How To Treat Diarrhea In Guinea Pigs
- Potential Causes. A guinea pig’s diet must be consistent. Even as guinea pigs are omnivores, they rely on pellets and timothy hay in order to obtain the necessary nutrition.
- Treatment of Diarrhea in Guinea Pigs. A wrong diet is often the common cause of reason for diarrhea issues in a guinea pig. ...
- Future Diarrhea Preventions. Guinea pigs require full attention on their diet, therefore, having good dietary management is vital in keeping your pig happy, healthy, and diarrhea-free.
How to treat diarrhea in guinea pigs?
You need to replace the vegetables with grass hay in the diet of guinea pigs. The best type of grass hay for your guinea pig is timothy hay. Make sure that your guinea pig drinks plenty of clean water. Always refill the water bottle of your guinea pig twice a day if it has diarrhea. Don’t try to treat your guinea pig on your own.
What can I give my guinea pig to eat during convalescence?
Forced feeding. It is imperative for your guinea pig to continue eating during his time of convalescence. Syringe feeding of ground pellets or formulated critical care foods for herbivores may be necessary until your pet begins eating on his own.
Is it common for guinea pigs to have soft stool?
Diarrhea is a common issue in many different kinds of pets and guinea pigs are no exception. Soft, unformed stool is not only difficult to clean but can indicate a serious problem in your cavy. Knowing what could be causing this diarrhea and how it is safely treated can help keep your guinea pig healthy and clean. What is Diarrhea in Guinea Pigs?
What does it mean when a guinea pig has watery poop?
Unformed cecotropes are the dark pools of smelly feces, whereas watery feces are diarrhea. Diarrhea needs early treatment, especially in young guinea pigs, as diarrhea can cause life-threatening conditions in a few hours.
Is it normal for guinea pigs to have diarrhea?
Diarrhea is, unfortunately, one of a guinea pig's most common responses to health maladies. You'll probably see it at least once throughout the life of your pig!
Why is my guinea pigs poop runny?
An imbalance of good bacteria in the gut, hypovitaminosis, excess water, and a lack of fiber can cause stools to be runny. Bacterial or viral infection: Infections can disrupt a healthy gut and cause diarrhea in your guinea pig if they become a systemic problem.
How can I firm up my guinea pig poop?
1:075:38Guinea Pigs With Soft/Mushy Poops: What To Do! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you would do is you'd buy the probiotic put a little mix it in with their pellets. And thenMoreSo what you would do is you'd buy the probiotic put a little mix it in with their pellets. And then when they're eating their pellets they're taking that in and it's going to help their digestion.
What veggies cause diarrhea in guinea pigs?
Alfalfa hay, too much leafy greens or fruit, and any foods that your guinea pig is not accustomed to can all cause diarrhea. Avoid nuts, seeds, human junk food, beans, potatoes, rhubarb, onions, iceberg lettuce and members of the cabbage family such as broccoli, brussels sprouts and collard greens.
What foods are high in Fibre for guinea pigs?
Hay should be the main source of fiber. It should be offered ad libitum and available at all times. Hay can come from many types of plants and not all hays offer the same nutritional value. Grass hay such as Timothy or Brome is ideal.
What probiotics can I give my guinea pig?
Bene-bac Plus Pet Gel is an easy to administer probiotic designed for pets. Most guinea pigs will immediately latch onto the tube of Bene-bac and take the dispensed dose (1 gram once per day, taken at a different time from the prescribed antibiotics).
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.
Can guinea pigs have yogurt?
Because guinea pigs can't digest lactose, they shouldn't eat dairy (yes, that means that regular yogurt, cheese, milk are out of the question). Their digestive systems are only designed to process and pull nutrients from raw veggies, fruits, hay, herbs, and grasses.
Why does my guinea pigs poop look weird?
Knowing the difference between normal guinea pig poo and abnormal poo can give you clues on your furry friend's state of health. Possibly a sign of a gut issue or your guinea pig's rectal muscles may be aging. There could be an obstruction, inflammation or tear in the anus or GI tract. See a vet immediately!!!
What should you not feed a guinea pig?
Make sure you do not feed your guinea pigs the following foods (this is not an exhaustive list): cereals; grains; nuts; seeds; dried beans, corn, and peas; buttercups; garden shrubs (such as hemlock or privet); lilies of any kind; sweet peas; nightshade; oak; avocado; onion grass; onions; potato tops; mushrooms; ...
What foods are toxic to guinea pigs?
Foods guinea pigs cannot eatChocolate (or anything else containing caffeine)Onions.Garlic.Mushrooms.Iceberg lettuce.Avocados.Nuts.Potatoes.More items...
What fresh veggies can guinea pigs eat?
