Health concerns
Before you get a cavy, be sure you have found a vet that is familiar with guinea pigs. They are harder to find than you think! I only know of a few vets in my area that will accept a guinea pig patient.
Your guinea pig should have bright, clear eyes, a shiny coat, have a good appetite, be alert and playful, and have normal urination (pee) and defecation (poop).
Contact your vet immediately if you see any of these signs of illness:
· Bleeding
· Difficulty breathing
· Sneezing
· Coughing
· Slobbering
· Difficulty walking
· Twitching
· Weight loss
· Weight gain or bloated belly
· Loss of hair
· Diarrhea or constipation
· Excessive scratching
· Lethargy (tired and inactive)
· Loss of appetite
· Acts like she’s in pain
· Swelling
· Strange sounds or squeaks
· Blood in the urine
· Change in amount or appearance of stools (poop)
· Discharge (fluids coming from your piggy’s eyes, ears or nose)
· Fever (over 103 degrees)
· Head tilt
If you notice any signs of illness, separate your guinea pig from the other guinea pigs in case he is contagious. He should stay quarantined (separated) for at least 14 days, or as long as your vet recommends. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the guinea pig.
Symptoms and Possible Causes
I have included some symptoms and some possible illnesses that cause those symptoms, but I’m not a vet (yet!), so make sure you see your vet immediately to get a diagnosis and treatment.
· Bleeding – Depending on the location, it can be a cut or something more serious, such as trouble with delivery if it’s a pregnant sow, or scurvy if the bleeding is coming from the gums.
· Difficulty Breathing - Cavies have delicate respiratory systems, so many respiratory illnesses can affect them. They can get respiratory infections or pneumonia, and these diseases can be fatal and contagious. In addition to difficulty breathing, watch for discharge from the nose and loss of appetite.
· Sneezing – Often caused by viruses or bacteria that create respiratory infections.
· Coughing – Could be bordetella (kennel cough). If you have a dog and it has not been vaccinated for bordetella, your dog could have the disease and give it to your guinea pig. It is a much more serious disease in guinea pigs, so see your vet immediately.
· Slobbering – Usually a problem with the teeth
· Difficulty walking - It might be scurvy, caused by a vitamin C deficiency. It might also be bumblefoot, overgrown nails or some other injury on the foot. It could also be caused by an ear infection or a seizure, especially if the cavy is tilting her head. Guinea pigs can also get arthritis.
· Twitching – Twitching of the muscles or eyes could mean a seizure, especially if there is also a head lift or head tilt
· Weight Loss – This is a dangerous situation so you must see a vet right away. Weight loss could mean anything from a damaged tooth to worms or a serious infection.
· Weight gain or bloated belly - Usually caused by lack of exercise and a poor diet (usually pellets). A guinea pig of healthy weight should feel firm in the body and weigh about 2 pounds. An overweight guinea pig will feel soft. Sometimes, though, a guinea pig will have a bloated belly for other reasons, such as worms or, rarely, a tumor. Don’t take chances. Watch your cavy’s diet and see your vet.
· Loss of hair – Often caused by parasites like mites. Mites are highly contagious, and if the cavy is severely infested, it will run wildly in circles.
· Constipation - Can be caused by poor diet, hairballs or illness. Keep track of the amount of poo each day to determine whether your piggy is constipated, and watch for loss of appetite.
· Diarrhea - Can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites or poor diet. To determine whether your cavy has diarrhea, watch for messy stools and a dirty hind end. Diarrhea can be life-threatening so see your vet.
· Excessive Scratching – Usually mites, lice or possibly a fungus.
· Lethargy (tired and inactive) – Just like loss of appetite (below), this is a symptom of many illnesses. Watch for other symptoms and see your vet.
· Loss of Appetite – This can be a sign of so many problems, from trouble with the teeth to pneumonia. Check for other symptoms and contact your vet right away.
· Acts like she’s in pain – It might be an injury or scurvy, but it depends on how and when she acts like she’s in pain.
· Swelling – Could be an abscess.
· Strange sounds or squeaks
· Blood in the urine – Could be bladder stones, which are common in guinea pigs.
· Stools changes appearance – If there are items in the stool, it could be worms. Watch for a swollen belly and a change in the coat.
· Discharge - If there are fluids coming from your piggy’s eyes or nose, it could be allergies, irritants or pneumonia. Fluids coming from the ear could mean an ear infection.
· Paralysis – Usually caused by a fall or injury, or by a vitamin C deficiency.
