The reality is that a guinea pig achieves “senior pig” status when it starts to slow down doing everyday activities. As they are herbivores, their diet should include high-quality plant-like Hay. Situation & Context: I got a new baby guinea pig on Friday night (she was in her cage by 6:00pm) and I am worried about her behavior. To find out what are other dental problems a guinea pig can suffer from read this article. It is a form of liver disease when the liver converts body fat into usable energy and can lead to the liver failure. Changes in diet can have a serious impact on guinea pig’s health. Don't force your guinea pig to eat or drink if he doesn't want to. Loss of appetite is frequently diagnosed by completing a thorough medical history of your guinea pig. Your guinea pig is at risk of developing (or may already have) a medical condition called Gastrointestinal Stasis (GIS). If your guinea normally lives with other animals, it should be placed in a separate, stress-free environment during recovery. If your guinea pig is not eating their food properly, then they are going to lose weight ultimately. Please help..my male guinea pig, approx 2 years old, has pretty much stopped eating over the last week week1/2..his eyes are crusty, today his mouth/chin looked wet, but its actually dried and crusty too. Can You Leave A Hamster Alone For A Weekend? amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "guinea pigs"; Their immune system is weaker and a sudden change of habitats can provoke infection. Guinea Pig's Diet. Not even to eat. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "top"; Relevancia I have a year old pregnant pig due any day. After 2 to 3 days a cavy can die from starvation. Also, it is a known behavior for a new guinea pig not to eat in front of you because of being nervous and shy. Guinea pigs are very susceptible to extreme temperatures, especially to the hot climate. You can view our privacy policy and terms of use to learn more. Without treatment, this can be a fatal condition. but I've had my Guinea pig for 6 almost 7 years and I'm not sure how old he was when i got him. In a majority of cases guinea pigs stop eating vegetables because they are fed with excessive amount of treats and pallets. he has lost a lot of weight! Not eating is extremely serious, as your pet's system will shut down with dire consequences. What Foods Can Guinea Pig Eat? Not eating, not moving and decreased fecal production are all considered non-specific signs of disease. A loss of 2 to 3 ounces (57-85 grams) of body weight is a sign of a serious illness. The average lifespan for a guinea pig is about five to seven years. Guinea pig lethargic and not eating -- advice? If the loss of appetite is followed by diarrhea and fever, then a guinea pig is most likely suffering from an infection. This also applies to the domestic animals and sometimes the loss of appetite may not be apparent. You have switched the brand or type of the hay and your guinea pig is used to the previous option; You are overfeeding your guinea pig with vegetables and fruits; Your guinea pig is having troubles with grinding food like hay, most likely due to the dental problems. Our 4 year old guinea pig is not eating or drinking as much as she usually does. We comply with GDPR and advertising laws of United States. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; If you noticed that your guinea pig has stopped eating, that is a clinical symptom of many disorders from ileus, malocclusion of teeth, overheating, ketosis and infections. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; A guinea pig that is not eating or drinking needs to be seen by an exotics species veterinarian ASAP. There are three main reasons why your guinea pig might be refusing to eat hay: To learn more on how to balance guinea pig’s diet and what foods your pet has to eat, read this article. i got her 5 days ago and im really worried because she hasn't drank a thing even though shes ate some ! She is 8 weeks old. Instead of baths, wipe your guinea pig clean with vet-approved wipes or a warm, damp, cloth. Hey, guys. Some common signs include: If the loss of appetite is due to an infection, the guinea pig may have diarrhea or a fever. We are very concerned because we know she can not continue like this. It's almost impossible to gauge the age of an adult guinea pig after they are full grown. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; In this case guinea pig tends to switch to pallets because they dissolve easily. Health issues can be another significant cause behind your guinea pig, not eating their veggies or food. Vets are using special equipment to assess the mouth and a pet is usually sedated. guinea pigs to become successful companions. It is a medical condition when the emptying of stomach and passage of food in the intestinal tract slows down or stops completely. but he hasnt been eating much the past two days, and his favorite treats (apples, carrots) are just nibbled rather then eaten. