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When your guinea pig is sick, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible.

Guinea pigs are good at hiding their illness, and delaying veterinary treatment can cause problems in the long run. If you notice your guinea pig coughing or wheezing, this could indicate an upper respiratory infection (URI). These infections can be deadly without veterinary treatment. It’s crucial to get them checked as soon as possible.

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Feeding

Whether your guinea pig is sick or well, it needs to eat a balanced diet that provides the nutrients it requires. It should also receive fluids, calories, and fiber.
The guinea pig diet should include unlimited amounts of high-quality Timothy hay and smaller amounts of guinea pig pellets (minimum 16% fiber content). Vitamin C is especially essential for the maintenance of good health.
Fresh vegetables are another necessary part of a healthy guinea pig diet. Leafy greens like romaine, red and green leaf lettuce, kale, and cilantro are ideal. They are also high in vitamins A, B, and E. Other nutritious fruits and vegetables include red or green peppers, broccoli, and carrots. These should form the bulk of your piggy’s diet.

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Water

Guinea pigs can become dehydrated, especially when they aren’t drinking enough water to keep up with their digestive processes. Healthy guinea pigs can go up to 12 hours without water before developing any adverse effects, but this varies from pig to pig.
If you suspect your guinea pig is dehydrated, try giving it extra water. You can help them drink with a syringe or give them more veggies with a higher water content.
Some guinea pigs may prefer drinking from bowls, so be sure one is available near their food dish. Check it twice daily to ensure that it is still clean and for replenishment.
If your guinea pig has diarrhea, it’s good to give them lots of clean water and monitor their droppings closely. Once their fecal pellets are back to normal, start feeding them vegetables and fruit gradually while watching them. If their diarrhea gets worse, consult your veterinarian.
Dehydration is a common symptom of illness and can lead to low energy, clumsiness, fever, and loss of appetite.
Make sure to clean your piggy’s water bowl and change it frequently, as contaminated water isn’t safe for them. You can also add cucumber to the water for added nutrients. If your guinea pig isn’t drinking, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. That could be a sign of a severe health issue such as scurvy.

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Bedding

Guinea pigs can be messy and will relieve themselves in their bedding, so it is vital to keep their enclosure clean. Use paper bedding like CareFresh or washable fleece as their bedding. Change it every 3-4 days.
Guinea pigs can develop bumblefoot or pododermatitis. Its cause is chronic pressure on their feet. Bumblefoot occurs when their cage has a wire bottom or other hard surfaces that don’t have any cushioning effect on the bottom of their feet.
When a guinea pig is sick, it should be in a stress-free environment free of loud noises and unfamiliar animals. They should be weighed regularly and monitored for changes in activity level, appetite, fecal output, urine output, and body weight.
If your guinea pig does not appear better despite medication and home care, make an appointment with the vet. They can give your pig an antibiotic that will help them feel better. They can also check for bladder stones and urinary tract infections.

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Exercise

Exercise is critical to keeping your guinea pig healthy and happy. It helps improve circulation, respiration, and digestion, reducing the risk of obesity and medical conditions.
Guinea pigs are active, curious creatures that need plenty of room to roam and explore. They can be encouraged to move around by adding toys and enrichment, such as tunnels, caves, and play boxes.

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Guinea pigs require lots of care when they become ill, so be prepared because their health can degrade fast. Caring for sick guinea pigs can be time-consuming, so be sure you can provide this care when needed. It can be rewarding after the storm to see your piggy back to its happy, healthy self, popcorning and running around.

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