How to Tell If Your Guinea Pig Is Dying

Guinea pigs are wonderful animals for children, since they are clean, quiet and friendly. Because they are quiet and spend a lot of time sitting still, it may be hard to know when they are sick, and just how sick they are. If you are really concerned, take your pet to a veterinarian. These steps can help you assess your pet's behavior and health.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Look at how it is lying. Lying on its side instead of on top of its feet is an indication that it is sick, although this does not necessary mean it is dying.

2. Start to pick it up. Does it tense its muscles? If it remains limp when you lift it, its body has probably already begun shutting down.

3. Check its body temperature. If it feels cool, this means the body is already shutting down.

4. Look at the eyes. If the eyes look dry or sunken, this means the animal is severely dehydrated, almost to the point of death. Offering it water will probably not do any good at this point. Only IV fluids administered by a vet (immediately) can reverse this.

5. Consider the age of your guinea. Although guineas have been known to live up to six or seven years, anything over four years is considered old.

6. If your guinea pig has only one of the above signs, take it to the vet for treatment. If you guinea pig has all of the above signs, consider wrapping it gently in a towel and holding it close to you for some special last moments together.

Tips & Warnings

• Always take your guinea pig to a vet if you are concerned about its health.
• Make sure your vet has experience with small animals, not just dogs and cats.