If guinea pigs cannot eat or chew hard foods, soft foods are preferred. Decreased/no appetite for food can spin out of control, risking the piggy’s life. Hence, there is a need to act quickly. Edentulous diet refers to physically soft food and beverages (thick and semi-liquid).
What should I do if my guinea pig is not eating?
Hand feed your guinea pig if they do not have an appetite. If your guinea pig has an illness that causes them to lose their appetite, you will need to use hand feeding to try to get them to eat. Many ill guinea pigs will also stop urinating or eliminating due to malnourishment.
What can I Feed my guinea pig without critical care?
But Critical Care is almost as good as Herbi care and it’s available worldwide. If you have got no Critical Care or any equivalent powder, you can start feeding your Guinea Pig by hand with pellets you soaked in simmering water to get mush.
Can guinea pigs eat hay without stopping?
A normal healthy guinea pig can eat hay without stopping during the day. Also a cup of vegetables, a few pellets, and occasional treats. If a guinea pig stopped eating its hay, vegetables, pellets, and treats, it can affect its digestive system quickly.
How do you feed a baby guinea pig with diarrhea?
You should try to hand feed your guinea pig plain food pellets softened in water with minced parsley, vegetables, and carrots. You can also combine pet slurry with wheat grass juice or natural cranberry juice to make it more appetizing.
What can I give my guinea pig that won't eat?
Treatment. Treatment is based on the underlying cause of the appetite loss. But very often, your veterinarian will recommend special foods for the guinea pig such as commercial hand-feeding formulas, ground up pelleted chow, and vegetable baby foods; vitamin C supplements are sometimes necessary.
What do you do if your guinea pig wont eat or drink?
A guinea pig that is not eating or drinking needs to be seen by an exotics species veterinarian ASAP. Your guinea pig is at risk of developing (or may already have) a medical condition called Gastrointestinal Stasis (GIS). Without treatment, this can be a fatal condition.
How do you force feed a sick guinea pig?
1:203:23How to Syringe Feed Critical Care to Your Rabbit, Guinea Pig ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIntroduce the tip of the syringe. Gently into the side of the mouth. And deliver a very small amountMoreIntroduce the tip of the syringe. Gently into the side of the mouth. And deliver a very small amount at a time ensuring that the pet swallows.
What does it mean when your guinea pig won't eat?
Sudden changes to your pet's diet can sometimes lead to refusal, which can result in serious gastrointestinal issues. Small animals are prey species and may naturally refuse food if they detect changes that seem suspect. Refusal can be compounded if your pet has always been a particularly picky eater.
What are the signs of a guinea pig dying?
Lack of Appetite. Guinea pigs that are very ill will refuse to eat, and may show signs of weight loss if the appetite loss has persisted for some time. ... Bad Urine and Feces. ... Fever. ... Respiratory Problems. ... Eye Condition. ... Poor Coat Condition. ... Mobility Issues. ... Lethargy.More items...
How long can guinea pigs go without food?
So, how long can guinea pigs go without food and water? Healthy guinea pigs shouldn't go over 8 hours without food. They won't starve in this time, but they can develop potentially fatal GI stasis or other health issues. Healthy guinea pigs may go up to 24 hours without water.
How do you comfort a dying guinea pig?
Your guinea pig will be most comfortable in warm, quiet space with lighting that is neither too bright nor too dark. Soft, pleasant, natural sounds (such as birds singing or the babbling of a brook) may be comforting to your pet. It may also be best to give him some space toward the end so he can slip away peacefully.
How do you rehydrate guinea pigs?
You can hydrate your guinea pig by immediately doing the following:Offering your guinea pig his water bottle.Feeding him/her water via an eyedropper or medicine dropper (if he/she is unable to drink on his/her own).Offering veggies that have high water content, i.e. cucumber, iceberg lettuce, melon.
How do you treat a sick guinea pig at home?
4:1512:26How to Look After a Sick Guinea Pig: Not Eating or Pooping?! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFood now this is for when your guinea pig isn't eating enough or they're not eating anything at allMoreFood now this is for when your guinea pig isn't eating enough or they're not eating anything at all you can syringe feed these foods mixed up with water they last a long time.
How do I get my guinea pig to eat and drink?
1:394:13What You Can Do If Your Guinea Pig Stops Eating - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd just squirting it in their mouth. And basically hoping that they'll swallow it. And it's to tryMoreAnd just squirting it in their mouth. And basically hoping that they'll swallow it. And it's to try and encourage them to start eating again and also to keep something going through their system.
What does it mean when your guinea pig doesn't drink water?
