A change in a guinea pig’s diet can affect its need to drink. For example, if you increase the amount of dry roughage (hay and pellets), the animal will drink more. Also, if he eats mainly juicy foods (vegetables and fruits), then the need for water decreases since he receives a lot of liquid from food .
How do I get my guinea pig to drink more water?
Guinea pigs are able to get all the fluid they need from their intake of fluid-rich vegetables , like celery and cucumbers. Make sure to still provide them with water to drink, though!
How long can a guinea pig go without water?
A healthy guinea pig may be able to survive up to 24 hours without water, but they will be dehydrated after that time.
How can you tell if a guinea pig is dehydrated?
Your guinea pig may be dehydrated if you see any of these problems: thick sticky saliva, crusty eyes, poor appetite, small amounts of dark colored urine , or hard dry fecal pellets. In order to correct dehydration, extra water must be given to your guinea pig.
How much water should a guinea pig drink a day?
Guinea pigs normally drink about 100 mL/kg (3.3 ounces/2.2 pounds) of water daily, as cited in the book “Ferrets, Rabbits, And Rodents Clinical Medicine And Surgery.” This amount might increase or decrease slightly because of ambient temperature or humidity, activity level, or illness.
Should I force my guinea pig to drink water?
Many guinea pigs on a natural diet (no feed in the diet) do not drink water at all . Their body does not need additional fluid – they replenish the moisture supply with juicy food. But even then, the drinker must not be removed. ... And in no case should you be forced to drink, or pour water through a syringe.
Why is my guinea pig skinny?
A health guinea pig can seem a little skinny, but that might just be her normal weight. Weight loss in guinea pigs isn’t always bad as long as it’s no more than an ounce. Guinea pig owners should take their piggies to the vet if they notice that they’ve lost 2 or more ounces in a week.
Can I leave my guinea pig alone for 3 days?
Guinea pigs should never be left alone for more than 12 hours at a time . If you’re going to be away for an extended period, your piggies must have everything they need to keep them healthy and comfortable, including lots of food, water and toys.
How do I rehydrate my guinea pig?
- Offering your guinea pig his water bottle.
- Feeding him/her water via an eyedropper or medicine dropper (if he/she is unable to drink on his/her own).
- Offering veggies that have high water content, i.e. cucumber, iceberg lettuce, melon.
Can guinea pigs skip a meal?
There is no specific rule for how long guinea pigs can go without food , but generally, they should not be kept hungry for more than twelve hours. Keeping them hungry for a longer time period may disturb their digestive tract functioning and they may face liver and intestinal problems.
Why is my guinea pig laying on her side and twitching?
Typically, a guinea pig laying on its side is a sign of a happy, relaxed guinea pig. However, if lying on his side is accompanied by twitching, shortness of breath, or other signs of illness, your guinea pig is ill and should be taken to a vet. Guinea pigs also lie on their sides if they’re shocked or scared.
Can I give my guinea pig Gatorade?
Gatorade or vitamin C water can be given with a syringe if you think your cavy is not drinking. ... A sick guinea pig should get at least 50mg a day of this vitamin. If your cavy goes 18 to 24 hours without eating much, you might want to consider force feeding your guinea pig.
How do you save a dying guinea pig?
A dying guinea pig will become very weak and unable to feed or water himself as his death approaches. You can make his passing less uncomfortable by offering him water from a spoon, syringe, or water bottle. Blend or mix a guinea pig “smoothie” that contains hay, water and ground up pellets and feed it to him.
What do I do if my guinea pig has diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is not particularly common in guinea pigs, but it has been reported. The good news is that the disease can be temporary , and insulin therapy is usually not necessary. A low-fat, high-fiber diet is most important in treating–and preventing–diabetes.
How often should you change guinea pigs water?
You should change the water in your pets’ bottle at least once a day , and more often in warmer weather. You should also check it periodically throughout the day to make sure it hasn’t run dry.
Are you supposed to bathe guinea pigs?
Like cats, guinea pigs are clean-freaks and groom themselves all the time. This means they don’t need to be bathed too often . In fact, giving them a bath too regularly will do more harm than good, removing natural oils and causing dry hair and itchy skin.
