If you’ve ever had a guinea pig, you know how messy their poo can be. However, if yours is having diarrhea, it might not be because they like running around in their poop so much. Instead, this could be a sign of a more serious issue.
Diarrhea is the medical term for loose or watery stools that occur frequently and can often lead to an increase in waste production.
If your guinea pig has diarrhea often enough (most owners say once a day is frequent), it could be due to infectious enteritis or viral gastroenteritis.
The former is caused by something harmful invading the intestines, while the latter occurs as a result of an infection in the intestines and stomach.
Even though most people find guinea pigs adorable and think of them as cute pets, they are actually wild animals and should be treated as such. That means that if you have one, you need to take care of them appropriately too! Here’s why your pet might have diarrhea.
What Veggies Cause Diarrhea In Guinea Pigs?
Carrots, broccoli, and other similar vegetables can cause diarrhea in guinea pigs.
It might be because guinea pigs have a specific enzyme that breaks down these vegetables into compounds that are toxic to them.
These compounds are called glucosinolates and they’re found in the roots, stem, leaves, and flowers of plants like carrots!
How Can You Firm Up A Guinea Pig Poop?
You will want to keep your guinea pig hydrated by making sure they have water available at all times and adding a little bit of food with some fiber like hay to their diet. Another important factor is getting them plenty of exercises so that their intestines are able to move the waste more easily.
If these steps don’t work, try switching your guinea pig’s diet. There are many different types of foods you can feed and the type you should feed will vary depending on the age, gender, health, and activity level of your pet.
If none of these steps provide relief, it could be because of an infection or a blockage in their digestive system. In this case, you’ll need to take your guinea pig to the vet for treatment as soon as possible.
What Foods Are Toxic To Guinea Pigs?
The types of food that are most toxic to guinea pigs are fruits and vegetables. If you see your little pig snacking on a banana or carrot, you should probably take it away because they can’t digest those foods very well.
If they happen to eat while in captivity, these animals actually need a lot of fibrous vegetables and hay as part of their diet so they don’t become malnourished.
So if your guinea pig is eating too much fruit or seedless grapes, you might want to give them a little bit more hay.
If they seem lethargic or have lost their appetite, this could also be due to a lack of fiber in their diet. That said, it can also be the result of an illness like diarrhea.
Can You Overfeed Guinea Pigs?
Guinea pigs are herbivores and do not require a lot of food. Even though they are small creatures, they can still eat up to half a cup of hay. If you have more than one guinea pig, make sure that every animal has their own space and has access to clean water.
Overfeeding your guinea pigs is one common cause of diarrhea in these little guys. That means that if you think your guinea pig might be getting too much food, it’s time to cut back on the amount given to them or even switch it up entirely!
What Are Signs Of Illness In Guinea Pigs?
So what are the signs of illness in guinea pigs?
-Diarrhea is one of the most common signs of illness.
-If your guinea pig has a fever, it might be sick with infectious enteritis or viral gastroenteritis.
-If their diarrhea is something other than watery and frequent, it could indicate constipation, which can also be an issue if not taken care of.
-Your pet might eat less or have no appetite because they’re feeling sick.
