Are you worried your guinea pig might be dying, or wondering what to look for as your guinea pigs age?
Signs your guinea pig might be dying include weight loss, poor appetite, and lethargy. Dying guinea pigs may have loud, labored breathing, or slow, shallow breaths. If you think your guinea pig might be dying, please see your veterinarian for help.
In this article, we’ll discuss signs your guinea pig might be dying and what you can do to help them say goodbye.
Important: Only Your Vet Can Diagnose Your Guinea Pig
Never assume you can’t help your guinea pig without speaking to a vet first! Even very ill guinea pigs can sometimes recover if they receive veterinary treatment–the sooner, the better.
If your veterinarian does confirm that your guinea pig is at the end of their life, they can still help. Painkillers or other medications may keep them more comfortable until they pass, or you and your vet may decide to allow them a peaceful passing through euthanasia.
Signs Your Guinea Pig Might Be Dying
Guinea pigs can die of various causes. Some common illnesses that can cause death include pneumonia, upper respiratory infections, stroke, heart attack, and cancer.
Here are some signs your guinea pig might be dying:
- Poor appetite or lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Labored breathing
- Shallow breathing
- Reduced heartrate
- Blue gums
- Cold extremities
- Swollen abdomen
- Bloody urine
- Lumps or bumps on or below the skin
- Paralysis
- Seizures
Of course, guinea pigs can also show these symptoms when they’re not dying. Please don’t panic if your piggy is showing a symptom on this list!
For instance, bloody urine can mean that your guinea pig has a bladder stone, which their vet can remove. Labored breathing can be a sign of respiratory disease, which is common and can be curable.
Remember, the best thing to do is stay calm and call your veterinarian. They can help you to evaluate the situation, set up an appointment, create a treatment plan, and give you a prognosis.
How to Care for a Dying Guinea Pig
Unfortunately, there does come a point for all piggies where all we can do is keep them comfortable. How you do so will depend on your guinea pig’s diagnosis and symptoms.
For piggies who are in pain, it might mean keeping lots of soft, plush items in the cage or moving their hidey house closer to their hay, so they don’t have to walk so far to eat.
Most times, guinea pigs will find comfort in the other piggies around them. But if there’s any squabbling or chasing, you may need to move the dying guinea pig to their own cage so they can be more comfortable. Keeping the cages side-by-side can allow them to interact without as much stress.
Spend time with your guinea pig in ways they like, such as cuddling in your lap or eating their favorite treats.
You’ll also want to monitor your guinea pig for signs that their illness is progressing, such as continuous weight loss or refusal to eat. Most veterinarians will recommend euthanasia once your guinea pig is having more bad days than good days.
Coping With Grief and Loss
After your guinea pig dies, it’s normal to grieve them. They’re a part of your family, and losing a family member is devastating.
Give yourself the time and space to grieve in a way that feels right to you.
You’ll also want to keep an eye on their cagemates, who will likely also be grieving in their own ways. Guinea pigs tend to do best if they’re shown the body of their friend, as they do understand death. If you can, give them a bit of time to see and smell their companion after they pass away.
If you only had two guinea pigs, you’ll want to give extra love and attention to the remaining piggy until you’re ready to adopt a new companion for them. Some guinea pigs like having stuffed animals in their cage for comfort, while others will ignore them–just make sure they don’t chew them up, as this can be dangerous.
Losing a piggy companion is never easy, but I hope this article has helped you get to know the signs that your guinea pig is dying and how you can help. Remember to give them the best life possible for the time they have left, and to see a vet promptly if you suspect serious illness.