Why is my guinea pig not moving? [Here’s Why and What to Do]
If you wake up in the morning to find that your guinea pig is not moving, it can be both disconcerting and worrisome. You may even worry that he has died overnight, but that isn’t necessarily true.
So why is my guinea pig not moving? The most common causes of a guinea pig not moving include severe pain, illness, shock, heat stroke, or tooth issues. Also, a new guinea pig will likely hide until it adjusts to its new environment.
This guide will walk you through possible reasons why your guinea pig might have stopped moving or become lethargic. Also, we’ll provide suggestions on how to deal with it to help them recover.
Why Is My Guinea Pig Not Moving?
There are a few potential causes for lack of movement. These include infection, heat stroke, respiratory illness, shock, or even injury from fighting with another animal. You can use some simple steps to determine whether there is an issue with its health. For example:
- Does it make any sounds when you try to touch it, or does it react?
- Check for drooling – does your guinea pig seem to have excess saliva coming out of its mouth?
- Are they breathing heavy?
- Are they making any noises like wheezing or snoring?
- Does your guinea pig appear to be in pain, such as arching its back and/or squeaking?
- And finally, does your guinea pig want to eat anything despite being unresponsive?
If you answered yes to all these questions, then it’s possible that your guinea pig is suffering from a serious illness or condition. The best thing you can do at this point is to get professional help immediately.
Is Not Moving Normal For Guinea Pig?
It’s normal for a guinea pig to sleep quite often, and so it’s common not to see them moving during these periods. However, if you haven’t seen your guinea pig move in at least two hours or it has been four hours or more, then something could be wrong.
Instances when guinea pigs are not moving is considered normal
A guinea pig not moving is not always a cause for worry. So, what is considered normal?
Napping
Guinea pigs nap occasionally and will remain very still. Signs of a sleeping guinea pig include:
- Whiskers or ears moving
- Rapid eye movements (guinea pigs often sleep with their eyes open)
However, guinea pigs are kings of the power nap and will only sleep for a couple of minutes (up to 30 minutes) at a time. Therefore, long periods of continuous sleep are not normal unless your guinea pig is ill.
New environment
A newly adopted pet guinea pig may be slow to move and explore because they are adjusting to the change in their living conditions. Therefore, give them time to adjust before you make any conclusions. They will usually acclimatize after a day or two if given a chance.
Spayed or neutered pigs
Your guinea pig may be in shock due to being spayed or neutered. The procedure is done under anesthesia, and sometimes the sudden shift can cause the animal to pass out.
It may take a while before your guinea pig starts moving around again. Sometimes, it may be best to keep an eye on them for a while to avoid post-surgery complications.
Scared guinea pig (playing dead)
Guinea pigs are prey animals and will play dead amid fear or terror. It’s a tactic to evade predators, including wild animals, household pets, or even you. They can remain still for up to one hour. To know if a guinea pig is playing dead, lift it up and feel its muscles. You’ll notice the muscles are still flexible.
Baby guinea pigs
It’s normal for baby guinea pigs not to move, eat or drink anything on the first day. It’s because they are overwhelmed with the new environment. But they’ll eventually start to move around, eat, and drink on the second day.
Guinea pig not moving but breathing: 5 reasons that may be a cause for worry
Some causes may indicate an emergency situation. Here are five worrisome reasons why your guinea might not be moving.
Heat stroke
Guinea pigs are vulnerable to heat and hence better suited to cooler temperatures. So when the guinea pig’s internal body temperature is raised too high, the organs begin to shut down, and your pet will go limp or lethargic.
Illness
Your guinea pig might have an illness that is causing a lack of mobility. Some illnesses may include internal infections, respiratory diseases, old age arthritis, malnutrition, dental problems, and gastrointestinal obstruction. A lack of vitamin C due to malnutrition will also cause your guinea pig to move more slowly or not at all.
Shock
Shock can be fatal. Guinea pigs experience three types of shock due to exposure to allergens, fear, a change in environment, and excessive loss of body fluids.
Paralysis (Hind leg paralysis)
This is one of the more common paralysis in guinea pigs. Hind limb paralysis in guinea pigs may be caused by trauma, stroke, infection, vitamin C deficiency, or calcium deficiency.
Parasitic infection
Heavy lice or mite infection can cause excessive pruritus. This can lead to seizures or convulsions in guinea pigs. Your guinea pig will twitch and lose control of its limbs.
Is My Guinea Pig Dead Or Just In Shock If It Is Not Moving?
It can be difficult to tell if your guinea pig is truly dead or just in shock after being dropped or startled. Here’s how to tell the difference.
Signs of dead guinea pig
Dead guinea pigs will experience rigor mortis that makes the muscles stiff. The condition sets in within minutes of death, lasting up to 72 hours.
Signs that your guinea pig might just be in shock
- Breathing (put your finger under the nostrils to detect breathing)
- Pulse in the thigh area
- Movement (however slight)
- Your guinea pig feels warm to touch
- Shiny eyes
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about a guinea pig who isn’t moving and the most relevant answers.
Why is my guinea pig not moving but breathing?
Many reasons cause guinea pigs to not move, from severe illness or injury, trauma, and fear, to simple tiredness. Some cases are normal and don’t need medical intervention.
Why is my baby guinea pig not moving?
Baby guinea pigs are overwhelmed with their new environment in the first few hours. Hence, they may appear very still.
Is it normal for guinea pigs not to move when you first get them?
Yes. A new pet may be frightened and naturally hunker down in its cage. This is to help keep the stress of being in an unfamiliar environment to a minimum. Though guinea pigs should start exploring their surroundings after some time has passed.
Final Thought
Many factors can make a guinea pig stops moving. So don’t worry that your pet might be dead.
We recommend keeping track of their activity level and adjusting your environment accordingly. Also, check in with your vet for more information on what could be wrong with them. Plus, you may want to look up common symptoms of illnesses in guinea pigs that might impair mobility.