· Swollen glands - Often caused by a form of Strep bacteria. The glands under the jaws become abscessed and the abscess may break. Even if your guinea pig acts normal, the bacteria causing the abscess is traveling everywhere in her body and can damage her organs, so be sure to go to the vet even if it doesn’t seem to be bothering your guinea pig. It can also be contagious to other guinea pigs.
· Head tilt – May be an ear infection or seizure
Common Illnesses
Guinea pigs who are given proper care rarely get ill, but even the best cared for pig can run into some health problems. These are some of the illnesses or injuries that guinea pigs can suffer from. Again, I’m not a vet yet, so be sure to contact your vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
Dental Problems
Guinea pigs can have life-threatening problems because of their teeth, so it’s important that you check them regularly. Make sure they are lined up properly, and make sure they are not getting too long. Teeth that are not lined up right are called “malocclusion”. At the very least, the guinea pig can have trouble eating, and at worst, the teeth can get so long that they cut into the opposite gums and create abscesses and infection! Sometimes the teeth have to be removed, but a guinea pig that has a malocclusion will usually do fine if the teeth are just trimmed. They are trimmed with special scissors that will not crack them. The teeth are brittle, and in this case they are weaker than normal due to the malocclusion. They can easily fracture if they are not trimmed by a professional, so don’t try to do it at home. Cavies can also get molar spurs if the teeth do not wear down properly. The sharp points cause damage to the cavy’s tongue or cheeks, so they have to be filed down. If a tooth breaks off, it may be because the cavy fell, or because the guinea pig isn’t getting enough vitamins. See your vet right away if this happens. Cavies can also get infections around their teeth and in their mouth. Watch for weight loss and slobbering.
Nails
If the nails are neglected and allowed to grow without trimming, the nails can curl and grow into the foot, or at least make it difficult for your guinea to move properly. They can also get caught on something and cause your pig to bleed or break a bone. Here are some pictures of poor little piggies whose nails are overgrown:
Bumblefoot and Foot Injuries
Watch for redness, swelling, and sores on the feet. Wire mesh floors can cause injuries, along with dirty cages, overgrown nails and obesity. If your cavy’s feet look red or swollen, see a vet.
Heatstroke
Cavies are sensitive to heat. If the temperature is above 75 degrees, they can get heatstroke, especially if it is humid. Keep your piggy in a comfortable environment. If your piggy is breathing rapidly, drooling, seems weak, or is lying down flat, see your vet. Your vet might tell you to lower your cavy’s temperature by placing her in a sink with a little cool water. Hold the head up. Then wrap your piggy in a towel for the trip to the vet.
Parasites
Guinea pigs can get worms, such as tapeworms and roundworms. Watch for signs of worms in their stools and for bloated tummies. They can also suffer from external parasites, like lice, mites, flies, fleas and ticks. If they scratch a lot, have sores or missing patches of hair, or have little brown flecks in their coat, call a vet. Keep the cage and guinea pig clean. Otherwise, flies are attracted to the cage, lay their eggs on the back end of the guinea pig, the eggs hatch, and the maggots burrow into the guinea pig’s skin.
Scurvy
Guinea pigs need vitamin C in order to survive. If they don’t get enough, they will get scurvy which affects their bones and cartilage. Watch for bleeding gums, sore joints, difficulty walking and poor appetite. Make sure the guinea pig food has the right amount of vitamin C and make sure the food is fresh. The vitamin C content decreases as the food sits around, so if the food has been open for 90 days or more, the vitamin C is probably gone. In fact, 50% of the vitamin C is lost within 6 weeks after the food is made. Keep the bag sealed and out of the sun. Also, give your piggy fresh fruits and vegetables (the safe types! – see the chapters on Feeding Your Piggy and on Poisonous Plants). I also give Bob vitamin C in her water to be on the safe side.
Abscesses
If a guinea pig has been punctured somewhere, either from a fight, a sharp object or an overgrown tooth, it may develop an abscess. A cavy can also get an abscess caused by a condition called “lumps”. Lumps is caused by a Strep bacteria. The strep invades the lymph nodes throughout the body, so surgery and antibiotics will probably be necessary.
Eye Injuries
Cavies are prone to eye injuries, particularly if you use straw as bedding or if there are other sharp items in their area. They can also get irritated by certain chemicals you use to clean the cage. Make sure the bedding is dust free and has no sharp points, and make sure you use safe cleaning materials.
