What is the main health concern with guinea pigs?

The following is a brief description of some of the more common problems of guinea pigs, which include respiratory infections, diarrhea, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), tumors, abscesses due to infection, urinary problems, and infestations by lice, mites, or fungus.

What you need to know about taking care of a guinea pig?

Guinea pig care basics: feed fresh hay, vegetables and clean water every day. Provide soft bedding in a large cage with chew toys, tunnels and a house to hide in. Regularly trim claws and clip teeth. Our first guinea pig had such soft, ginger fur and a little pink nose.

What are signs of illness in guinea pigs?

Signs to look out for that may indicate pain or illness in guinea pigs include:

• Reduced appetite or difficulty eating.
• Weight loss.
• Drooling.
• Drinking more water than usual.
• A change in the frequency and/or consistency of faecal pellets (e.g. diarrhoea or the absence of faecal pellets)

Can humans get sick from guinea pigs?

People can still get a Salmonella infection from guinea pigs, because these animals can carry the bacteria even when they look healthy and clean.

Do guinea pigs carry diseases?

Guinea pigs and hamsters. These pets can carry salmonella; lymphocytic choriomeningitis; Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, which causes an infection that mimics appendicitis; Campylobacter; Trichophyton mentagrophytes; Hymenolepis nana; and Trixacarus caviae, a parasitic skin infection found particularly in guinea pigs.

Is it hard to look after a guinea pig?

2. Guinea pigs are easy to care for. They require hay, fresh water, fresh vegetables and a small amount of pelleted food formulated for guinea pigs, plus a vitamin C supplement each day. They also need a fairly large cage lined with paper-based bedding.

Is my guinea pig sick or dying?

A sick and dying Guinea pig will have a very poor coat, which can look dull, show thinning, or appear to be rough. They may also have patches of hair loss and you may see inflamed areas of skin. You should also keep your eyes out for signs of parasites, such as ringworm, lice, and mites.

What is toxic to guinea pigs?

Make sure you do not feed your guinea pigs the following foods (this is not an exhaustive list): cereals; grains; nuts; seeds; dried beans, corn, and peas; buttercups; garden shrubs (such as hemlock or privet); lilies of any kind; sweet peas; nightshade; oak; avocado; onion grass; onions; potato tops; mushrooms; …