Why Is My Guinea Pig Not Eating? Learn What You Need to Do!
There are many reasons why guinea pigs should always have something to eat. For one, it keeps their digestive system moving. This is important because if their digestive system slows down, they can get very sick. Additionally, eating helps them stay hydrated and provides them with essential nutrients. It is concerning if they suddenly stop eating.
Why is my guinea pig not eating? It could be either a significant health problem or extreme stress. Some common health problems that may cause a guinea pig to lose their appetite are respiratory infection, digestive problems, and GI stasis. Excessive stress can also lead to a loss of appetite in guinea pigs.
If your guinea pig is not eating, it is important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes. Yet, this article will discuss everything you need to know about this issue with your guinea pigs.
Why Is My Guinea Pig Not Eating?
Something is wrong when your guinea pig is not consuming their typical food. It could be because of trauma, and trauma may be either emotional or physical. Or your guinea pig could be ill, and if they are not eating, it will only make them weaker and more susceptible to illness.
Many things can cause your guinea pig to lose its appetite, so it is essential to pay attention to any changes in its behavior or eating habits.
There are a few common reasons your guinea pig might not be eating.
Maybe They’re Not Feeling Well
If your guinea pig is lethargic, has lost interest in their surroundings, or isn’t eating or drinking, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.
Stress
Another common reason for decreased appetite is stress. If there have been any changes in their environment, such as a new pet or baby in the home, this could be the cause. Try to make their environment as calming and quiet as possible.
Due to Old Age
Older guinea pigs may simply have a decreased appetite due to old age. If your guinea pig is eating less but still acting normally otherwise, there’s no need to worry. Just offer them smaller meals more often throughout the day.
Different Mouth Disease
One of the most common issues for guinea pig not eating is if they face trouble eating and drinking. A variety of mouth diseases can cause this.
- Teeth problems: Guinea pigs have teeth that need to be worn down to keep them healthy and strong. If they don’t get enough exercise (by chewing things), their teeth can become crooked or even missing altogether. This can cause difficulty in chewing food, which in turn can lead to problems eating and drinking.
- Swelling from dental problems: If there’s swelling from dental problems, your guinea pig may not be able to get any food or water down because it’ll stay in their mouth and obstruct their breathing.
Recent Food Variations
The new food may not be digestible. Guinea pigs are herbivores and require a high-quality diet to thrive. If the new food isn’t digestible, your guinea pig may not be able to get the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Plus, the new food may contain too many harmful ingredients. Many foods explicitly marketed for guinea pigs can contain harmful chemicals and additives that can upset their stomachs and cause health problems.
Digestive Issue
You might be wondering, why does my guinea pig not eat vegetables? Digestive issues can inevitably affect the veg consumption of your guinea pig. Here are some common digestive issues your guinea pig might not be eating:
- Lack of appetite– Guinea pigs may not have an appetite due to a variety of reasons, including sickness, stress, or pain.
- Gastrointestinal blockage– Gastrointestinal issues may affect the guinea pigs diet. If your guinea pig has a blockage in its GI tract, it may not be able to eat or drink properly. This can lead to dehydration and weight loss.
- Infection– If your guinea pig has an infection in its GI tract, it may not be able to eat or drink because of the inflammation it causes.
Breathing Difficulty
One of the most common reasons a Guinea Pig might not be eating is because they are experiencing a respiratory infection. This type of infection can cause your guinea pig to have a bad cough and may make it difficult for them to breathe.
If you notice that your guinea pig is not eating or seems to be struggling to breathe, please take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
If They Do Not Get Enough Water
Dehydration is a common problem in guinea pigs and can lead to loss of appetite. Here are some of the most common reasons your guinea pig may not be eating:
Your guinea pig isn’t getting enough water. Make sure they’re drinking plenty of water. Guinea pigs like to drink from several different sources, so provide them with a variety of options.
If your guinea pig is exhibiting any signs of illness (sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea), make sure they’re getting treatment and hydrated as well. If dehydration is the primary illness, treating the dehydration will also help to improve the overall health of your guinea pig.
What Do You Do If Your Guinea Pig Is Not Eating?
If your guinea pig doesn’t eat, there are a few things you can try.
- First, make sure the food is fresh. If the food has been sitting around for a while, it may not be appetizing to your guinea pig.
- Second, offer different types of food to your guinea pig and see what they like best.
- Third, try different ways of presenting the food. Sometimes pigs prefer to have their food placed in their front paws instead of their mouths.
- Finally, keep an eye on your guinea pig’s body language. If they seem unhappy or aren’t eating very much, it may be time to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up.
FAQ
This FAQ solves any additional issues you might face when a guinea pig is not eating. We tried our best to answer the most frequently asked question regarding this issue!
How can I get my guinea pig to eat again?
You can try different foods, give him some enrichment such as hay or fruit, or try using a syringe to force food into her mouth. If none of these work, consider consulting a vet.
How long can a guinea pig remain healthy without eating?
When it comes to guinea pigs, the general rule of thumb is that they shouldn’t go over 8 hours without food. And it should not cross 24 hours, or it can be fatal for the guinea pig.
Should I force-feed my guinea pig?
Yes, you may try that one option. Though if the furry friend is sick, it won’t help. All you need to do is then take him to the vet.
Final Words
Make sure you take a look at your guinea pig’s eating habits and if there is anything you can do to help them. Guinea pigs are creatures of habit, so try to change their environment or feeding schedule as little as possible to see if that helps.
Finally, if all else fails, consult with a veterinarian. Now you don’t have to worry with the question in mind, why is my guinea pig not eating or moving? I hope you got everything you need to know from this blog.
Images Source:
- pixabay.com
- shutterstock.com
References:
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Ml6mS6dwMXcC&oi=fnd&pg=PT7&ots=C8pYpU3-m0&sig=SkELPAUZeOuV7DtB-C4HhLYMBJM&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1557506316300155