Why is my guinea pig mysteriously losing weight?

Question

I have a year and a half old male guinea pig who in recent months has been dropping weight. His teeth are in good condition, no overlapping. He recieves vitamin c suppliments daily, as well as the occasional veggies. He weighs about one pound whereas my other two males weigh 2 pounds and are quite healthy. He lives in a cage with one of the other males. I cannot afford a vet visit so any advice would be terrific!! I am worried about my lil guy!

Answer 1

Guinea pigs can become stressed by sudden changes in water, food, or bedding. Guinea pigs display symptoms of stress in ways similar to other mammals. They become increasingly susceptible to disease, can become irritable and aggressive or the reverse, depressed and less active. They may also develop diarrhea and consequently lose weight, drink more water, and become listless. These may also be signs of an underlying illness. If your guinea pig is showing these signs and you are unable to pinpoint any recent changes in your pet's daily life that could have caused stress, it's best to seek a veterinarian's consultation. If you feel the signs are due to stress, remove the cause of stress, and consult your veterinarian if the signs are severe or continue for more than a day or two. Guinea pigs are generally hardy, but once they become ill, they are even more easily stressed. They do not handle clinical procedures or treatments well, so it is vitally important to keep your guniea pig in a good environment and on a proper diet to maintain his health.

Answer 2

Guinea pigs lose weight usually because they are ill. However if he is in a cage with the other males, he may be on the bottom of the 'pecking order' and they may eat more food than he does, leaving him wanting. He also may be stressed if the other males are picking on him, as male guinea pigs often fight. I would recommend watching them and making sure he is eating. If you notice that he eats just as much, he may have an intestinal parasite or other illness that is causing him to lose weight. In a normal 1.5 year old guinea pig, he shouldn't be losing weight.

I'm sorry to hear that you cannot afford a vet visit (usually a visit is only $40), but having pets is a responsibility and if you cannot afford to give them proper medical care, you should think about not keeping animals at all. Good luck!

Answer 3

Is your guinea pig drinking and peeing a lot too? Because I have a guinea pig who is losing weight and the vet diagnosed her with kidney failure. There is nothing they can do for it. But I would suggest trying to save up for a visit to the vet. Or maybe call your local humane society or spca and explain your situation to them and maybe they can help you.

Answer 4

a lot of times if my guinea pigs have worms they start loseing weight.try to look for a wormer that is safe for guinea pigs.you should also try seprating the two pigs and giving to sick one more food .that way you can monitor how much food he is really eating.

Answer 5

Snap a photo of yourself once a week to know progress that will also increase your confidence level

Answer 6

Try yoga to lose weight

Answer 7

swap out brown rice or quinoa yes even the new super food which both add up to about 220 calories per cup for cauliflower or roasted peppers that are only about 30 calories per cup

Answer 8

I had that problem with my long hair guinea pig.Moochie had constipation and started loosing weight.it only started after i changed his diet form lettuce and carrots to cabbage and carrots.i was told lettuce was bad for him.i would have him today had i not listened to them.

Answer 9

Set new goals even you lose 10 pounds

Answer 10

swap half of the avocado in a 1 2 cup of guacamole for zucchini