No, guinea pigs don’t die easily. However, since guinea pigs are small animals, they are susceptible to many common death causes. The most common death driver of guinea pigs is respiratory problems, such as pneumonia. Other causes of death include accidental poisoning, impaction of food or objects in the gut, and disease.
Common Guinea Pig Death Causes and How to Avoid Them
Guinea pigs are very social animals and require much love and attention to thrive. So if you’re looking to keep one as a pet, make sure you’re prepared to provide it with the care and attention it needs.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a common respiratory illness in pets and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Guinea pigs are particularly susceptible to this infection, as they cannot fight it independently. Signs of pneumonia in guinea pigs include coughing, sneezing, lack of appetite, and fever.
Treatment usually includes antibiotics and fluids given through an IV or drip feeder. If you notice these symptoms in your guinea pig, you must seek veterinary help as soon as possible!
Change in Environment
A change in environment can be pretty unsettling for guinea pigs, as they are not used to cold weather. So make sure you take all the necessary precautions before moving your pet into a colder climate.
Some of these steps include providing them with plenty of hay, straw, or other materials they can climb, ensuring their water is fresh and clean, and keeping drafts out of the room, so they don’t get chilled easily.
Dystocia
Dystocia is a severe condition that can happen to guinea pigs during childbirth. It occurs when the baby pig cannot exit the birth canal and dies.
You can do several things to try and prevent dystocia – provide plenty of food and water, exercise your guinea pigs regularly, and make sure the environment is calmer. If dystocia does occur, it is crucial to call a vet immediately to help save the pig’s life.
Salmonellosis
Guinea pigs are naturally susceptible to salmonellosis, a fatal illness caused by the salmonella bacterium. Salmonellosis is most commonly contracted through handling infected animals or their feces, eating contaminated food, or drinking water contaminated with the bacteria.
Some common signs of salmonellosis in guinea pigs include diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. Therefore, it is vital to keep your guinea pig in an environment that is clean and free from potential sources of infection.
Ileus
Guinea pigs are prone to developing gastrointestinal diseases like ileus, where the intestines become blocked due to a bad diet, illness, or stress.
The first step is to get their guinea pig checked by a vet and, if needed, given fluids and medication to clear the blockage. Most importantly, keep an eye on your guinea pig and try not to stress them out – this can worsen their condition.
Loneliness
As social animals, guinea pigs need companionship to be healthy. If you neglect this need, your guinea pigs may develop behavioral problems and eventually die.
Make sure you provide enough space for your pet and keep them healthy by providing them with toys and activities so that they stay entertained.
Wrong Bedding Materials
It is vital to ensure the bedding materials you use for your guinea pigs are safe and not harmful. It’s best to use cedar shavings, hay, or straw instead of wood chips or bark as bedding material. Guinea pigs need a warm and dry place to sleep, so make sure their habitat (including their cage) is also comfortable!
Dehydration
Keeping a guinea pig healthy and hydrated is crucial for their long-term well-being. You’ll have to provide them with plenty of fresh water every day. If they don’t drink enough, they will become dehydrated and eventually die.
To avoid this, make sure to give them a water dish that’s big enough and change it regularly. You can also put food in the bowl so your pet has something to eat while waiting for their next drink of fresh water. Finally, keep an eye on weight gain or loss – if your guinea pig starts looking thin, it’s time to take them to the vet for a check-up!
Stress
Guinea pigs are high-strung animals and can become stressed out quickly. Their immune system is suppressed when this happens, which can lead to health issues. One of the best ways to reduce stress in guinea pigs is to provide them with plenty of toys and playtime.
Additionally, set a routine for your pet and stick to it as closely as possible. This will help them to understand their environment better and reduce the chances of them becoming stressed in the first place.
If stress does arise, take measures such as disciplining your pet when necessary, providing positive reinforcement, and setting boundaries for your pet.
Remember, guinea pigs will occasionally display signs of stress. However, they can lead happy and healthy lives with patience and care.
Diarrhea
Guinea pigs are cuddly and playful pets, but they’re also susceptible to diarrhea. Diseases and parasites cause this common problem in the environment or on the guinea pig’s food.
Prevention is the best approach, so give your guinea pig a high-quality diet that’s rich in fiber. If diarrhea occurs, treat it with antibiotics as needed and seek veterinary care if it persists or worsens.
Parasites
Guinea pigs are cute and cuddly but can also be quite susceptible to parasites. These tiny creatures can become infested with parasites, which can be fatal. Parasites can spread through contact with the sick or dead guinea pig, so preventing infection is essential.
Look for obvious signs of parasitic infestation, such as lesions or swollen organs. If your pet may have been infected, seek veterinary help immediately!
