Most people have experienced diarrhea before, so when your guinea pig experiences it, you may not think much of it. However, diarrhea is a very big problem for guinea pigs. Here's what you need to know about this very serious symptom.
Why is diarrhea a problem?
Diarrhea is a major concern because it can cause dehydration. Pigs lose a lot of fluid when they have diarrhea, and if they're not drinking enough water to replenish their fluids, they can become dangerously dehydrated. Diarrhea can also be a symptom of more serious underlying health conditions that need to be treated.
What causes diarrhea?
Guinea pigs can get diarrhea for a few reasons. If you recently started feeding your pig more fruits and vegetables, or switched to a different type of guinea pig pellets, the change in food may be irritating their digestive system. Diarrhea can also be a symptom of food poisoning; your pigs can get sick from unwashed or contaminated produce, just like you can. Diarrhea can also be a reaction to antibiotic treatment.
What should you do if your pig has diarrhea?
If your pig has diarrhea, you need to see your vet right away. Trying to treat the diarrhea at home by giving your pig more water or trying to make changes to their diet is dangerous because you have no way of knowing for sure what the real problem is. The vet will be able to diagnose the exact cause of the diarrhea and then treat it appropriately.
How do vets treat diarrhea?
Vets at a place like Ark Veterinary Hospital replace the fluid lost due to diarrhea with intravenous fluids. This keeps your pig safe from dehydration. Once your pig is hydrated, the vet will take samples of the diarrhea to figure out if a parasite or bacteria is responsible. Once the underlying cause is discovered, it can be treated with appropriate medications.
Can you prevent diarrhea?
You can't prevent all cases of diarrhea, but you can help reduce your pig's risk of this unpleasant symptom by feeding them carefully. If you want to increase the amount of vegetables your pig is eating, do it gradually to allow their body time to adjust. Make sure to thoroughly rinse all vegetables first; you wouldn't eat unwashed lettuce, so don't feed it to your pet, either.
Diarrhea is a serious problem for guinea pigs, but if you get prompt veterinary treatment, your furry friend should be okay.
Share4 August 2015
Our pets are like our children — they need to be cared for when we are away. After being a stay at home mom for many years, I had to make some serious adjustments when I reentered the workforce. My children are all grown, but my dog just can't be home by himself. I had to find a day care for him to go to when I went to work. I was conflicted — how do I choose the day care that will provide him with the love, care and attention that he is used to? This blog will provide you with the same tips that I was given that helped me choose.