It can and does happen. Sometimes we might have a fur baby who isn't drinking because he's just not thirsty. Just like us, a piggie might not drink water because he doesn't feel like it, not hungry, or not thirsty. Some piggies only drink water when they're eating (especially dry food like pellets and hay).
What is the best food for guinea pigs?
A healthy guinea pig diet includes an unlimited amount of hay, a cup of fresh vegetables, a small serving of pellets, and some occasional treats. If your guinea pig is not eating their food, then the same can affect their gut movement.
Why should guinea pigs eat?
Guinea pigs should be eating something at all times to keep their digestive system moving. If your guinea pigs are not eating their regular diet then it can be of major concern for their owners.
How long does it take for guinea pigs to stop eating?
If your guinea pigs don’t eat for a few hours, their digestive system will slow down. In less than 24 hours, the system can completely stop processing and result in GI stasis in your guinea pigs.
How to calm guinea pigs down?
Try to calm your guinea pigs down and talk to them. You can also try syringe feeding them to see if that helps. If they don’t start eating within a few hours, you must immediately take them to a vet. Guinea pig’s health can deteriorate very quickly as the six hours mark crosses.
Why do guinea pigs have dental problems?
Dental Problems: Dental problems are one of the most common issues among guinea pigs that hinders their ability to eat and drink. Guinea pig molars generally grow inward, and it can harm their gums and chin when overgrown, thus making it difficult for them to ingest any food.
Can guinea pigs eat after surgery?
Guinea pig not eating after surgery. Guinea pigs can go through a lot of pain and stress if they have been operated recently. It could be a minor surgery or a major one, but the effect of the same could be seen in your guinea pig’s diet and behavior for a few days.
Can guinea pigs get anxious?
A Guinea pig can get anxious and aggressive if the temperature goes beyond 25°C. Thus, make sure the temperature is well-maintained around your guinea pigs. Recent Surgical Procedures: Surgical procedures can be painful for your guinea pigs. Your guinea pigs might experience pain for a few days after major surgery.
Why is it important to address loss of appetite in guinea pigs?
When your guinea pig is not eating, it is very easy for their condition to spiral out of control, which is why it is so important to act quickly. By syringe feeding your piggy, you are preventing:
How much should I syringe feed my guinea pig?
Aim to administer 20 - 30 ml of liquid feed each session every 3-4 hours. When a guinea pig has lost their appetite, it is strongly advised to consult your vet for further investigation.
DIY Alternatives to Commercial Emergency Formula
If you don't have a commercial liquid feed mix available, it is important to still get something into your guinea pig's system. Guinea pigs that are not eating should be syringe fed every 3-4 hours. The longer a guinea pig goes without eating, the more detrimental it is to their health.
How to prepare your homemade emergency formula
Here is a great demonstration by Scotty's Animals on Youtube on how to prepare a homemade emergency formula:
Appetite Stimulants for Guinea Pigs
In addition to the above recipes, there are also natural herbal remedies to help stimulate your guinea pig's appetite. These remedies can be safely used in addition to your piggy's recovery feeds.
A word of advice on syringe feeds
When syringe feeding your guinea pig, ensure you provide at least 1 millimeter of water for every 5 millimeters of food to help prevent choking and dehydration. Don't rush the feeds as you want to go at the pace of your piggy.
Conclusion
When your guinea pig has lost their appetite, it is important that you act quickly to keep them well nourished. When you do not have critical care or recovery mixtures on hand, it is important to opt for an alternative until you can source the appropriate materials.
How to take care of a sick guinea pig?
Once you bring your pig home, follow your vet’s treatment plan, which may include medications such as pills or antibiotics.
What is the best medicine for guinea pigs?
Give your pig pills with a hemostat. Your guinea pig may need to be given vitamin C pills if they has a vitamin C deficiency. A hemostat is a scissor-handled clamp that is used for compressing bleeding blood vessels. You can find them at medical supply stores or online.
How to give guinea pig eye drops?
Place your guinea pig on a table facing away from you to give them eye drops. If your guinea pig develops eye issues, the vet may prescribe eye drops. You can administer eye drops by placing your guinea pig on a table, facing away from you. Then, hold the bottle dropper above and behind their head.
How to give a guinea pig liquid medicine?
1. Use a syringe to give your pig liquid medication. Liquid medication may be prescribed for a respiratory bacterial disease or for a digestive disorder. If the vet prescribes liquid oral medication for your guinea pig’s illness, you will need to use a 1cc syringe with no needle to give your pig the medication.
How to get guinea pigs to go downhill?
