How Do You Know When a Guinea Pig Is About to Die

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Unfortunately, many pocket-sized pets (especially rodents) do non live long, so we must exist prepared to somewhen say goodbye. Republic of guinea pigs generally live for 5 to viii years, assuming they do non experience any serious injuries or diseases sooner than this.^[1] If your guinea pig is nearing the end of his life, there are some things you lot can practice to assistance make his concluding moments equally comfy as possible.

1. one

   Assess your guinea hog's behavior. There are some signs that your guinea sus scrofa may be nearing the end of his life. Still, in that location are no behavioral cues that 100% guarantee that your guinea grunter is dying; some may give no alarm whatsoever, while others may appear to be on their deathbeds but live for quite some time after. Some potential signs include:^[ii]

   • Loss of ambition
   • Deadening movement or lack of activity
   • Incontinence
   • Less playful behavior
   • Labored breathing

2. 2

   Estimate his historic period. Unless you accept had your guinea squealer since he was born (or got him from someone who did), chances are you don't know exactly how old he is. Signs of aging testify upwards at roughly predictable points in a guinea hog'south life and can be used to gauge their age (and thus how close to death they may be). This is best done past a veterinary. Signs of crumbling include:^[iii]

   • Thickened, twisted toes
   • Cataracts (cloudy eyes)
   • Tumors/growths on the trunk or caput
   • Stiffness in the joints/hobbling

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3. iii

   Have notation of slowness and fatigue. As your guinea hog ages (and particularly in his last few weeks of life), he may become less agile and slower in his movements. Once he becomes unable to climb ramps or stand up or walk around much, this is a sign that his body may be failing him.^[4]

   • You should e'er note your pet'south energy level relative to his younger, healthier self. Some guinea pigs may have always been lazy; if yours is this way, and then his slowness may not be a sign that he is nearing the terminate of his life.
   • If your pet is overweight, his fatigue may be a result of this. Keep your pet good for you by monitoring his nutrient and treats and keeping his intake at a normal level.

4. 4

   See a veterinarian. If you suspect your guinea sus scrofa may exist sick or injured, or if you think he may exist approaching the cease of his life, seek medical attention for him. In add-on to providing potentially life-saving treatment for your sick guinea pig, a vet tin can provide her professional stance regarding your pet's wellbeing and whether anything tin be done to save him.

   • In some cases, an aging or terminally ill guinea pig may be in a great bargain of hurting (depending on the nature of his malady); if your vet tells you that this is the case for your pet, consider whether euthanasia is the nearly humane selection.^[5]

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1. 1

   Keep him near his companions. Guinea pigs are social creatures, and then if you have more than one, you lot should avert separating them when one is dying. Doing so could brand both animals anxious or deplorable, and this is the last thing you want to do as your republic of guinea hog makes his grand get out.^[six]

   • It might be a practiced idea to carve up your ailing guinea sus scrofa from his friends if he is in pain or the other guinea pig tries to rough-business firm with him. You will need to brand this judgment yourself based on the state of affairs.

2. 2

   Wrap him up. Placing a pocket-size, light-weight blanket or piece of soft cloth on top of or around your republic of guinea pig will keep him from getting cold and volition help him relax. Your guinea pig may become incontinent as his bodily systems begin to shut down, so change out the blanket every and so often to go on your pet reasonably clean and comfy.^[vii]

   • Many animals (and people) are much more sensitive to cold as they age and begin to die, so keeping your older guinea sus scrofa's muzzle environs slightly warmer than you used to can ameliorate his comfort substantially.
   • Use a material or cloth that your republic of guinea grunter is familiar with to enhance his condolement with the state of affairs.

3. 3

   Assist him with basic needs. A dying republic of guinea pig will become very weak and unable to feed or water himself as his death approaches. You can make his passing less uncomfortable past offering him water from a spoon, syringe, or water bottle. Blend or mix a guinea pig "smoothie" that contains hay, water and ground up pellets and feed it to him.

   • Don't force your guinea squealer to eat or potable if he doesn't desire to. Yous but want to brand these things accessible to him if he can't become them himself.
   • Brand sure annihilation you feed your guinea squealer is well-blended so he doesn't accept to use up precious energy chewing (which he might non be able to do, anyway).

4. iv

   Testify affection. You tin can gently cuddle or stroke your republic of guinea hog to comfort him and express affection. This will help your republic of guinea pig know that he is not lonely and should reduce whatsoever fright or anxiety he may be experiencing. If you hold him, practise then in a way you know he likes and that won't crusade him any unnecessary pain or discomfort.

   • Many guinea pigs similar to take their foreheads gently stroked. If you know your pet enjoys this, do this as he passes away.
   • Take notation of any body language or noises your republic of guinea pig may be making and adjust your physical contact with him accordingly; don't practise anything that causes your pet hurting.

