Vet shares five hidden warning signs every guinea pig owner should know
As part of Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW), owners are being urged to look out for five easily missed warning signs that could indicate something isn’t right with their guinea pigs.
As prey animals, guinea pigs can be particularly good at hiding signs of illness. They instinctively mask when something is wrong, meaning even small changes in their behaviour, appetite, weight or appearance can be important warning signs.
To help owners know what to look for, veterinary influencer Cat Henstridge, BVSc MRCVS, known as Cat the Vet, has partnered with GPAW to highlight the subtle changes that shouldn’t be overlooked and to help owners become more confident in understanding what’s normal for their guinea pigs.
From regularly checking their weight to keeping a closer eye on their eating habits, here are five warning signs every guinea pig owner should know.
1. Eating habits
A change in appetite can be one of the first signs that something isn’t right, but it isn’t always obvious. Look out for subtle differences such as eating less, losing interest in food, struggling to chew or changes in their droppings. If your guinea pigs stop eating normally, develop diarrhoea or you notice anything that concerns you, contact your vet for advice.
2. Weight
Weight loss can happen gradually and isn’t always easy to spot just by looking at your guinea pigs. You should weigh them weekly and keep a simple record so you can identify any changes or downward trends early. It’s also worth regularly checking their body condition by gently feeling along their sides and spine. You should be able to feel their ribs without them being overly prominent. Any unexpected or ongoing weight loss should be discussed with your vet.
3. Behaviour
Hiding, such as seeking out cosy shelters, tunnels or hideaways, is normal behaviour for guinea pigs, but a noticeable change in their usual routine or personality can be a sign that something isn’t right. Look out for behaviours such as hiding more than usual, becoming withdrawn, sitting hunched, avoiding interaction or seeming reluctant to move. Getting to know what’s normal behaviour for your guinea pigs makes it much easier to recognise when something has changed and may need further attention.
4. Eyes and nose
A guinea pig’s eyes should normally be bright and clear, with a clean, dry nose. Keep an eye out for anything unusual, including persistent, thick or coloured discharge, matted fur around the eyes, a runny nose or frequent sneezing. If you notice any ongoing changes to their eyes or nose, speak to your vet for advice.
5. Lumps, swelling or physical changes
Regular hands-on checks can help you spot changes that might be hidden beneath your guinea pig’s coat. During grooming, gently feel over their whole body, paying particular attention to areas such as the chin, back and armpits. Look and feel for anything unusual, including lumps, bumps, wounds, hair loss, flaky skin, swelling or areas that seem sensitive to touch. If you find a new lump, notice one changing, or spot anything else that concerns you, speak to your vet.
Cat the Vet advises: “If guinea pigs could talk, one of the most important things they would probably tell us is not to wait until they look obviously unwell before paying attention. As prey animals, they can be incredibly good at hiding when something isn’t right, so it’s often the small, subtle changes that tell us the most.
“Getting to know what’s normal for your guinea pigs is one of the best things you can do for them. Their usual appetite, weight, behaviour and appearance all give you a useful baseline, making it much easier to recognise when something has changed.
“Make regular health checks part of your routine. Take a few minutes to weigh them, watch how they’re eating and behaving, check their eyes and nose, and gently feel over their body. These simple checks can help you pick up on changes that might otherwise be easy to miss. And remember, you know your guinea pigs best, so if something doesn’t seem right or you’re worried about a change, always speak to your vet.”
Running from Monday 26th to Friday 30th October, GPAW, led by guinea pig care specialists Burgess Excel and supported by animal welfare and veterinary organisations, including GPWUK, RSPCA, Blue Cross, Woodgreen Pets Charity and Raystede, will champion the theme ‘Happy, Healthy Guinea Pigs’, encouraging owners to take a more proactive approach to their guinea pigs’ health and wellbeing.
At the heart of this year’s campaign is the Big Pig Health Check, a nationwide challenge calling on guinea pig owners, veterinary teams, charities and rescues to help at least 500 guinea pigs receive a simple five-minute ‘Piggy MOT’ on Friday 30th October.
Anyone who signs up will receive a free guide explaining how to carry out a Piggy MOT at home. As part of her partnership with GPAW, Cat the Vet will also share practical advice and demonstrations across social media to help owners carry out a Piggy MOT with confidence.
By encouraging owners to become more familiar with what is normal for their guinea pigs, GPAW hopes more people will be able to recognise potential concerns early, seek veterinary support when needed and help their guinea pigs live happy, healthy lives.
To sign up to take part in the Big Pig Health Check or for more Guinea Pig Awareness Week resources, visit: https://guineapigalliance.com/gpaw/
