Guinea Pig Is Eating But Losing Weight

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

A guinea pig's weight will normally differ by a few grams every time you weigh. This is because of hydration, food (or lack thereof) etc. So a difference of up to 35 grams (1.2 ounces) per week shouldn't be too much of a concern. However, if the weight drop is above this level, you should certainly take notice. A drop of over 85 grams (3 ounces) almost certainly means an emergency and you should rush to the vet right away.

If you notice a significant weight loss of over 2 ounces, you should check to see if your pig has been eating and drinking properly. Most of the time, insufficient nutrition is the culprit. Don't be fooled simply by seeing empty food bowls, though, because guinea pigs sometimes stow away their food instead of eating it. So even if all the food has disappeared, the pig might not have eaten it all.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Meat? Vet Approved Nutrition Facts & Faq

If you find that your pig won't eat properly, you can quickly try changing his or her 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's a problem and you need to see a vet. Until you see one, you should make sure the pig is decently fed even if it means force-feeding him or her. Force-feeding should be done very carefully with the help of a clean syringe.

Sometimes, you may notice that your pig loses weight within the safe range but the weight keeps dropping week after week. Such consistent loss is alright as long as the cavy doesn't gradually go too light. Obviously, every guinea pig is different and has its own natural weight but if your pig is an adult female, her weight shouldn't normally drop below 1.5 lb. (24 ounces) and if male, his weight should be no less than 2 lb (32 ounces). The only exception to this rule is if your piggy is of an unusually small frame.

A number of diseases can cause your guinea pig to lose weight fast. The most common of these are malocclusion and scurvy, either of which may be diagnosed by your veterinarian. Sometimes, problems in the pig's teeth can also hurt the pig while eating, discouraging him from eating anything; this can also contribute to weight loss.Weight loss in guinea pigs can be one of the first signs that something more serious is going on, and should definitely be further investigated to find the underlying cause. Some of the more common reasons for weight loss in guinea pigs include dental disease, reduced appetite and food intake, stress and environmental factors, and other types of illness. 

Health Problems With Guinea Pigs

It is really important to have a consultation with your cavy-savvy vet to investigate why the weight loss is occurring, as guinea pigs can become critically ill very quickly.

We always recommend to weigh your guinea pig weekly on a small set of scales to monitor their weight, and also allows you to pick up on any changes early. 

If your guinea pig is not eating, you will need to supplement their diet with OXBOW CRITICAL CARE formula. This not only keeps nutrition up to your guinea pig, but provides a high fibre content, and promotes gut motility. Critical care is sold as a powdered product that is mixed with water, allowing syringe feeding. It is important to NEVER FORCE any food product down the back of your guinea pigs mouth and stop immediately if any coughing occurs as it is possible to aspirate, resulting in potentially life threatening pneumonia. Dilution and feeding guides are found on the product packaging, and is available to purchase at most pet shops or vet clinics. WE RECOMMEND ALWAYS HAVING A PACKET OF CRITICAL CARE ON HAND FOR EMERGENCIES. 

Guinea Pig Stops Eating Or Moving

If your guinea pig is having difficulty eating due to dental disease but still has a good appetite, grating vegetables such as carrot, celery, zuccini and capsicum can allow for easier chewing. 

It is also a good idea to take the opportunity and review the overall health of your guinea pig and the husbandry you provide. Are they receiving a balanced and adequate diet? Do they have an unlimited supply of hay and fibre? Are they losing weight due to not being offered enough food or not eating the food being offered? Is their vitamin C content adequate? Is there any stressors in the environment such as other guinea pigs or animals? Are there other signs of illness such as drooling, reduced motility, lethargy or wounds?

*please note the above advice does not substitute a consultation with your veterinarian, and we strongly encourage veterinary care for any signs of weight loss or illness. *

Blog: A Guide To Managing Your Guinea Pigs Weight

If your guinea pig is having difficulty eating due to dental disease but still has a good appetite, grating vegetables such as carrot, celery, zuccini and capsicum can allow for easier chewing. 

It is also a good idea to take the opportunity and review the overall health of your guinea pig and the husbandry you provide. Are they receiving a balanced and adequate diet? Do they have an unlimited supply of hay and fibre? Are they losing weight due to not being offered enough food or not eating the food being offered? Is their vitamin C content adequate? Is there any stressors in the environment such as other guinea pigs or animals? Are there other signs of illness such as drooling, reduced motility, lethargy or wounds?

*please note the above advice does not substitute a consultation with your veterinarian, and we strongly encourage veterinary care for any signs of weight loss or illness. *

Blog: A Guide To Managing Your Guinea Pigs Weight