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "growingreenho-20"; Another example of a liver disease that is associated with a weight loss is ketosis. When I try hand feed him he … Therefore, seek veterinary care if your guinea pig is suffering from either of these conditions. Guinea pigs are prey animals meaning that they are hiding any health issues so they can survive in the wild. The internal organs begin to shut down just a few hours after that. When a guinea pig stops eating, it means it is very sick. You might need to be patient enough for them to gradually switch over to the right kind of diet you want to offer to them. Give your pet some time to get used to the new diet and don’t give up on giving a daily dose of fresh greens. Guinea Pig food list - food they can eat and food they should not. And while anorexia is mostly due to various forms of infections, inappetence is a common manifestation of several diseases and disorders, including lack of fresh water, an inability to chew properly, or exposure to extreme temperatures. A Complete Guide To Guinea Pig Grooming Routine. Also, remember that you have to keep their cage away from the direct sunlight. Although companionship is very important for cavies as they are very social animals, sometimes a cage mate can stop the other one from eating. It is a fatal condition which can be treated with the right medications and immediate medical care. You may notice your guinea pig eating less, or not eating anything at all. It is very important to take your pet to the vet immediately once you noticed that your guinea pig is anorexic. It is a disease when the buildups of gas form in the stomach and/or intestines. In Care by Ana M. If you noticed that your guinea pig has stopped eating, that is a clinical symptom of many disorders from ileus, malocclusion of teeth, overheating, ketosis and infections. ANOREXIA. An older guinea pig may also sleep more and will take longer to recover from illness or other health issues. Pay close attention to how much food you put in his cage and how much he eats. Breeders tend to use the word cavy to describe the animal, while in scientific and laboratory contexts, it is far more commonly referred to by the colloquial name guinea pig. The daily cycle of a Guinea pig includes Eat, poop, sleep, and repeat. Loss of appetite can be a sing of many illnesses. The signs your guinea pig displays will depend on the underlying cause of its loss of appetite. Dietary changes and environmental changes may also trigger loss of appetite. amzn_assoc_linkid = "6e070ee2d21ae0bbee371ad3f86f4080"; He has had a good run and I'm surprised he has lasted this long. We are passionate about small pets and love sharing what we learn about them. Ileus can be caused secondarily by an underlying illness or stressor which in turn causes your guinea pig to stop But she shows no sign of pushing. Aw poor girl. Guinea pig pellets can be a great source of nutrition, as long as they are all-natural and hay-based. Many vets consider four-year-old guinea pigs to be approaching their golden years, but there is no hard and fast rule. However, as cavies age or become frail, they can find bath time stressful which can lead to panic and even heart attack. Let’s make it clear that anorexic refers to the condition when a guinea pig has stopped eating completely or is eating a little throughout a long period of time. It is a common behavior among male guinea pigs because they want to show their dominance. Do not confuse it with a partial loss of appetite known as inappetence. Guinea pigs need to be fed Vitamin C rich foods daily in order to keep healthy and ward off disease. Hello, I need some advice and some reassurance! They have some health issues. Because of the various causes to appetite loss, there is no surefire way to prevent the condition in guinea pigs. I had seen a guinea pig eating only one specific brand of the pellet when I first got her. Nevertheless, a whole day without eating properly can cause inevitable damage. To identify infectious-causing factors, however, your veterinarian will need to run various laboratory tests on the guinea pig. On the physical examination and X-ray they can find misaligned teeth that indicate on malocclusion. My 7 week old guinea pig is eating but not drinking!? Sometimes the reason why guinea pig stops eating lays in the actual product that your pet is avoiding. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; We provide an detailed list of food your Guinea Pigs really like and also a blacklist which food should not be provided to build up a proper diet. 12 respuestas. Guinea pig is most likely to stop eating if the food is too hard and/or unpalatable. Some say “senior” pig status starts at 3 year old. Force-feeding by your veterinarian or you may also be necessary if the guinea pig refuses to eat. 8 is a good guinea-pig mileage, Maybe the warmer weather is too draining for her too, but once they stop eating, it's not a good sign. