What do you do when your guinea pig won't eat or drink?

Answer 1

I'd be concerned since they need quite a bit of Vitamin C which is found in their food. If yours hasn't eaten its food than maybe you should try hand feeding it a little bit of something, like some Oranges - that will give them nutrients and the Vitamin C that they need so they don't' get Scurvy. Also, you should include hay into their diets.

If you've changed their food brand, try switching back to the old one. Some animals are very picky about food changes.

Also, be weary of the chips you're laying in their cage. Mine died because we used a brand that had cedar in it which is actually toxic to piggies even though its marked safe for animals. Use the pine stuff only.

If your animal isn't eating, there's more than likely something wrong. Look for warning signs.

Have they lost weight? Piggies lose weight FAST. Mine went from looking normal to skeletal in 2 days. TWO days.

Try putting only a small bit of food int heir bowl, enough for you to count so you can see if maybe they are eating and maybe you just aren't noticing.

Be wary. Everything that's alive needs to eat, and if your little piggie doesn't eat, they may die.

Answer 2

First evaluate his actions. Does he :

• Week loudly when you touch or otherwise pet him?
• Not eat when you put food in front of him?
• Have a cage mate that might cause an issue?
• Have a hoarse or cracking sound when he weeks?
• Drink lots, and lots but still doesn't eat?
• Stay in his protective dome, log, or other device?
• Have a dirty cage or bedding?
• Have enough Vitamin C in his diet?
• Not interact with other house animals?

If you answered 'yes' to any of the above, your guinea pig could be suffering from a number of things including :

1. Vitamin C Deficiency - This could cause a host of unwanted issues including loss of appetite, lethargy, and scurvy.
2. An Upper respiratory Infection - This usually results from use of the wrong kind of bedding, a dirty cage or bedding, and not being dried off promptly after a bath.
3. Another, more serious issue.

If you suspect your guinea pig to have any of the above, or something more complex, take him to the veterinarian immediately. Failure in doing so could ultimately lead to severe pain, suffering, or worsening of the symptoms followed by death.
Guinea pigs are very fragile in nature as far as their health goes. They should not be handles roughly or aggressively, and children under the age of 4 at least should not come into contact with them unless under the strictest of supervision as accidents caused by either the child or the pig could occur. (Namely biting, and death from the child playing too roughly.)
IMPORTANT : If you suspect you piggy of being sick, KEEP HIM AWAY FROM OTHER ANIMALS! I cannot stress this enough. Your other pets COULD GET SICK! Keep in mind that some sicknesses are much more difficult to treat in other species of animal.
The best thing to do is keep him separate, keep him dry, and try to feed him foods rich in Vitamin C until the scheduled vets appointment.

In the end your vet can give you an accurate diagnosis of the problem and treatment that he will need. DO NOT skip doses, and ALWAYS listen to your vet. Once he is better you may want to keep an eye on the following :

• His actions around other animals.
• His eating habits.
• His reaction to being touched or petted.
• His playfulness compared to his normal range of playfulness.
• His reaction to his medication.
• Keep his bedding and cage SANITARY at all times.
• His drinking habits. (It IS normal for them to drink a lot.)

Other than that, you vet will be able to answer any other questions. Good luck!

Answer 3

It may have been taken away from it's mother too early. In which case it probably would have to be bottle fed. Otherwise it might be ill in which case I couldn't help you.

Answer 4

not very long!!!! About a few days, to even a few weeks. Its EXTREMELY painful for the piggy to go without food