1. Let the vet examine your guinea pig as soon as they become ill. Once guinea pigs get sick, they can go downhill fast. If you notice any signs of illness in your guinea pig, bring them to the vet right away.
Why do guinea pigs get sick?
Guinea pigs often contract an illness due to improper care, an improper diet, or interaction with another guinea pig who has an infectious disease. You should talk to the vet about your pig’s symptoms and your care procedures for your pig, as it can help them to determine the cause of their illness.
How much water should a guinea pig drink?
Adult guinea pigs should consume about 6 grams of dry feed/100 grams of body weight and 10 to 40 ml water per 100 grams of body weight.
How to feed a guinea pig?
If you have got no Critical Care or any equivalent powder, you can start feeding your Guinea Pig by hand with pellets you soaked in simmering water to get mush. You can also powdering the pellets in a coffee-grinder and mix it with lukewarm water to a mush too. Let it cool down before you start force feeding.
What to do if guinea pig is not hungry?
If they are not hungry they will not eat. Take a look at its weight and how does it change if you feed it by hand. If it still looses weight keep trying force feeding and feed some more. If the initial problem has been removed by a vet the Guinea Pig will restart eating by its own quickly.
How to get a cavy to swallow food?
Put your cavy onto your lap with its bottom to your body and lift its front by holding it with one hand at its front legs. Now put the syringe into its mouth and inject some mush. Wait until it has swallowed the food and restart the procedure. Don’t feed too much.
How often should I force feed my cavy?
This forces the digestive system to work. If your cavy does not eat anything by its own you have to start the procedure every 3 hours – also at night.
Why should I feed my guinea pig by hand?
[Auto translated] Feeding your Guinea Pig by hand is important if it doesn’t eat anymore as a result of sickness (mostly malocclusion). Sometimes it could be very difficult to feed a cavy by hand and in other cases it will eat by hand feeding without any problems. We tell you how and what to feed by hand.
Do guinea pigs have peristalsis?
The digestive system of Guinea Pigs does not really have peristalsis so the food has to be stuffed continuous to keep its system active. If a cavy becomes sick and refuse food it is important to solve the problem by stopping the disease quickly and spend time for force feeding by hand. Otherwise it will rapidly looses weight ...
Can guinea pigs eat by themselves?
If your Guinea Pig does not eat anymore by its own you have to feed it by hand. For cases of emergency it is a good idea to hold always some kinds of syringes and pipettes in different sizes ready. In that way you can directly start feeding by hand if necessary. Depends on your mush you have to choose the right tool to feed your Guinea Pigs safely.
How to help a sick guinea pig?
Hand Feeding Your Ill Guinea Pig. Hand feeding can save your guinea pig's life. Sick guinea pigs very seldom get over an illness without help and can decline VERY QUICKLY. Do not hesitate to seek competent veterinary care if you suspect your pig is ill. Hand Feeding .
What is the best way to keep a guinea pig alive?
Some conditions like torsion or blockage MUST be treated before feeding. (See Anorexia) Remember: Food is life. Food, water, and a vitamin C supplement are essential to keep your guinea pig alive, to prevent dehydration, and to stimulate the digestive process.
How long after antibiotics can you give guinea pigs probiotics?
The probiotics would be given an hour or two after administering the antibiotic. See also: Probiotics. Pellet Preparation The day's ration of your guinea pig's usual food pellets can be crushed in a coffee grinder (or ground with a mortar and pestle) or soaked overnight in a refrigerator and crushed by spoon.
What to do if your guinea pig is in pain?
Pain Management: If your guinea pig is in pain, it may be reluctant to move or eat. When appropriate, be sure to get pain medication for your guinea pig. Do not give any pain medication unless it is under the supervision of your veterinarian. Meloxicam and rimadyl are both effective.
Why is guinea pig paste better than baby food?
Some guinea pigs will appreciate the mash being warmed. Pellets work the teeth (especially a drier mash) and stimulate the digestive system more effectively than baby food, though prepared peas, mixed veggies, etc are much smoother than pellets.
What happens if a guinea pig stops eating?
If your guinea pig has stopped eating (shown little or no interest in food over a 6 to 12 hour period, with a drop in elimination and urine), it is imperative that you see a vet to treat the cause and start working immediately to get food moving through the system. Some conditions like torsion or blockage MUST be treated before feeding. (See Anorexia)
Why do pigs poop?
If the food doesn't keep moving through their system, it will ferment causing gas and lead to bloat. Pigs are basically designed to keep grazing all day long. Proportionate to their size - they consume and process amazing amounts of food. They are essentially pooping machines.
