Guinea pigs are always so commonplace now that it's easy to forget that they are fragile creatures and delicate constitutions. The key to health is the right guinea pig care, accommodation and food, but occasionally you will be anxious to see your guinea pigs with symptoms or behaviors that cause you about their health and wellbeing.
One of the most common fears that new guinea pig owners face is how to tell when and if their beloved pet is sick. Below are some of the common symptoms that may initially cause concern, but are easily treated at home by a change in diet or over the counter remedies.
Sneezes The occasional sneeze is nothing to be concerned, we all do it when we come in contact with dust or something. However, if you notice persistent sneezing on an allergy to his bedding or grass She fed him either. For further investigation, change his bedding to a different kind and stop feeding fresh grass to see whether the symptom disappears. If the persistent sneezing stops, the chances are that he is allergic to one or more of the removed item. To identify which one to reintroduce the items one by one, and if the symptoms reappear, avoid the offending material again.
Cough As the occasional sneeze cough is OK. It may be that he got something in the back of his throat, and coughing to clear it. Sunflower seeds are a treat, but make sure that they were initially as the hulls are a major choking hazard peeled. Make sure he has access to plenty of water especially if you are feeding him dry guinea pig mix and include fresh fruits and vegetables in his diet.
Itching and scratching Itching and scratching is a normal behavior care. However, when done excessively can be a parasite or fungal infection. Parasites are easily recognized by brushing and look at the skin for signs. Small brown creatures crawl at skin level are lice and black specs of "dirt" means fleas. The treatment is a parasite shampoo readily available at your veterinarian or local pet store.
If your guinea pig is free parasites, it is possible that it is a fungal infection. Most fungal infections glows under UV light and are treated with a medicated shampoo or a topical cream available from your veterinarian.
Milky White Urine Guinea pig urine is milky course, but if it is white or "muddy" sees this too much calcium in their diet. Avoid your pet "licks" to get back on the calcium-rich foods such as spinach and broccoli and provide a varied diet.
Extremely loose stools Loose stools after a seizure of pigs on fresh foods can happen, just cut back on it and feed the little piggy more hay. You can also restore the balance of intestinal flora by giving them half a capsule of Lactobacillus acidophilus and readily available at any health store.
Hair Loss Molting in guinea pigs is quite normal and it is common for them to develop a bald spot an injury such as a bite, cut or scratch, but not excessive hair loss. The causes of hair loss can be parasites such as mites, fungal infections such as tinea or in extreme cases cysts. Treat the parasites and the hair will grow back after the infection is gone. If the cause of hair loss is not immediately apparent, you have your vet check it out.
Watery eyes Tearing of the eyes is likely to be caused by a stimulus such as dust, but can be a symptom of an allergy. The easiest way to treat irritated eyes is to perform an eye wash. Your veterinarian can show you how to do this at home.
Stiff joints Stiff joints are a leading symptom of scurvy, which is a vitamin C deficiency. The guinea pigs unique physiology means that they do not produce or store vitamin C in their bodies, so that they fresh foods that need daily rich in this essential vitamin. Peppers (Capsicum), spring greens and Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin C such as strawberries, oranges and kiwis. Remember, to give a little each day as too much at once can cause diarrhea.
It can be scary when the little animal that you love and care for is sick, however, to know more about guinea pig care will help your anxiety and allow you to diagnose and treat your sick guinea pigs with confidence....