Fruit and vegetables: Fresh vegetables can be offered once a day and should be equivalent to about one cup total per guinea pig per day. Leafy greens like romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuces, kale, cilantro and parsley should comprise the bulk of your pig's fresh produce.
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...
What should my guinea pigs poop look like?
Healthy guinea pig poop color tends to usually be medium to dark brown (somewhere between brown and black). A normal guinea pig poop should be uniform in consistency and oval-shaped. They shouldn't break into pieces when guinea pigs step on them but at the same time shouldn't be dry.
Can you give guinea pigs too much vitamin C?
Vitamin C in excess will safely exit the body through the urine, but too much of other vitamins and minerals can make your guinea pig sick. Again, 25 mg once daily is enough for most guinea pigs, but those with scurvy will need higher doses more often until they have recovered.
What diarrhea means?
Diarrhea can be present due to abnormalities in the small intestine or the large intestine. Diarrhea — loose, watery and possibly more-frequent bowel movements — is a common problem. It may be present alone or be associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or weight loss.
How to keep guinea pigs from getting diarrhea?
In doing this, properly disinfect the pens with pet-friendly disinfectants. Remove uneaten feeds from the pen as soon as possible to prevent them from rotting inside the pen. Good sanitation will definitely help to control and prevent your guinea pig from contracting infectious diseases that may result in diarrhea.
What antibiotics should I give my guinea pig for diarrhea?
Recommended antibiotics for guinea pigs include chloramphenicol and enrofloxacin. 4. De-wormers. Infectious agents such as viruses, fungi, parasites, and bacteria can cause diarrhea in guinea pigs. In cases where the vet can identify the diarrhea-causing organism, you can perform deworming to flush out the organism.
What Are the Symptoms of Diarrhea in Guinea Pigs?
Delving further, when you are not convinced whether your guinea pig has got diarrhea, watch out for the following symptoms.
How do you know if a guinea pig has diarrhea?
Another sign of diarrhea in the guinea pigs is that the guinea pig will experience difficulty in eating and may subsequently develop a fever then lose weight.
How to keep guinea pigs healthy?
You can work on the following healthy routines to keep your guinea pig from diseases: 1 Provide clean and fresh feeds daily (don’t give your guinea pig leftovers) 2 Provide clean water daily 3 Clean and arrange the bedding every 7 days 4 Gently brush its furs every 7 days 5 Trim your guinea pig’s nail every 14 days 6 Guinea pigs are healthy pets, you can decide to bathe your pet every 3 to 12 months
What happens if a guinea pig has diarrhea?
When your guinea pig suffers diarrhea, it gets dehydrated, that is, its fluid content becomes low.
Can antibiotics cause diarrhea in guinea pigs?
Unless diarrhea has worsened and occasion has called for it. But, you should be careful and vigilant on how your pet reacts to these antibiotics because guinea pigs are very sensitive to common antibiotics and they might worsen your guinea pig’s diarrhea. Do not prescribe antibiotics yourself.
How to stop diarrhea in guinea pigs?
In the meantime make sure your guinea pig drinks enough water. Change the bottle with fresh water more often. If diarrhea started after you introduced new food or changed something in means of diet, just go back to the old feeding regiment.
What Happens if a Guinea Pig has Diarrhea?
If a guinea pig has diarrhea, you can notice an immediate change in behavior.
What causes coccidiosis in guinea pigs?
Coccidiosis in guinea pigs is caused by Eimeria caviae. Guinea pigs living under a lot of stress and in an overcrowded and dirty environment are predisposed to infestation. Cryptosporidium Wrairi produces similar effects as Eimeria caviae. The guinea pigs fail to gain weight and have a watery stool.
How long does guinea pig diarrhea last?
Guinea pig diarrhea can last from 24 hours to a few weeks. It all depends on the cause of diarrhea, the intensity of the symptoms, and the appropriate treatment. After a vet will check your pet, he or she will give you a prognosis on the expected duration of the problem.
Why is my guinea pig's stool watery?
Disruption of the digestive flora can be a result of both infectious and non-infectious diseases. Bacterial enteritis (inflammation of the bowels) is the most prevalent cause of diarrhea in guinea pigs. Less frequently guinea pig watery stool can be caused by viruses (coronavirus in weanlings) and parasites (Coccidiosis and Cryptosporidiosis).
What are the most vulnerable guinea pigs?
The most vulnerable are immunocompromised, young and, stressed guinea pigs. Infected guinea pigs shed the bacteria through the feces and others can easily be infected. Besides diarrhea anorexia, lethargic movements, and sudden death may occur. Infections with Salmonella (S. Enteritidis and S.
Why do guinea pigs have soft stools?