Ear Infection
Cavies can get ear infections, but since they are inside the ear canal, you have to look for symptoms outside the ear. Watch for head tilt, head shaking, scratching at the ears and loss of balance.
Respiratory Infections
Cavies have sensitive respiratory systems so they are prone to respiratory infections. Watch for sneezing, discharge from the nose and eyes, loss of appetite, lethargy and difficulty breathing.
Dehydration
Dehydration can be caused by a lack of fresh, clean water, exposure to a hot, dry, environment, diarrhea, or a sore mouth or teeth. Always provide clean, fresh water. Never force your pet to drink if it is weak or unconscious because the water can get into the lungs. Your vet may prescribe Pedialyte so always have some on hand and check the expiration date.
Digestive System Problems
Cavies can get parasites, bacterial and viruses that cause digestive problems. They can also have problems due to poor diet or unclean conditions. Be sure to watch for diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. Constipation is often caused by dehydration, parasites or a blockage in the intestines. Diarrhea can be caused by infection, stress, or an excess or the wrong type of fruits and vegetables. Bloat is caused by gas and can be life threatening. Bloat is caused by cheap guinea pig food, certain types of vegetables and greens, infections or a blockage in the intestines.
Emergencies
On your way to the vet, you can do some things to help your piggy. If she is bleeding, try to stop the bleeding using firm, direct pressure with sterile gauze pads. If she has a broken bone, wrap her carefully in a towel and put her in a carrying cage so she won’t move and make things worse.
In case of an emergency, you should have a first aid kit for your guinea pig. Always call your vet as soon as you spot a problem, and your vet may give you instructions using one or more of these items. For example, if you need to take your piggy’s temperature, you’ll need the petroleum jelly and rectal thermometer. If your piggy is dehydrated, you might need the Pedialyte.
Piggy First Aid Kit
Ø Phone number of your vet
Ø After hours emergency contact number for a vet clinic
Ø Clean towel
Ø Gauze pads
Ø First aid tape
Ø Cotton balls
Ø Q-Tips
Ø Scissors
Ø Tweezers
Ø Hot Water Bottle or Heating Pad
Ø Cold Pack
Ø Pedialyte
Ø Cornstarch or styptic powder
Ø Petroleum Jelly
Ø Rectal Thermometer
Ø Hydrogen Peroxide
Ø Iodine
Ø Rubbing Alcohol
Ø Magnifying Glass
Ø Flashlight
Medications
Many antibiotics, especially penicillin, are poisonous to guinea pigs, so make sure your vet is familiar with guinea pig anatomy, and never give your guinea pig medications without your vet’s permission. There are very few medications that are safe for cavies, so you could make things much worse for your cavy.
Prevention
The most important thing you can do to keep your cavy healthy is to feed her properly: high quality pellets, clean water, good hay, and safe, fresh greens, vegetables and fruits.
The other important thing you can do is to keep the cage very clean at all times, using cleaning materials safe for your cavy. Wash out the food and water bowls every day.
Make sure your guinea pig gets plenty of exercise. Give her things to do with new toys and safe places to explore.
Groom your piggy every day so you can spot problems before they become more serious. Keep the nails trimmed and watch the teeth.
Pay close attention to your piggy’s behavior, eating habits and stools (poop).
Avoid stress. Just like people, guinea pigs can get sick if they are under stress. But they can’t get rid of the stress like we can. We have to do it for them. In order to keep your cavy from getting sick, you have to keep the noise down, don’t handle them too much, keep the temperatures comfortable and constant, keep predators like your dog and cat away from them, and give them plenty of exercise and companionship. Other things that cause stress are improper diet, dirty cages, overcrowding, new animals, travel, drafts, hot or cold temperatures, bullying by other guinea pigs and changes in the routine. Stress harms their immune system just like it does ours, so it is very important that you keep stress out of your piggy’s life!
Try to avoid exposing your guinea pig to other guinea pigs who may be unhealthy. It’s not a bad idea to take a shower and change clothes after you handle a sick guinea pig, especially if you have other guinea pigs to take care of. You should at least wash your hands thoroughly if you don’t have time to shower. Also wash up any time you have attended a guinea pig show or have visited with a friend who has guinea pigs. In addition, wash your hands any time you’ve been gardening because bacteria live in the soil.
Really, all of these things are the same things you would want: food and water that isn’t moldy or stale, a bedroom that doesn’t double as a toilet, some fun things to do, less stress, and less exposure to contagious diseases. So treat your piggy the way you would want to be treated and you’ll both be much happier and healthier!
