Do guinea pigs play dead?

Playing Dead

In the wild, cavies lie motionless on their backs to make predators think they are already dead. Domestic guinea pigs sometimes use this tactic if they become very frightened.

Why do guinea pigs drop dead?

Pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs, is a frequent cause of death in guinea pigs. Pneumonia in guinea pigs is usually caused by bacterial infection (most often Bordetella bronchiseptica, but other bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Streptococcus zooepidemicus may also be the cause).

What happens when a guinea pig dies?

When a guinea pig dies, it is important that the remaining guinea pigs are able to say their goodbyes, if this is at all possible. Place the passed Guinea Pigs back into their cage or hutch, for just a few minutes for this to happen. They may ignore their friend or look from afar, or nudge them to try and wake them.

Can you scare a guinea pig to death?

Unfortunately, guinea pigs can die from being scared. A sudden, quick change in their environment can lead to their death in almost an instant. And it is not an uncommon thing either, there are plenty of cases and scenarios where a guinea pig tragically died because of a surprise or an event that scared it to death.

What does it mean when a guinea pig lays down in front of you?

Guinea pigs lay flat because they feel safe and comfortable enough with you and their surroundings, and they just want to lay still and relax for a while. Most of the time there's no problem with a guinea pig lying down flat because it just shows that it's peaceful enough for them to be able to relax out in the open.

Step by Step Guide: Teaching Guinea Pigs to Play Dead | GuineaDad

How long does a guinea pig play dead?

This usually happens within minutes to an hour after death and can last up to 72 hours. If the pet's eyes are shiny, without stiff muscles, and you notice breathing, then it's possible that your guinea pig is in shock. If your guinea pig is in shock, you still need to take action quickly.

How do you know if your guinea pig hates you?

What is the most common cause of death in guinea pigs?

Pneumonia. Pneumonia is actually the leading cause of death in Guinea pigs. It is generally caused by a bacterial infection. Some of the symptoms of pneumonia include wheezing, trouble breathing, discharge from the nose or mouth, weight loss, reddish eyes, and depression.

How do you comfort a dying guinea pig?

You can gently cuddle or stroke your guinea pig to comfort him and express affection. This will help your guinea pig know that he is not alone and should reduce any fear or anxiety he may be experiencing. If you hold him, do so in a way you know he likes and that won't cause him any unnecessary pain or discomfort.

Do guinea pigs cry?

So, although we wouldn't consider guinea pigs to cry 'emotional tears', like all mammals their eyes do produce physical tears. This is to keep their eye moist and clean.

Do guinea pigs know when their companion dies?

Guinea pigs benefit from seeing their deceased cage mates too. They may push, lick and even gently nip at a friend that has died but only in an attempt to wake them. With time, they begin to realise that their companion isn't moving and seem to feel less distressed when the body is removed from their habitat.

Do guinea pigs get lonely when one dies?

If one of your guinea pigs sadly dies, leaving a single guinea pig left alone then yes, your remaining guinea pig will be very lonely and needs a companion. If you have more than two guinea pigs and one dies, then it's not absolutely necessary to get another, but if you want to buy or adopt more then go right ahead.

What does a dying guinea pig look like?

A sick and dying Guinea pig will have a very poor coat, which can look dull, show thinning, or appear to be rough. They may also have patches of hair loss and you may see inflamed areas of skin. You should also keep your eyes out for signs of parasites, such as ringworm, lice, and mites.

Do guinea pigs get sad when other dies?

Like humans, guinea pigs can behave and react in different ways after the death of a friend. Whether your deceased guinea pig had just one companion or several, they are very likely to feel some kind of bereavement after their friend has passed away. Some guinea pigs are badly affected by the loss of their friend.

Why is my guinea pig not moving around?

Not eating, not moving and decreased fecal production are all considered non-specific signs of disease. What that means is that any disease can lead to the signs you are seeing in your guinea pig. This could be dental disease, liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, toxins, infection — the list just goes on.

What do guinea pigs fear the most?

Guinea pigs can generalize their learning which means they may show fear in situations that remind them of prior trauma or pain. Fears of toys, people, and loud noises are the most common fears. There are many reasons why a guinea pig may develop fears of people.

Where should you not touch a guinea pig?

Never chase a guinea pig so you can pet them. Pet in the direction the fur grows. Start by petting the head or under the chin. The feet and underside are usually areas to avoid, and the back might even be an area to avoid.

What do guinea pigs love the most?

Why do guinea pigs tilt their heads?

In guinea pigs, a severe head tilt can be from an ear infection spreading to the middle ear and inner ear. This type of infection causes the head tilt (torticollis), which is often called “wry neck” in rabbits. It also causes the loss of equilibrium and nausea.

Why is my guinea pig wobbling?

Junior Guinea Pig

It can be anything from sciatica, a blood clot, something neurological etc. If you are lucky, it is temporary. Please step in with feeding top-up support NOW if your piggy is only nibbling and switch to weighing daily.

Why is my guinea pig dragging his back legs?

Dragging of the back legs can also mean a calcium deficiency. I sucessfully treated one of my pigs with osteocare, which is a human supplement available form the chemist. I would get her checked out by a guinea-savvy vet though to be sure it's not an injury.

What sound does a guinea pig make when it's happy?

Purring: this can mean your Guinea pig is happy or angry, so you'll need to look at the context of the situation carefully. A contented Guinea pig will make a low purring sound, whereas an annoyed piggy may make a more high pitched purr, with this increasing in pitch towards the end.

How do guinea pigs like to be held?

Be careful while holding

Let your guinea pig come over to you, and quietly pick him up by sliding your hand under his belly. Be careful not to crunch any of his legs. Instead, let them hang over your hand. Hold your guinea pig close to your chest to help him to feel secure.