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; 5 Steps To A Cuddly Hamster! Learning how to help your guinea pigs to become successful companions will certainly solve the issue with not eating due to problematic behavior. https://www.allguineapig.com/why-is-my-guinea-pig-not-eating 2 A guinea pig may have partial loss of appetite (inappetence) or refuse to eat altogether (anorexia). Ideally, your guinea pig’s food list should be 80% hay and 20% healthy pellets and veggies, with the occasional snack. Others say 5 years old. I currently have a 2 year old guinea pig (I have information about Cookie Dough on my profile) and I got a new guinea pig as a friend because her previous … Old guinea pig not eating or drinking. If your guinea pig is not eating and not defecating, then your pet might be suffering from a condition known as ileus. My guinea pig is about 7 years old and is on his last few days. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; The guinea pig or domestic guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), also known as the cavy or domestic cavy (/ ˈ k eɪ v i /), is a species of rodent belonging to the genus Cavia in the family Caviidae. Here you can find all the information about the guinea pigs’ health problems and well-being. Vitamin C plays a key role in maintaining a good guinea pig’s health and lack of it can lead to a condition known as Vitamin C deficiency or scurvy. That is why you need to conduct weekly weight checks. On the other hand, older guinea pigs tend to lose appetite due to their age. Moreover, anorexia is commonly associated with hepatic lipidosis and is apparent in 12 hours after the guinea pig has stopped eating. Feeding Kittens 101: What to Feed, How Much, and How Often, Infections (e.g., bacterial, viral, parasitic), Malocclusion of teeth (i.e., under-bite or overbite), Ketosis, a condition in which the liver produces excess amounts of digestive byproducts. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; Very moody and still not hardly eating. This eventually causes your guinea pig to become even sicker, there is weight loss and sometimes the liver becomes affected, too. This is the hardest part of loving a pet. (14 Posts) ... New Sow is a bossy little thing who has put Old Pig firmly in her place with a spot of rumbling and cabbage-stealing. Finally, a guinea pig who is not eating can be suffering from a gastrointestinal stasis. I thought she was going into labor soon. If your vet has advised you that your guinea pig has a Vitamin C deficiency then its especially important to provide them with foods rich in Vitamin C. One portion is one chunk, slice or several leaves for the leafy vegetables. Respuesta Guardar. How To Make A Hamster Cuddly? If your guinea pig is feeling sick, he probably won’t feel like eating much. Guinea pigs are not used to go without eating for a long time. How To Get Rid Of Guinea Pig Urine Smell And Keep A Cage Odor-Free. Normal guinea pigs should be given a bath no more than once or twice a month. can you tempt her with cucumber, watermelon, a grape, celery leaves - all nice juicy strong smelling foods that might get her interested in eating. Treatment is based on the underlying cause of the appetite loss. That is a number one reason to rule out when making a diagnosis. A guinea pig may have partial loss of appetite (inappetence) or refuse to eat altogether (anorexia). You simply want to make these things accessible to him if he can't get them himself. That is a condition when a liver produces excess amounts of digestive byproducts (ketones) and can be fatal. When a guinea pig does not eat, no matter what caused the anorexia, it also develops liver disease called hepatic lipidosis. What Are The Different Types Of Syrian Hamster? They need to have food in their digestive system constantly to avoid health problems like Diarrhea. It might be because they are already suffering from an illness and anorexia is one of the symptoms. If the amount of lost weight is equal to 4 or 5 ounces (113-141 grams), then you need to see an exotic pets veterinarian immediately. It is very common among younger or baby guinea pigs to have respiratory (pneumonia), bacterial or viral infections when they are just brought home. As we have discussed, a starvation can lead to your guinea pig being lethargic, so you need to have be prepared for the emergency with a handy first aid kit. So, on top of whatever is causing the disease, you now have liver disease to contend with in this little guy. Your sick guinea pig may also eat less and move around less often as she begins to feel lethargic. Also, old guinea pigs tend to stop eating when a cage mate passes away. She has fresh water always easily availible but not drinking! It’s important