Before you get a cavy, be sure you have found a vet that is familiar with guinea pigs. They are harder to find than you think! I only know of a few vets in my area that will accept a guinea pig patient.
Your guinea pig should have bright, clear eyes, a shiny coat, have a good appetite, be alert and playful, and have normal urination (pee) and defecation (poop).
Contact your vet immediately if you see any of these signs of illness:
· Bleeding
· Difficulty breathing
· Sneezing
· Coughing
· Slobbering
· Difficulty walking
· Twitching
· Weight loss
· Weight gain or bloated belly
· Loss of hair
· Diarrhea or constipation
· Excessive scratching
· Lethargy (tired and inactive)
· Loss of appetite
· Acts like she’s in pain
· Swelling
· Strange sounds or squeaks
· Blood in the urine
· Change in amount or appearance of stools (poop)
· Discharge (fluids coming from your piggy’s eyes, ears or nose)
· Fever (over 103 degrees)
· Head tilt
If you notice any signs of illness, separate your guinea pig from the other guinea pigs in case he is contagious. He should stay quarantined (separated) for at least 14 days, or as long as your vet recommends. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the guinea pig.
Symptoms and Possible Causes
I have included some symptoms and some possible illnesses that cause those symptoms, but I’m not a vet (yet!), so make sure you see your vet immediately to get a diagnosis and treatment.
· Bleeding – Depending on the location, it can be a cut or something more serious, such as trouble with delivery if it’s a pregnant sow, or scurvy if the bleeding is coming from the gums.
· Difficulty Breathing - Cavies have delicate respiratory systems, so many respiratory illnesses can affect them. They can get respiratory infections or pneumonia, and these diseases can be fatal and contagious. In addition to difficulty breathing, watch for discharge from the nose and loss of appetite.
· Sneezing – Often caused by viruses or bacteria that create respiratory infections.
· Coughing – Could be bordetella (kennel cough). If you have a dog and it has not been vaccinated for bordetella, your dog could have the disease and give it to your guinea pig. It is a much more serious disease in guinea pigs, so see your vet immediately.
· Slobbering – Usually a problem with the teeth
· Difficulty walking - It might be scurvy, caused by a vitamin C deficiency. It might also be bumblefoot, overgrown nails or some other injury on the foot. It could also be caused by an ear infection or a seizure, especially if the cavy is tilting her head. Guinea pigs can also get arthritis.
· Twitching – Twitching of the muscles or eyes could mean a seizure, especially if there is also a head lift or head tilt
· Weight Loss – This is a dangerous situation so you must see a vet right away. Weight loss could mean anything from a damaged tooth to worms or a serious infection.
· Weight gain or bloated belly - Usually caused by lack of exercise and a poor diet (usually pellets). A guinea pig of healthy weight should feel firm in the body and weigh about 2 pounds. An overweight guinea pig will feel soft. Sometimes, though, a guinea pig will have a bloated belly for other reasons, such as worms or, rarely, a tumor. Don’t take chances. Watch your cavy’s diet and see your vet.
· Loss of hair – Often caused by parasites like mites. Mites are highly contagious, and if the cavy is severely infested, it will run wildly in circles.
· Constipation - Can be caused by poor diet, hairballs or illness. Keep track of the amount of poo each day to determine whether your piggy is constipated, and watch for loss of appetite.
· Diarrhea - Can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites or poor diet. To determine whether your cavy has diarrhea, watch for messy stools and a dirty hind end. Diarrhea can be life-threatening so see your vet.
· Excessive Scratching – Usually mites, lice or possibly a fungus.
· Lethargy (tired and inactive) – Just like loss of appetite (below), this is a symptom of many illnesses. Watch for other symptoms and see your vet.
· Loss of Appetite – This can be a sign of so many problems, from trouble with the teeth to pneumonia. Check for other symptoms and contact your vet right away.
· Acts like she’s in pain – It might be an injury or scurvy, but it depends on how and when she acts like she’s in pain.
· Swelling – Could be an abscess.
· Strange sounds or squeaks
· Blood in the urine – Could be bladder stones, which are common in guinea pigs.
· Stools changes appearance – If there are items in the stool, it could be worms. Watch for a swollen belly and a change in the coat.
· Discharge - If there are fluids coming from your piggy’s eyes or nose, it could be allergies, irritants or pneumonia. Fluids coming from the ear could mean an ear infection.
· Paralysis – Usually caused by a fall or injury, or by a vitamin C deficiency.
