Why Do Guinea Pigs Die?
Guinea pigs are one of the most adorable pets that you can own, and nothing can be more heartbreaking and upsetting than losing them. Some of them suddenly keel over one day, and others gradually weaken over time and die within days after falling victim to disease.
Many times these cute pets die without a warning which makes their owners wonder...why do guinea pigs die?
Generally, guinea pigs die because they’re adept at hiding their illnesses. It means that most owners don’t notice anything until it's too late. It’s hard for them to fight off different illnesses without proper care, and unless their owners notice they are feeling ill they do not get the care that they need in time.
It can be very difficult to determine that your guinea pig is at risk of dying if you don’t know the common causes and signs of a dying pet. In this post, we’ll discuss the common causes of their death. We’ll also cover the signs that you should watch out for.
What is the Most Common Cause of Death in Guinea Pigs?
Pneumonia is the leading and most common cause of death in guinea pigs. It’s caused mainly by a couple of bacteria types known as Bordetella bronchiseptica and streptococcus pneumonia. In rare cases, adenovirus can also lead to pneumonia in guinea pigs.
The most common symptoms of this illness are appetite loss, sneezing, difficulty in breathing, nasal discharge, weight loss, fever, and pink eyes due to inflammation. If you notice any of these symptoms, then you should visit a vet right away.
The most common treatment method is administering antibiotics by mouth, and if the pet is suffering from difficulty in breathing, the vet may also offer oxygen therapy. In addition, you might need to administer vitamin C to enhance the immunity of your guinea pig.
It’s important to note that cleaning the drinking vessels and the dirty cage properly is also very helpful.
Can Guinea Pigs Die From A Dirty Cage?
Although guinea pigs don’t die directly because of a dirty cage, it can be very dangerous for them. The unclean cage conditions can cause both physical and mental problems for them that can lead to death.
Why is A Dirty Cage Dangerous for Guinea Pigs?
A clean cage ensures a healthy environment for guinea pigs where they can live happily and actively. A dirty cage, on the other hand, can cause:
- Accumulation of dirt and dust with harmful germs
- Serious respiratory problems
- The growth of fungal and bacterial buildup
These conditions can affect the immune system of guinea pigs greatly and quickly become life-threatening.
Why Do Guinea Pigs Die So Easily?
The average life span of guinea pigs (4 to 8 years) is longer when compared to many other small animals.
Lack of proper care is the biggest reason why guinea pigs die so easily. As mentioned, they hide their illnesses, and it becomes very difficult to notice whether they’re sick or not.
Just like any other animal, guinea pigs are prone to many diseases, and you need to control them. Therefore, timely vaccination and visiting your vet regularly are important to maximize their life span. In simple words, taking proper care is the key to keep your guinea pigs from dying an unnatural death.
How Do Guinea Pigs Die?
Other than pneumonia, many reasons can lead to the death of your guinea pigs. Here we have compiled a list of the most common ones and how to avoid them.
Ileus
Ileus is another common cause of death in guinea pigs. It’s usually caused by the gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract of the guinea pigs. It can easily kill your pet if it reaches severe levels.
If you notice any differences in the defecating and eating patterns of your guinea pig, consider visiting a vet.
Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that’s not only dangerous for your guinea pigs but also your family. The common symptoms of this disease are inactiveness, enlarged liver and spleen, loss of appetite, dehydration, inflammation of eyes, and fever.
If you notice these symptoms, then the chances are your guinea pig is suffering from Salmonellosis. Get your pet checked as soon as possible to deal with this disease.
Loneliness
Guinea pigs are social animals and love to live in groups. If their companion dies, they tend to show grief and isolate themselves. In worst cases, they can even die of loneliness without any prior warnings.
In such a scenario, you’ll need to spend more time with them and show more love, care, and attention.
Stress
There are many reasons that can cause stress in guinea pigs, and that includes a change in environment, overcrowding, dietary modification, and medical conditions. The most common symptoms of brain damage in guinea pigs are long durations of unresponsiveness and flickering of the eyes.
Scurvy
This condition in guinea pigs occurs due to the deficiency of vitamin C. Like humans, a guinea pig’s body doesn’t naturally produce vitamin C that improves the health of their joints, intestines, and skull membranes.
The common symptoms of vitamin C deficiency are dental problems, diarrhea, rough fur, limping, appetite loss, weak body, and weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult with your vet about supplementing with this important vitamin.
What are the Signs of A Guinea Pig Dying?
The signs of a guinea pig dying are common irrespective of their medical conditions. If you observe any of the following signs, get your guinea pig checked right away.
- Lack of appetite
- Fever
- Bad feces and urine
- Respiratory issues
- Poor coat conditions
- Pink eyes
- Mobility issues
- Lethargy
- Behavioral changes
- Sleeping for a longer period of time
What Do I Do If My Guinea Pig Dies?
If you’re certain that one of your guinea pigs has died, the first thing to do is to deal with all of the emotions it involves, especially for your kids. You’ll also need to look for the symptoms of depression in other guinea pigs to make sure they don’t die of grief or loneliness.
After that, you’ll need to cover the piggy that has passed and place it in a container.
You’ll have the following options option to you:
- Bury the guinea pig
- Get the guinea pig cremated
Summary
Guinea pigs are one of the most adorable and cutest animals to pet. At the same time, they can be very fragile when ill. You must not ignore any changes in their behavior and see the vet as soon as possible.
The lack of care, attention, and love are the biggest reasons why these cute pets die unnaturally. But with proper care, you can maximize their life span to spend more time with these cuddly pets.