if you notice your little buddy is starting to show signs of depression? Do these signs mean something is wrong? Do we rush him to the vet?
What Are The Signs Of A Sick Guinea Pig?
The signs of a sick guinea pig can vary from one animal to the next, but there are some that are common in all guinea pigs. These symptoms may not be noticeable at first glance, but they are there and something is wrong.
If your pet is eating less than normal, drinking more water than usual, ignoring food, drooling excessively, or uncharacteristically sleeping for long periods of time, it may be sick.
Other symptoms like bleeding from their mouth, lethargy, weight loss, and sleepiness are also signs that your pet is suffering from a serious illness.
Why Is My Guinea Pig Lying On The Side?
It is not unusual for guinea pigs to take a nap on their side.
They may be feeling sleepy and want to rest in a comfortable position. It may be that they are nervous around people and prefer to stay low.
Sometimes, they also just like to curl up with fur, noses, and paws touching so they can feel closer to you.
When your pet lies down on its back, it is usually because it feels uncomfortable or has received an injury. If it’s still able to move, it is likely okay and will recover quickly without any medical attention.
However, if it can no longer move around and seems very lethargic, then you should go see your vet as soon as possible.
How To Help A Sick Guinea Pig?
There are a few things you can do before you rush your pet to the vet.
First of all, watch for any changes in behavior. If your guinea pig becomes lethargic and sleeps more than usual, this is a good indication that something might be wrong.
Next, check their cage or stall to see if there’s anything that could be causing the problem. You might notice that they’re not eating as much or they’re not drinking as much water, or they’re not using their litter box as often.
These changes could also indicate an illness or another issue that needs veterinary attention.
Lastly, try to spend some time with your guinea pig and keep them out of the cage when you can. A little bit of exercise might help your pet feel better about life too!
Can Guinea Pigs Play Dead?
Well, this is a tough one to answer. Sometimes, when animals are sick or old, they will do what is called ‘playing dead’. This is a natural response that animals exhibit when they just want to be left alone and it’s often observed in rats and birds too.
If you notice your guinea pig playing dead frequently, it could mean he’s sick.
If your guinea pig is starting to show signs of depression or if you notice that he has been eating less than usual and looks unwell, it would be best to take him to the vet for a check-up so you can be sure nothing serious is going on with him!
Do Guinea Pigs Die Easily?
Guinea pigs are small, vulnerable animals which is why they can die easily. They are also prone to a disease called Wobbly Tail Syndrome, which causes the guinea pig to have a wobbly tail, and thus it has difficulty standing up straight.
This condition can be managed with daily exercise and by staying away from stressful situations.
It’s important to identify when your guinea pig starts to show signs of illness or old age because this way you can make sure he receives the care that he needs.
If you notice any change in his behavior, like suddenly losing weight or a change in temperament, then it may be time for him to visit the vet.
Can Guinea Pigs Die From Dirty Cage?
When you notice your guinea pig is not eating, not moving around, and not interacting with you, the first thing to do is take him to the vet.
If you have a male guinea pig and he starts to splay out on his belly, or if he develops a hunched back or pleuritis (inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs), these are signs that your guinea pig may be sick.
Do they need professional help?
No, they don’t. Guinea pigs can live for up to ten years and if they are healthy and happy they’ll be fine without treatment. However, some health problems or poor living conditions may lead to death before then.
If you notice your guinea pig has stopped eating, has started to develop an infection, or has a hunched back, you should take him in for a check-up as soon as possible so he can be treated properly for whatever issue he is suffering from.
If there is nothing wrong with him at all but he still doesn’t seem happy, there might be something more going on that needs attention such as boredom or anxiety.
A dirty cage isn’t enough reason to send your guinea pig straight to the vet! A clean cage will mean happier and healthier pets who will live longer and have fewer issues when they are older than one who lives in a dirty cage.
How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live?
According to guinea pig expert, Dr. Stuart Wilde, the average life span of a guinea pig is four to six years.
This number can vary wildly depending on what is happening in their lives and how they are being cared for. What are some signs that your guinea pig is dying?
Some common signs of death in a guinea pig include:
-It no longer eats
-It leaves its litter box
-It is lethargic or depressing
-It stops grooming and cleaning itself
