Guinea Pig Health Warning: 8 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
So, you love your guinea pig. Obviously. Otherwise, why would you be reading this? But here’s the thing—guinea pigs are masters at hiding when something’s wrong.
They could be on the verge of a crisis and still be munching on hay like nothing’s happening. Annoying, right?
That’s why you, their loving human, need to stay one step ahead. If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t shrug them off. Let’s break down the eight biggest red flags you should watch for in your guinea pig.
1. Loss of Appetite – When Your Piggy Says “No Thanks” to Food
Guinea pigs are eating machines. They snack all day, every day. If your cavy suddenly stops showing interest in their usual feast, sound the alarms.
🚨 Possible Causes:
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Start Training Today! 🐾- Dental issues – Overgrown teeth are a big problem. If chewing looks painful, this could be the culprit.
- Gut stasis – A slow or stopped digestive system is deadly if not treated quickly.
- General illness – Just like us, they lose their appetite when they’re sick.
🛑 What to Do: If your pig isn’t eating for more than 12 hours, call a vet. No, they won’t “just eat when they’re hungry.” This is an emergency.
2. Weird Poop – Because Yes, You Should Be Checking That
Poop tells everything about your guinea pig’s health. Too small? Too soft? Weird color? If their poop suddenly looks different, your piggy is trying to tell you something.
🚨 Possible Causes:
- Tiny, dry poop? Dehydration. Give them more water and check their hay intake.
- Mushy or runny poop? Could be a diet issue, stress, or even something serious like parasites.
- No poop at all? GI stasis. This is urgent—call the vet.
🛑 What to Do: Keep an eye on their droppings daily (yes, it’s gross, but necessary). If things look off for more than a day, get help.
3. Labored Breathing – Sniffly Pigs Are Not Cute, They’re Sick
Guinea pigs should breathe silently. If you hear wheezing, clicking, or congestion, that’s bad news.
🚨 Possible Causes:
- Respiratory infection – Super common, super dangerous.
- Allergies – Dusty bedding? Strong smells? Fix it ASAP.
- Heart issues – Less common but serious.
🛑 What to Do: Any breathing trouble = vet trip. Respiratory infections can go from “hmm, that’s weird” to “oh no, this is really bad” in hours.
4. Weight Loss – When Your Piggy Starts Looking Like a Supermodel (Not in a Good Way)
A little weight fluctuation is normal, but noticeable weight loss? 🚩 That’s a huge red flag.
🚨 Possible Causes:
- Dental issues – Again, those teeth cause all the problems.
- Internal parasites – They can steal nutrients and make your piggy lose weight fast.
- Underlying illness – Something deeper could be going on.
🛑 What to Do: Weigh your guinea pig weekly. A cheap kitchen scale works perfectly. If they’ve lost more than 10% of their body weight, don’t wait—get them checked out.
5. Lethargy – When Your Piggy Acts Like a Couch Potato
Guinea pigs aren’t exactly known for being hyperactive, but they should be alert and moving around. If your pig is just sitting there, barely moving, something’s up.
🚨 Possible Causes:
- Pain – Could be from arthritis, illness, or an injury.
- Low blood sugar – Yes, guinea pigs can get this too.
- Serious illness – If they’re not interested in food or exploring, assume the worst.
🛑 What to Do: If your usually lively pig is acting like a lifeless potato, call the vet. Lethargy often means something serious.
6. Odd Noises – Because Guinea Pigs Have a Whole Soundtrack
Guinea pigs are talkative, but some sounds mean trouble.
🚨 Sounds to Watch For:
- Loud, high-pitched squeals – Pain or extreme distress.
- Wheezing or clicking – Could mean a respiratory infection.
- Teeth chattering – Usually a sign of annoyance, but constant chattering could mean pain.
🛑 What to Do: If your pig is making new or unusual sounds, especially paired with other symptoms, get them checked.
7. Bald Spots or Itchy Skin – Not Just a Bad Hair Day
Healthy guinea pigs have thick, smooth fur. If yours has bald patches, redness, or is constantly scratching, they might have skin issues.
🚨 Possible Causes:
- Mites – The invisible menace. They burrow under the skin and make pigs miserable.
- Fungal infections – Like ringworm (ew).
- Allergies – Bedding or food could be irritating their skin.
🛑 What to Do: A vet visit is needed to diagnose the issue. Don’t try random creams—some human treatments are toxic to guinea pigs.
8. Drooling – The “Why Is My Guinea Pig Slobbering?” Mystery
Guinea pigs should not drool. If they do, their teeth are probably the culprit.
🚨 Possible Causes:
- Overgrown teeth – The most common reason. If their teeth get too long, they can’t eat properly.
- Mouth infection – Painful and dangerous.
🛑 What to Do: If your guinea pig is drooling, get their teeth checked ASAP. This isn’t something that fixes itself.
Final Thoughts
Guinea pigs are adorable, but they’re also fragile. Unlike dogs or cats, they don’t give you obvious signals when they’re sick. They just act fine… until they’re not.
The golden rule? If something seems off, don’t wait. Small issues can turn into big problems fast. And trust me, an early vet visit is always better (and cheaper) than an emergency one.
So, keep an eye on your piggy, weigh them weekly, and trust your gut. They might not be able to tell you when something’s wrong, but now you know the signs.
Stay sharp, and keep those floofs happy! 🐹✨
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
