Just like all living things, a guinea pig’s time on earth will eventually come to an end. While most guinea pigs live to the age of 6, some can make it all the way to 10. Just like anything that is aging, there are some tell tale signs of when a guinea pig is dying. While some of these things are unavoidable, you may be able to prolong your guinea pig’s life by spotting the signs early and taking action. It can sometimes be hard to spot these signs, because similar to cats, guinea pigs are very good at hiding their pain and/or illness. In today’s article, we will cover exactly how to know if your guinea pig is dying.
How to know if your guinea pig is dying
Below are the main ways to know if your guinea pig is dying:
Not eating or drinking
One of the main ways you can tell that a guinea pig is dying is if it stops eating or drinking. If you have a guinea pig, you probably know that they are constant eaters, and will almost always have a piece of hay or a pellet in their mouth. If you notice that they are refusing to eating, it is usually a sign they are sick and getting ready to die. The same goes for their water bowl. A guinea pig with a serious illnesses loses all motivation to eat or drink.
Weight loss
It may be hard to spot a difference in their eating habits, but weight loss can be pretty apparent. Guinea pig’s typically have the same day to day routine and eat the same amount of food, so there is no reason why they should experience any rapid weight loss. Therefore, a guinea pig that is losing weight fast is most likely dying.
Losing hair
Another way to know if your guinea pig is dying is by the condition of their fur. A guinea pig’s fur is actually is a pretty accurate indicator of their overall health. A guinea pig with a lot of soft, fluffy fur is usually in a healthy state. On the contrary, a guinea pig with rough hair that is falling out is most likely sick and/or dying.
Difficulty breathing
Respiratory problems are also a common sign in guinea pigs that are dying. This can include a wide range of symptoms, from coughing, sneezing, to difficulty breathing. If you suspect your guinea pig has a respiratory illness, you should take them to the vet immediately.
Crustiness around eyes and nose
A guinea pig that is dying may also start to form crustiness around their eyes. This can be from an excess of liquid coming from the eyes, or from snot build up in the nose. The guinea pig’s eyes might also start to turn yellow.
Lack of movement
Lastly, lack of movement is a common sign that a guinea pig is dying. This is usually the most obvious sign that your guinea pig is dying, especially if you have an active guinea pig. A guinea pig will likely spend its last days or hours laying down in the same position in the cage.
