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Pet care tips and advice for your furry (or scaly) friends • Ethical pet care tips and product recommendations •

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Guinea Pig Health

Common issues and health checks

Common Health Issues

Overgrown Teeth

  • Their teeth grow continuously, just like rabbits.

  • Signs: drooling, difficulty eating, weight loss, small droppings.

Scurvy

  • Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C.

  • Signs: swollen joints, lethargy, poor coat, reduced appetite, pain when moving.

Respiratory
Infections

  • Very common and can become serious quickly.

  • Signs: sneezing, crusty eyes, nasal discharge, noisy breathing, lethargy.

Lumps and 
skin issues

  • Mites are extremely common and can cause severe itching.

  • Signs: scratching, bald patches, dandruff, scabs, sudden “fits” from pain.

Health Checks

Health Checks are important so you can catch any illnesses early and can get your guinea pig the veterinary care they need quickly. Always be asking:

  • Are they eating and drinking?

  • Are they behaviour normally?

  • Are they active and alert?

Ears 

Eyes 

  • Clear and open

  • Discharge 

  • Irritation

  • Different size to normal

  • Cloudy

Nose

  • yellow/orange teeth

  • bottom teeth are longer than the top

  • white teeth is a sign of stress

  • Odour from mouth

Mouth and teeth

  • normal position

  • Discharge 

  • Lumps/bumps/warts

  • Clear

  • Discharge 

  • Swollen

  • Laboured breathing

  • Clear skin

  • little bumps on paws

  • fur loss

  • abnormal lumps

  • cuts/wounds

  • too long nails

Skin,fur & Paws

  • clear

  • discharge

  • swollen

  • bleeding (females dont have periods)

Genitals

if you notice any of these red symptoms, contact an exotic vet

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