· Swollen glands - Often caused by a form of Strep bacteria. The glands under the jaws become abscessed and the abscess may break. Even if your guinea pig acts normal, the bacteria causing the abscess is traveling everywhere in her body and can damage her organs, so be sure to go to the vet even if it doesn’t seem to be bothering your guinea pig. It can also be contagious to other guinea pigs.
· Head tilt – May be an ear infection or seizure
Common Illnesses
Guinea pigs who are given proper care rarely get ill, but even the best cared for pig can run into some health problems. These are some of the illnesses or injuries that guinea pigs can suffer from. Again, I’m not a vet yet, so be sure to contact your vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
Dental Problems
Guinea pigs can have life-threatening problems because of their teeth, so it’s important that you check them regularly. Make sure they are lined up properly, and make sure they are not getting too long. Teeth that are not lined up right are called “malocclusion”. At the very least, the guinea pig can have trouble eating, and at worst, the teeth can get so long that they cut into the opposite gums and create abscesses and infection! Sometimes the teeth have to be removed, but a guinea pig that has a malocclusion will usually do fine if the teeth are just trimmed. They are trimmed with special scissors that will not crack them. The teeth are brittle, and in this case they are weaker than normal due to the malocclusion. They can easily fracture if they are not trimmed by a professional, so don’t try to do it at home. Cavies can also get molar spurs if the teeth do not wear down properly. The sharp points cause damage to the cavy’s tongue or cheeks, so they have to be filed down. If a tooth breaks off, it may be because the cavy fell, or because the guinea pig isn’t getting enough vitamins. See your vet right away if this happens. Cavies can also get infections around their teeth and in their mouth. Watch for weight loss and slobbering.
Nails
If the nails are neglected and allowed to grow without trimming, the nails can curl and grow into the foot, or at least make it difficult for your guinea to move properly. They can also get caught on something and cause your pig to bleed or break a bone. Here are some pictures of poor little piggies whose nails are overgrown:
Bumblefoot and Foot Injuries
Watch for redness, swelling, and sores on the feet. Wire mesh floors can cause injuries, along with dirty cages, overgrown nails and obesity. If your cavy’s feet look red or swollen, see a vet.
Heatstroke
Cavies are sensitive to heat. If the temperature is above 75 degrees, they can get heatstroke, especially if it is humid. Keep your piggy in a comfortable environment. If your piggy is breathing rapidly, drooling, seems weak, or is lying down flat, see your vet. Your vet might tell you to lower your cavy’s temperature by placing her in a sink with a little cool water. Hold the head up. Then wrap your piggy in a towel for the trip to the vet.
Parasites
Guinea pigs can get worms, such as tapeworms and roundworms. Watch for signs of worms in their stools and for bloated tummies. They can also suffer from external parasites, like lice, mites, flies, fleas and ticks. If they scratch a lot, have sores or missing patches of hair, or have little brown flecks in their coat, call a vet. Keep the cage and guinea pig clean. Otherwise, flies are attracted to the cage, lay their eggs on the back end of the guinea pig, the eggs hatch, and the maggots burrow into the guinea pig’s skin.
Scurvy
Guinea pigs need vitamin C in order to survive. If they don’t get enough, they will get scurvy which affects their bones and cartilage. Watch for bleeding gums, sore joints, difficulty walking and poor appetite. Make sure the guinea pig food has the right amount of vitamin C and make sure the food is fresh. The vitamin C content decreases as the food sits around, so if the food has been open for 90 days or more, the vitamin C is probably gone. In fact, 50% of the vitamin C is lost within 6 weeks after the food is made. Keep the bag sealed and out of the sun. Also, give your piggy fresh fruits and vegetables (the safe types! – see the chapters on Feeding Your Piggy and on Poisonous Plants). I also give Bob vitamin C in her water to be on the safe side.
Abscesses
If a guinea pig has been punctured somewhere, either from a fight, a sharp object or an overgrown tooth, it may develop an abscess. A cavy can also get an abscess caused by a condition called “lumps”. Lumps is caused by a Strep bacteria. The strep invades the lymph nodes throughout the body, so surgery and antibiotics will probably be necessary.
Eye Injuries
Cavies are prone to eye injuries, particularly if you use straw as bedding or if there are other sharp items in their area. They can also get irritated by certain chemicals you use to clean the cage. Make sure the bedding is dust free and has no sharp points, and make sure you use safe cleaning materials.