Healthy adults tend to occasionally have soft stools, but generally due to an inadequate proportion of fiber in the diet.
How to treat diarrhea in guinea pigs?
To treat diarrhea in guinea pigs, withhold greens until the diarrhea passes and be sure to increase its water intake, since your pet will need to replace lost fluids. If the diarrhea is watery and constant, it's best to take the guinea pig to the vet right away. Ask your vet to perform a fecal float and bacteria culture so you can pinpoint ...
What to do if your pig has diarrhea?
If your piggy's diarrhea is semi-formed, keep an eye on your pig. If it doesn't clear up in a few days, make an appointment with your vet.
What does it mean when a guinea pig is watery?
If your guinea pig’s diarrhea is constant and watery, it can mean your pig has a pretty serious health issue, so you need to take it to the vet right away. Make sure you note when diarrhea started and any other unusual behavior in your guinea pig.
What happens if you introduce a new food to a guinea pig?
Consider changes in your guinea pig's diet. If you've recently introduced a new food into your piggy's diet, they might get diarrhea as a result. Take the new food out of their diet and see if their symptoms clear up.
What is the best grass hay for guinea pigs?
Timothy hay is the best grass hay variety. Increase their water intake. Guinea pigs need a considerable amount of water to survive, so they should always have access to a water bottle with clean, clear water. If your guinea pig has diarrhea, refill the bottle more often than usual to ensure your pig gets enough water.
Can guinea pigs get diarrhea?
If it gets too bad – especially if it seems pretty runny – you should take your guinea pig to the vet for treatment.
Do guinea pigs need water?
Guinea pigs need a considerable amount of water to survive, so they should always have access to a water bottle with clean, clear water. If your guinea pig has diarrhea, refill the bottle more often than usual to ensure your pig gets enough water. Avoid treating your guinea pig on your own.
What is the cause of diarrhea in guinea pigs?
The pinworms can affect the young guinea pigs more as compared to those guinea pigs who are old because the younger guinea pigs do not have stable microflora in their gut to fight with the infestations.
What is the name of the bacteria that causes watery diarrhea in guinea pigs?
You can be aware of the shortened name of Escherichia coli as E. coli. This kind of bacteria will infect the guinea pigs and cause watery diarrhea. These kinds of stools can contain blood or mucous.
Can guinea pigs die from diarrhea?
If diarrhea is left untreated, then it would be hazardous for your guinea pig. Though, usually, it is a symptom of more severe illness. But diarrhea can also cause serious dehydration.
What is a soft cecotrope in guinea pigs?
The unformed cecotropes are dark, smelly piles of a soft, wet, pulpy mass, which can be mashed into the fur of your guinea pig’s feet and back end or else into the floor. These can make you confused as diarrhea.
What is the difference between cecotropes and diarrhea?
It is very much essential to differentiate between real diarrhea and cecotropes in guinea pigs. Diarrhea is a watery stool. The cecotropes are clots of dark, soft, shiny, and sticky stools.
Why do guinea pigs have runny stools?
Runny or soft stools can be caused by an improper diet or a change in diet. But this does not mean that it is real diarrhea. These can be unformed cecotropes, which is another kind of feces that guinea pigs eliminate.
What is the disease that causes a guinea pig to bloat?
Bacterial Disease . The bacterial disease is very harmful and can affect the young guinea pigs between the ages of 7-10 weeks. Intestines of guinea pigs can be affected by this infection which leads to excess mucous production. That always leads to mucous-laden diarrhea, bloating, and jelly-filled belly.
How to help guinea pigs digest food?
Ensure that there are sufficient fibers in its feed as well as plenty of water for your pig to drink. To further help restore the balance of good bacteria in its digestive tract, adding plain yogurt with natural activated cultures can help. Providing your guinea pig a healthy and balanced diet can be tricky.
What do guinea pigs eat?
Even as guinea pigs are omnivores, they rely on pellets and grass hay (timothy hay) to obtain the necessary nutrition.
What Happens If a Guinea Pig Has Diarrhea?
What most guinea pig owners should know about their furry four-legged friends is that they come with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract that requires a good diet.
How to keep guinea pigs from dehydrating?
Keep Your Guinea Pig Hydrated. Diarrhea can often lead to dehydration issues. Be sure to monitor your guinea pig on their water consumption to combat fluid loss from watery stools. If your pet refuses to drink its fluids, your veterinarian may suggest supplying the necessary fluids through an IV that may help.
How to tell if guinea pigs are sick?
Other signs to watch out for in sick guinea pigs include weight loss, dehydration, and anorexia. Observing these signs in your pet indicates ...
Why do guinea pigs have soft stools?