to also use your own judgment when deciding if your guinea pig is sick, as she may not always display these common signs. A cute vieo of guinea pigs ---LYRICS---a'm a piggybig and cubbywhat can I eat?hay and pelletsfruits and veggiesVITIUM C! 5 Proven Tips To Make Hamster Lose Weight. Make sure anything you feed your guinea pig is well-blended so he doesn't have to use up precious energy chewing (which he might not be able to do, anyway). On this website, you can learn everything about your new pet and we help to find the right pet rodent for you and your family! For example, several years ago I had a lovely pair of female guinea pigs: Boo and Georgie. She woke up two days ago but wouldnt get out of her bed she made. A guinea pig with crusty eyes, stuffy nose and loss of appetite is believed to have an upper respiratory tract infection. Exposure to wide temperature swings can lead to the loss of appetite in guinea pigs. my guinea-pig has stopped eating his nuggets but he still eats a couple of dandelions and a bit of hay.the only time he drinks if he is given water through a syringe.he lies in the corner of his cage and barely moves,he is only 2 years old.before this he was in the garden eating some leaves of the trees could he be poisoned? The disease is reversible through rapid and intensive feeding. However, it can get really tricky to figure out if your pet has a problem with teeth. I must agree with your mom that your guinea pig's time has probably come. The hallmark of the disease is a loss of appetite. We have tried tempting her with her favorite treats, lettuce, apples, potatoes, blueberries, and oranges with no luck. Although hay and pallets are nutritiously sufficient in the short term, guinea pigs have to eat veggies to get the vital dose of Vitamin C. If you just adopted or bought a guinea pig, then a cavy might not be fed fruits and vegetables before. However, feeding your guinea pig a well-balanced, healthy diet and providing it a stress-free, clean environment may help reduce the chances of the condition. 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. She acts like her back legs hurt she tries not to use them. and i have also noticed that he is constipated.is there … With age, you need to alter the usual care routine to meet the new needs. A loss of appetite could be because of various reasons: But shes still in her bed but is awake now. Cat Nutrition: What Makes a Nutritional Cat Food? If your guinea pig is not eating, get to a vet immediately to determine the cause and begin treatment. Here you can find a list of causes for anorexia in guinea pigs: If your guinea pig looks fine apart from not eating, then it is most likely that it is having some dental issues. Guinea Pigs loves to eat in fact they live to eat. After as few as 16 to 20 hours of anorexia, liver cells begin to break down and from then on, your pig will only get worse. No matter what is wrong with a guinea pig — be it a kidney infection, abnormal tooth growth, disease of the liver, or even an abscess — the only signs your guinea pig may show is not eating or drinking. Meanwhile, misaligned teeth is a good indicator of malocclusion, another factor for loss of appetite. Why Is My Guinea Pig Not Eating? Guinea pig losing weight and not eating A loss of appetite is directly proportional to the loss of weight. If a guinea pig does not eat for a long period of time, its condition may worsen quickly, resulting in liver problems and even death. For example, our Premium Guinea Pig Pellets are made with Timothy hay as the very first ingredient. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Guinea Pig Accessories"; Our website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Lately I've noticed that he hasn't been eating or drinking. Stress, pain, starvation and dental problems can lead to this condition which can also be fatal. And while anorexia is mostly due to various forms of infections, inappetence is a common manifestation of several diseases and disorders, including lack of fresh water, an inability to chew properly, or exposure to extreme temperatures. 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Daily in order to keep healthy and ward off disease why you need to various! Hours after that pet 's system will shut down just a few hours that... N'T drank a thing even though shes ate some, anorexia is commonly associated with weight., or not eating or drinking as much as she begins to feel lethargic baths, wipe your guinea achieves. There is no surefire way to prevent the condition in guinea pigs stop eating when a guinea pig to! Fat into usable energy and can lead to the vet immediately to determine the cause and begin.! In order to keep their cage away from old guinea pig not eating direct sunlight stomach and/or intestines lose appetite due to problematic.... Reality is that a guinea pig is not eating can be a fatal condition by Diarrhea and fever then.