Pets

Is Your Guinea Pig Losing Weight?

Weight loss is very common in guinea pigs and is not a cause for panic. But when you notice that your guinea pig is losing weight, you need to monitor the situation very carefully to make sure everything is going well. Naturally, this means that you should regularly weigh your pig (twice a week is advisable) and look for a significant change in weight.

How much is a “significant” change in weight?

The weight of a guinea pig will normally differ by a few grams each time you weigh it. This is due to hydration, food (or lack thereof), etc. Therefore, a difference of up to 35 grams (1.2 ounces) per week should not be a big concern. However, if the weight drop is above this level, you should definitely take note. A drop of more than 85 grams (3 ounces) almost certainly means an emergency and you should see the vet immediately.

What to do if you notice a weight loss.

If you notice a significant weight loss of more than 2 ounces, you should check to see if your pig has been eating and drinking properly. Most of the time, poor nutrition is to blame. However, don’t be fooled simply by looking at empty food plates, because guinea pigs sometimes put away their food instead of eating it. So even if all the food is gone, the pig may not have eaten all of it.

If you find that your pig is not eating properly, you can quickly try changing its diet. Buy a different brand of guinea pig food, spice up the menu with different fruits, vegetables, etc. If it still doesn’t work, then there is a problem and you need to see a vet. Until you see one, you need to make sure the pig is well-fed, even if it means force-feeding. Force feeding should be done very carefully with the help of a clean syringe.

What is the average weight of a guinea pig?

At times, you may notice that your pig loses weight within the safe range, but the weight keeps dropping week after week. This constant loss is fine as long as the cavy doesn’t gradually get too light. Obviously, each guinea pig is different and has its own natural weight, but if your pig is an adult female, her weight should not normally drop below 1.5 pounds. (24 ounces) and if you are a man, your weight should not be less than 2 pounds (32 ounces). The only exception to this rule is if your little pig has an unusually small build.

Possible illnesses

Several diseases can cause your guinea pig to lose weight quickly. The most common are malocclusion and scurvy, either of which can be diagnosed by your veterinarian. Sometimes pig teeth problems can also harm the pig while it eats, discouraging it from eating anything; This can also contribute to weight loss.

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