Soft, watery stools are much more common in adult guinea pigs due to insufficient fibers or too many carbohydrates present in their diets, or maybe unbalanced floral bacteria.
Why do guinea pigs have a bad bowel?
Guinea pigs are prone to an uncomfortable bowel function when the amount of intestinal flora bacteria becomes unbalanced or if any sudden alterations are added into its diet, slow digestion, gas, and diarrhea.
How to prevent diarrhea in guinea pigs?
Diarrhea due to an infection, on the other hand, may be prevented by keeping the guinea pig's bedding, water bottle, and living environment clean and sanitized; prompt ly removing uneaten food before it rots can also reduce the level of disease-causing organisms.
What to feed guinea pigs?
Feeding your guinea pig plain yogurt with active cultures, or the commercial supplement probiotic, may help restore the healthy balance of "good" bacteria in its digestive tract. Otherwise, provide plenty of water for your guinea pig to drink.
Why does my guinea pig have diarrhea?
Diarrhea often occurs as a symptom of a secondary condition, including disease, infection or improper diet, all causing the guinea pig's digestive system to become upset. Whatever the reason, diarrhea needs to be treated promptly, as it can lead to dehydration and even death in severe cases.
How to diagnose guinea pig diarrhea?
Other than observing your guinea pig's clinical signs, your veterinarian will confirm a diagnosis of diarrhea by completing a dietary history of the animal and examining its blood and stool samples for infectious organisms.
What causes diarrhea in guinea pigs?
Parasites. Many species of protozoa cause illness and diarrhea in guinea pigs. Other gastrointestinal parasites rarely cause symptoms in guinea pigs.
How to treat diarrhea in dogs?
Fluid therapy. Many pets that have diarrhea become dehydrated and require fluid therapy. The route the fluid is given, under the skin, through the vein or orally, is dependent on the severity of the diarrhea and the health status of your pet. Fluid therapy is an important part of supportive therapy that is used until a definitive diagnosis is found.
Why does my dog have diarrhea?
Inadequate amounts of roughage in the diet in the form of grass or timothy hay. The lack of roughage can alter the normal movement of the intestines, causing diarrhea , or predispose your pet to other causes of diarrhea .
How to keep chinchillas healthy?
Always keep the diet consistent by offering a free choice of timothy or grass hay (fresh and free of molds) and a limited quantity of fresh, high quality chinchilla food (no seeds or nuts). Avoid abrupt changes of brands or pellets. Make all changes or additions of foods very gradual. Keeping your pet on a consistent and regular diet is imperative. Avoid feeding only pellets.
Why is CBC important for guinea pigs?
This also helps to determine how much of the guinea pig's system is affected by the infectious agent. The number of red blood cells may be low if the guinea pig is losing blood through its gastrointestinal tract , or if other concurrent diseases are present.
Can antibiotics cause gastroenteritis in guinea pigs?
Many antibiotics that are commonly used in other species can cause a fatal gastroenteritis in guinea pigs. Be sure your veterinarian is experienced in treating guinea pigs.
Can you withhold food from guinea pigs?
The ration of pellets is reduced and the amount of timothy or grass hay is gradually increased. Unlike the treatment of some diarrhea in cats or dogs, withholding food from a guinea pig for a period of 12 or 24 hours should NOT be instituted
What is diarrhea in guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs have a very distinctive stool, although it bears a resemblance to rabbit feces. This animal produces torpedo-shaped pellets which are quite hard due to the large amounts of fiber they ingest from their diet. We can even see guinea pigs eating their stools. This is a common behavior which occurs because they can still gain nutrients from them.
Why do guinea pigs have diarrhea?
This means poor diet is a common cause of diarrhea in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs need a significant supply of fiber to regulate their intestinal transit. It also helps to wear their teeth down and maintain proper dentition. Preventing gastrointestinal problems in guinea pigs is very important, so the following basic dietary standards need to be met:
Why is vitamin C important for guinea pigs?
The reason for this is because a deficiency of vitamin C results in a disease known as scurvy, a problem which is relatively common in cavies. This disease is characterized by skin lesions, pain when handling and diarrhea, among others. Treatment is usually vitamin C supplements as prescribed by a veterinarian after diagnosis.
What percentage of dry feed should be given to guinea pigs?
About 20% should be dry feed for guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs have vitamin C?
Regarding vitamin C, it is important to know it can be easily degraded. This means adding it to the water of our guinea pig might mean it will be diluted and the animal won't have sufficient amounts. The same can happen with foods enriched with vitamin C as it can be lost during storage. For this reason, we need to ensure their diet is not only correct, but fresh when it needs to be and of a suitable quality. In this related article, we provide the fruits and vegetables which can benefit a guinea pig.