Why won’t my guinea pig eat hay?Guinea pigs are mammalian rodents that are increasingly popular as pets, perhaps due to their small size and adorable appearance. To guarantee their well-being and ensure their health, it is essential to provide them with a balanced diet with hay as the main food, in addition to consulting with a veterinarian about the most appropriate food supplements.
Why won’t my guinea pig eat hay?
Although hay is essential for them, sometimes they may not want to eat it. But why doesn’t my guinea pig eat hay ? Lack of appetite can be a consequence of certain health problems. Therefore, in this oneCOMO article, we have put together the possible reasons why a guinea pig does not eat hay and what you can do to solve it.
You may also be interested in: Why my rabbit does not eat hay
Index
- Digestive problems
- Mouth problems
- Lack of vitamin C
- Emotional problems
- Respiratory problems
- What do I do if my guinea pig doesn’t eat hay?
Digestive problems
Guinea pigs, also known as guinea pigs, guinea pigs, or guinea pigs, can suffer from a lack of appetite for different reasons. One of the reasons why your guinea pig does not eat hay may be that it has digestive system problems, which is why it is essential to emphasize the importance of an adequate and balanced diet .
In this sense, it is important that you do not give the guinea pig food that could cause digestive discomfort in the animal. Giving him pieces of what you eat could cause obstructions and gas , causing general discomfort.
When your guinea pig does not eat, you will notice that its abdomen becomes hard or swollen and it is reluctant to be caressed due to the discomfort it feels in its body. Therefore, go to a veterinarian to determine the exact cause of the digestive problem and try to give it the best possible food, that is, guinea pig hay .
If you want to know how to properly feed your guinea pig, check out this other article on How to Feed a Guinea Pig .
Mouth problems
What happens if my guinea pig doesn’t eat hay ? This question will torment you as soon as you have several days of lack of appetite. The animal’s teeth grow constantly and, if it stops eating, the teeth can grow too much and problems arise in the mouth, since feeding contributes to the wear of the teeth.
In addition, these oral problems can trigger infections, tartar, wounds and damage to the teeth. The pains will prevent him from eating hay and, in extreme cases, even drinking water. In these cases, go to the vet urgently, since if the situation continues, your guinea pig will dehydrate quickly.
To solve oral problems due to lack of appetite in guinea pigs, follow the veterinarian’s instructions and file their teeth . In addition, the professional can opt for a treatment with antibiotics and analgesics, thus combating a possible infection and mouth pain. With this treatment, the guinea pig will soon return to eating normally.
Lack of vitamin C
Lack of appetite can cause your guinea pig not to eat for many consecutive hours. But, how long does a guinea pig last without eating ? Between one and two days is the approximate time you can last without dying, as long as you can drink water. Otherwise, dehydration could be very severe and end the animal’s life sooner.
Therefore, it is essential that you go to a veterinarian as soon as you detect that the guinea pig is not eating hay. And the lack of food causes a disease in the animal known as scurvy, that is, a deficiency of vitamin C in the body.
This vitamin C deficiency can cause the following problems:
- Anemia
- Hair loss and skin problems
- Bleeding gums and other hemorrhages
- Fragility in bones
- Mobility problems
- weak teeth
Emotional problems
Physical problems are not the only reasons why a guinea pig does not eat hay. Your furry little one can also suffer psychologically. Guinea pigs have a great sensitivity to big changes, which can cause them to accumulate sadness and stress , causing low mood and lack of appetite.
Keeping your guinea pig well fed and hydrated is vital for it to enjoy good physical and mental health. Give her the attention she deserves whenever you can, share time and games with her so she feels happy with your company and attend to all her emotional needs.
You may find this other article useful on How to know if my guinea pig is happy .
Respiratory problems
Certain pathologies of a respiratory nature can trigger a lack of appetite in your guinea pig. Pneumonia is one of them: if you detect a watery discharge in the eyes and nasal passages, you will suffer from it and you should go to the vet urgently .
In addition, some tumors of the respiratory system, such as adenocarcinoma, produce symptoms similar to those identified with pneumonia. These types of tumors usually appear after 3 years of life. In cases like this, go immediately to the vet to opt for the best possible treatment.
What do I do if my guinea pig doesn’t eat hay?
After you discover why your guinea pig won’t eat hay, you’ll want to know what you can do to get him eating normally again. To keep it well hydrated, supply water to the animal with the help of a syringe. Do it on the side of the mouth, in a space behind the teeth and slowly so that he doesn’t choke.
Regarding food, offer your dog porridge to encourage her to eat. You can also give it with a syringe, adding water so that it is more liquid and easier for the animal to take. In this other article we tell you How to make porridge for guinea pigs .
In any case, consult your vet to find out what is happening to your guinea pig and what is the ideal food composition for it. An adequate diet should integrate the following foods:
- As the main food, hay (75%).
- Special feed for guinea pigs (20% maximum).
- Vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as cabbage, spinach and parsley (between 5 and 15%).
- Occasionally, consume cereals and fruits. Never daily, only as a reward.
- Ascorbic acid, a vitamin C supplement provided in doses prescribed by your veterinarian.
This diet is recommended for adult guinea pigs. For those under 6 months, nutritional needs vary: consult your veterinarian to feed them correctly so that they can develop.
