Guinea Pig Care
5. Health, Illness, Signs and symptoms
Guinea Pig, like all living things can get sick from time to time. We offer free health checks at the L.A. Guinea Pig Rescue but we are not veterinarians. It is important to have a vet that you trust that is comfortable and experienced in treating guinea pigs. I have created a Vet List from viewer recommendations from all over the world. You can also
Contact Me with a recommendation if you have a vet you trust. Please make the subject "Vet Rec".
Knowing when to go to the vet is the best way to save your pets life when you think something is wrong. Guinea Pigs can mask their illness, and many of the signs and symptoms are subtle. Changes in their behavior, appetite and overall appearance are indications that they are not feeling well. It isn't right to ignore a sick or suffering pet. They are part of your family and deserve loving care in good health AND in sickness. LUCKILY Guinea Pigs respond well to medical treatment if
the illness is caught early, they're treated by a vet who has experience diagnosing guinea pig illnesses and the equipment and remedies required. This video explains some of the more common guinea pig illnesses, how to identify them, and what possible treatment options there are. Learn how to do a Home Health Check HERE. Guinea Pig Pet Health Insurance is a real thing in The United States and is offered by Nationwide.
Pet Insurance may be available from other companies in other countries. Here is my video sharing my experience with Guinea Pig Pet Health Insurance. The video comments are a great place to ask questions. Some other common illnesses include Ringworm, Upper Respiratory Infection, Mange Mites and Bloat. Here are some videos about each of those topics and links to some common over the counter treatments.
I'll say it again, never put off going to a vet! I can't help in an emergency either. These videos are meant to help you learn and identify illnesses but in a medical emergency, it is a trained medical professional that is going to be able to diagnose an illness and provide the care and treatment your piggies need. Mange (Mites) and Ringworm have similar symptoms like itching and scabs, but they also present in different ways, and are fundamentally different. Ringworm is a Fungal infection, Mange (mites) are a Parasitic infection.
Ringworm is not a worm, it is a fungus just like "athletes foot" and is very common and curable. It can be serious if left untreated. Ringworm is also confused with mange mites.
Mange is very uncomfortable & life threatening for Guinea Pigs. But it is EXTREMELY EASY TO CURE!!! Mange is a parasite that can cause itching so bad your Guinea Pig can have a seizure and die. Here's how to cure it: Ivermectin Liquid or paste. Childrens Benadryl helps. BE CAREFUL NOT OVERDOSE IVERMECTIN! Dizzyness is a sign of overdose. Babies under 4 weeks SHOULD NOT get Ivermectin. Small pigs should only receive a fraction of a dose as it relates to body weight. Prevention is only 1 dose! Small Pigs should get 1/2 or 1/3 dose based on body weight compared with a full grown pig . Err on the side of caution!
ADULT GUINEA PIGS ONLY!
Dose: 1 drop on Ear - Topical Preventative: 1x (injectable type -
but 1 drop on ear works
Dose: Orally:
0.3-0.5 cc (ml) orally
Every 3 hours or as needed.
Less is better,
it can be habit forming
If showing symptoms
dose: small pea sized
amount 1x week / 3 weeks
If showing symptoms
Once every 3 days - 3x total
ADULT GUINEA PIGS ONLY! Pea sized amount
in mouth.
Preventative: 1x
Do Not Give to Babies!!
Nails made an amazing recovery, Watch the whole story here:
Having a good EMERGENCY KIT and being familiar with what's in it, and how to use the items can be your saving grace in an emergency!
Skinnypigs1 is an amazing resource for ALL THINGS GUINEA PIG RELATED! If you're here, you probably already know about Skinnypigs1!
I have been given permission to post Skinnypigs1's Emergency Kit Video here>>> It presents all the things you should have (or aspire to have) in your emergency kit. I've tried to gather links to most of the items here, and found the best price.
Emergency Kit Video
Critical Care
Electrolyte Mix
1ml Oral Syringe
Benebac probiotic
5ml Oral Syringe
Saline Solution
The #3 MUST- HAVE Guinea Pig Item in this video is Terramycin Ointment. At the L.A. Guinea Pig Rescue we use it for eye injuries and wounds. It can literally save your piggies eye if they get a hay poke or other eye injury. Time is of the essence in these situations, so it's something you want to have in your Emergency Kit!
These are most of the Emergency Kit items, plus some items that I think are important. If you watch my videos regularly, you probably be familiar with a lot of these things. So far, I have only gotten positive feedback about these listings here. They are great items to have in your piggy emergency or regular care kit.
Terramycin Ointment
The #1 MUST- HAVE Guinea Pig Item is Oral Syringes. Listed above, 1ml syringes are my favorite for medecine, Vitamin C and even Critical Care. For Critical Care, I like to cut off the narrow tip so that the Critical Care can go in and out of the syringe easily. But Oxbow makes Critical Care Fine Grind which is smaller particles of emergency food which dispense easier and may be easier to eat.
Other Common Illnesses
Guinea Pig Breathing Issues can be signs of a number of different illnesses. Bad breathing sounds can be a sign of an Upper Respiratory Infection, Pneumonia, or even Heart Disease as it can cause pressure and fluid in the lungs. Only an experienced Veterinarian can diagnose this and prescribe the right treatment. Luckily guinea pigs with breathing issues respond well to treatment and medicine as long as you have the correct diagnosis AND you DON'T WAIT! Find a Recommended Vet HERE
Watch the full Illness Playlist HERE
Guinea Pig Tooth Issues can cause extreme weight loss, liver damage and even death!
Bumblefoot is very painful! Caused by unsanitary conditions, dirty bedding, weakened immune system, It can lead to serious infection and death!
Soft Poops can be a sign of digestive issues.Too much fresh veggies can cause soft poops. Check out the Food Guide Here. These videos are all about soft poop and how to fix the problem.
Benebac is probiotic paste that can help get your piggie's
digestion back on track. We also use it with antibiotics, not at the same time, a few hours apart.
Bene-Bac Probiotic Powder is the same probiotic ingredients as the paste but in a powder for. It may last longer unused and is convenient in many cases that the gel isn't ALSO Mikey really likes it! He hates the gel, but he LOVES this! You get more for your money, and it seems to be more widely available! Keep it in your Emergency kit. Order it BEFORE you need it. Be Prepared.
Activated Charcoal is a great treatment for runny poops and diarrhea. It also can detoxify in the case of accidental poisoning or Ivermectin overdose (which I'm hearing about more and more) The same regiment is good for both situations. In the case of accidental poisoning, every few hours is okay.
Watch the full Illness Playlist HERE
This information is meant to be educational, so that you can make the best decisions, and care for your guinea pigs. Only a qualified vet can diagnose and treat serious illness. While many conditions can be treated at home, it is important that you have a vet you trust and you know when to see them. Pet Insurance can help with high costs and allow you to focus on the well being of your pigs.
A list of vets worldwide was submitted by Scotty's Animals viewers and are only included based on their positive experience. All these vets were recommended by guinea pig owners, the viewers.
Your health matters too!
Allergies are one of the TOP REASONS GUINEA PIGS GET SURRENDERED!
100% ozone free, does not use UV or ions which produce trace amounts of measurable ozone, a harmful air pollutant and lung irritant. 3-Stage Filtration: Pre-Filter, True HEPA Filter, and High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter work seamlessly together to eliminate airborne bacteria, dust mites, mold spores, allergens, odors, pet dander, smoke, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
When I was struggling with Hay Allergies in the Animal Room, I asked what Air Purifiers you recommend. Levoit sent me the new Vista200 True HEPA Air Purifier. Designed in California.