Stubborn pig won't eat critical care
Leda has been to the vet twice this week for not eating. She'll nibble a bit, but that's it. Tried critical care, but it takes 2 of us to pin her down to even try and get close enough to her mouth with the syringe feeder. Tried wrapping in a towel, no help.
Re: Stubborn pig won't eat critical care
Thabk you so much! I was able to get about 30-35 ml down her today. I also switched flavors of Critical Care - she really hates the apple banana apparently! Didnt know there were 3 varieties. Thankfully the new vet we are now going to had anise on hand!
Re: Stubborn pig won't eat critical care
I don't think I've ever heard of a pig that liked the apple/banana stuff. Mine love the anise flavor, and will happily eat it off a spoon or a plate. Unless they're sick, that is. Then they won't voluntarily touch it, but will eat it from a syringe.
Re: Stubborn pig won't eat critical care
I never knew that Apple/Banana was especially in unpopular with pigs! Mine will eat a tiny amount eagerly and then quickly get sick of it, and for most pigs it's a huge pain to feed. I definitely should look into other flavors next time anybody at my house or the shelter needs some extra care.
Re: Stubborn pig won't eat critical care
I don't think I've ever heard of a pig that liked the apple/banana stuff. Mine love the anise flavor, and will happily eat it off a spoon or a plate. Unless they're sick, that is. Then they won't voluntarily touch it, but will eat it from a syringe.
Re: Stubborn pig won't eat critical care
Vet checked Leda out with xray today, thinking her problem was de tal, but her teeth are fine. Only thing she could tell me is that she is very gassy according to xray (matches what we have observed too, lots of tummy boises).
Re: Stubborn pig won't eat critical care
That was the only thing I could think of. I've never needed to use simethicone so I'm definitely unsure of its usage, though there are definitely members here who have. Hopefully you can get a better answer soon.
How to keep guinea pigs healthy?
The best way to keep your guinea pig healthy is to keep a close watch on your pet. Make sure it is eating and defecating, wash your hands before and after handling, freeze your pet's bedding and food before use, and keep it away from drafts. These actions will help you prevent the bulk of the most commonly seen diseases, ...
How to keep guinea pigs from getting pneumonia?
1 They can even get Bordetella bronchiseptica from your dog, cat, or pet rabbit. Take notice of your guinea pig's cage location and be sure to keep them away from drafts, open doors, and open windows. This simple act will help decrease the likelihood of them getting a respiratory infection. Wash your hands after handling other animals, including guinea pigs at pet stores, your dog or cat if they are coughing or sneezing, and even your rabbit. If you or your family are feeling ill, it's best to keep your germs to yourself.
What causes guinea pigs to scratch?
If your guinea pig has hair loss and is itching or scratching a lot, it may have lice or mites. 1 The thought of having these things in your house—much less on the guinea pig—may make you itch all over. Lice or mites can be easy to avoid and treat. Lice, sarcoptic mange mites (scabies), and Demodex mange mites (Demodex) are conditions that can all cause itching and hair loss. Lice and their eggs are usually seen in the bald patches behind your guinea pig's ears and the mites can be seen microscopically all over the body. Speak with your veterinarian if you suspect any of these parasites to determine the best course of action.
How to care for a female guinea pig?
Spaying your female guinea pig is definitely recommended. 2 If she is living with a male, this will ensure population control and prevent multiple litters of guinea pigs. Besides preventing babies, females often develop uterine and ovarian issues, including various cancers, and having your female spayed can prevent these issues. Sometimes the uterus and ovaries can be removed even after the problem has been discovered but other times cancer has already spread to other parts of the body, rendering it untreatable. A complete ovariohysterectomy can be performed by your exotics vet on your guinea pig to prevent uterine and ovarian diseases, just as it would in a dog or cat. This can be done after the guinea pig is 6 months old. While some guinea pig owners are not able to justify the cost of the procedure, others see the great benefit to having their guinea pigs longer and not having to pay for emergency treatment when they notice their pig is sick.
Why does my guinea pig stop eating?
Ileus can be caused secondarily by an underlying illness or stressor which, in turn, causes your guinea pig to stop eating.
How old is a guinea pig to have surgery?
This can be done after the guinea pig is 6 months old. While some guinea pig owners are not able to justify the cost of the procedure, others see the great benefit to having their guinea pigs longer and not having to pay for emergency treatment when they notice their pig is sick.
What are the symptoms of guinea pigs?
It is important to note any change in behavior, appetite, elimination (urination and defecation), or other daily habits. Be aware of physical changes such as hair loss, skin ...