5. v

   Provide a peaceful atmosphere. Your guinea sus scrofa will be most comfortable in warm, tranquillity space with lighting that is neither too bright nor too dark. Soft, pleasant, natural sounds (such every bit birds singing or the blathering of a brook) may be comforting to your pet. It may too be best to requite him some infinite toward the finish so he tin skid away peacefully. Check on him often to offer nutrient and h2o.

   • If there is a specific toy or other item you know your guinea pig is fond of, place this object next to him. The simple presence of items he enjoys may provide your pet a sense of at-home.
   • Care for your dying guinea pig as you lot would a sleeping babe; annihilation that is likely to wake a snoozing babe will probably also be unpleasant for your pet.

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1. 1

   Decide how to deal with the remains. Y'all will need to choose a method for disposing of the remains of your republic of guinea pig once he has died. You tin can deal with your pet's remains however you wish, and so long as information technology is germ-free and the remains are kept away from children and other pets.^[8]

   • It may assist the grieving procedure to comprise your guinea hog's body disposal into a memorial or burial ritual.
   • Be sure your handling of your republic of guinea pig'southward remains does non violate any laws or health/prophylactic regulations. For instance, don't dig a grave on someone else's property or ready a fire where prohibited.

2. 2

   Show companion pets that your guinea grunter has died. If your guinea pig had a companion (such as a rabbit or another guinea pig), y'all should let his trunk to exist viewed by the surviving pet(s). Many animals are able to recognize when another animate being is dead, and this sometimes seems to help them cope with the situation.

   • If you take your dying republic of guinea hog out of his muzzle and never return him, your other pet may become broken-hearted or mournful as a outcome of having been "abandoned" by his companion.
   • It is not necessary to leave the deceased guinea squealer'due south corpse solitary with the remaining animal; simply showing him the body of his companion and letting him sniff around for a moment should suffice.

3. 3

   Memorialize your republic of guinea pig. This can take on many forms; a pet memorial of some kind serves to acknowledge your pet's death while jubilant his life. These rituals can be isolated events or can be something yous exercise every now then to pay tribute to your guinea pig. Any you choose to do, it should be something that brings yous some peace of mind. Some suggestions include:

   • Hold a pet burial.
   • Share funny stories well-nigh your pet with friends and family.
   • Expect through old photos of your guinea hog.
   • Institute a flower or tree in tribute.

4. 4

   Recognize that grief is normal. It is entirely healthy to grieve the loss of a dearest pet. You will handle the loss of your guinea hog much more easily if y'all let yourself experience the natural feelings that accompany the loss of a loved one. This procedure is actually no different from coping with the loss of a human relative or friend.

   • Seek back up from friends, family members, or groups of individuals who are going through a similar state of affairs. Avoid individuals who can't empathize your grief or who make low-cal of your feelings in any mode.
   • Allow yourself to exist distressing and avoid thinking that your feelings are "light-headed" or "unjustified."

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Add together New Question

• Question

  What are the signs of a guinea pig dying?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinarian surgery and companion animate being practice. She graduated from the Academy of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

  

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• Question

  How long can a guinea pig go without food or water?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinary with over thirty years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the aforementioned animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

  

  Veterinary

  Good Answer

  

  Back up wikiHow past unlocking this expert reply.

  Going without food and water is extremely dangerous for a republic of guinea sus scrofa. As few equally 12 hours without nutrient runs the risk of inducing gut stasis, which tin be fatal unless treated promptly. As a dominion, if a guinea sus scrofa doesn't eat for 12 - 24 hours, then see a vet immediately.

• Question

  What can cause a guinea hog to die?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a caste in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

  

  Veterinary

  Good Answer

  

  Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

  At that place are many reasons a republic of guinea squealer might die, merely gastric stasis is one of the common causes of unexpected death. This is when the gut 'goes to sleep' and is unable to procedure food. The guinea pig apace becomes weaker and can laissez passer away in merely a few days.

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• If your guinea pig squeaks, that means it may be defective attending. Make sure to requite your republic of guinea pig full attending when possible.

• Always take your guinea squealer to a vet if y'all suspect he may be ill or injured. Suspecting that your pet may be nigh the terminate of his life anyhow is not a good alibi to deprive him of medical attending if it can help brand him more comfortable.

• If your guinea grunter purrs, he/she may be aroused with y'all or a companion(s). Feed him/her with them sitting in your lap. It gives necessary time to cool off.

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• Never adopt a pet until you take familiarized yourself with the animal'southward specific needs. For example, guinea pigs require lots of vitamin C in their diet considering they tin can't produce it.^[9]

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Article Summary 10

To care for a dying guinea pig, make sure to proceed information technology near its companions, since guinea pigs are social creatures and accept comfort in being together. Additionally, cover your guinea pig with a lightweight blanket to keep it warm, because dying animals are more sensitive to the cold. You should also offer information technology food that's blended into a smoothie, and water from a spoon to brand eating and drinking easier. Along with basic care, make sure to caress and stroke your guinea sus scrofa as much equally you can to reduce its fearfulness and show your affection. For more than information from our Veterinarian co-author, including how to recognize signs that your guinea pig may exist dying, read on.

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