Ear Infection
Cavies can get ear infections, but since they are inside the ear canal, you have to look for symptoms outside the ear. Watch for head tilt, head shaking, scratching at the ears and loss of balance.
Respiratory Infections
Cavies have sensitive respiratory systems so they are prone to respiratory infections. Watch for sneezing, discharge from the nose and eyes, loss of appetite, lethargy and difficulty breathing.
Dehydration
Dehydration can be caused by a lack of fresh, clean water, exposure to a hot, dry, environment, diarrhea, or a sore mouth or teeth. Always provide clean, fresh water. Never force your pet to drink if it is weak or unconscious because the water can get into the lungs. Your vet may prescribe Pedialyte so always have some on hand and check the expiration date.
Digestive System Problems
Cavies can get parasites, bacterial and viruses that cause digestive problems. They can also have problems due to poor diet or unclean conditions. Be sure to watch for diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. Constipation is often caused by dehydration, parasites or a blockage in the intestines. Diarrhea can be caused by infection, stress, or an excess or the wrong type of fruits and vegetables. Bloat is caused by gas and can be life threatening. Bloat is caused by cheap guinea pig food, certain types of vegetables and greens, infections or a blockage in the intestines.
Emergencies
On your way to the vet, you can do some things to help your piggy. If she is bleeding, try to stop the bleeding using firm, direct pressure with sterile gauze pads. If she has a broken bone, wrap her carefully in a towel and put her in a carrying cage so she won’t move and make things worse.
In case of an emergency, you should have a first aid kit for your guinea pig. Always call your vet as soon as you spot a problem, and your vet may give you instructions using one or more of these items. For example, if you need to take your piggy’s temperature, you’ll need the petroleum jelly and rectal thermometer. If your piggy is dehydrated, you might need the Pedialyte.
Piggy First Aid Kit
Ø Phone number of your vet
Ø After hours emergency contact number for a vet clinic
Ø Clean towel
Ø Gauze pads
Ø First aid tape
Ø Cotton balls
Ø Q-Tips
Ø Scissors
Ø Tweezers
Ø Hot Water Bottle or Heating Pad
Ø Cold Pack
Ø Pedialyte
Ø Cornstarch or styptic powder
Ø Petroleum Jelly
Ø Rectal Thermometer
Ø Hydrogen Peroxide
Ø Iodine
Ø Rubbing Alcohol
Ø Magnifying Glass
Ø Flashlight
Medications
Many antibiotics, especially penicillin, are poisonous to guinea pigs, so make sure your vet is familiar with guinea pig anatomy, and never give your guinea pig medications without your vet’s permission. There are very few medications that are safe for cavies, so you could make things much worse for your cavy.
Prevention
The most important thing you can do to keep your cavy healthy is to feed her properly: high quality pellets, clean water, good hay, and safe, fresh greens, vegetables and fruits.
The other important thing you can do is to keep the cage very clean at all times, using cleaning materials safe for your cavy. Wash out the food and water bowls every day.
Make sure your guinea pig gets plenty of exercise. Give her things to do with new toys and safe places to explore.
Groom your piggy every day so you can spot problems before they become more serious. Keep the nails trimmed and watch the teeth.
Pay close attention to your piggy’s behavior, eating habits and stools (poop).
Avoid stress. Just like people, guinea pigs can get sick if they are under stress. But they can’t get rid of the stress like we can. We have to do it for them. In order to keep your cavy from getting sick, you have to keep the noise down, don’t handle them too much, keep the temperatures comfortable and constant, keep predators like your dog and cat away from them, and give them plenty of exercise and companionship. Other things that cause stress are improper diet, dirty cages, overcrowding, new animals, travel, drafts, hot or cold temperatures, bullying by other guinea pigs and changes in the routine. Stress harms their immune system just like it does ours, so it is very important that you keep stress out of your piggy’s life!
Try to avoid exposing your guinea pig to other guinea pigs who may be unhealthy. It’s not a bad idea to take a shower and change clothes after you handle a sick guinea pig, especially if you have other guinea pigs to take care of. You should at least wash your hands thoroughly if you don’t have time to shower. Also wash up any time you have attended a guinea pig show or have visited with a friend who has guinea pigs. In addition, wash your hands any time you’ve been gardening because bacteria live in the soil.
Really, all of these things are the same things you would want: food and water that isn’t moldy or stale, a bedroom that doesn’t double as a toilet, some fun things to do, less stress, and less exposure to contagious diseases. So treat your piggy the way you would want to be treated and you’ll both be much happier and healthier!
