Guinea Pig Health

It’s important to start out on the right foot by selecting a guinea pig who is in good health. A guinea pig’s general health can be determined in a number of ways. Check to see if her ears and nose are clean and free of discharge and debris. Then take a close look at her fur. The fur of a healthy guinea pig will be soft, shiny, and even. Keep an eye out for lice in the ears and fur, bald spots, and signs of diarrhea. Check around the cage to make sure that the guinea pig’s fecal pellets are round and hard; diarrhea is a sign of illness.

Feel the guinea pig’s body. It should be round, tight, and smooth. If the abdomen is hard and round, the guinea pig may be suffering from a worm infestation.

Attitude is also important when determining a guinea pig’s health. Look for an animal who is bright eyed, alert, and active. A guinea pig who appears dull and listless is probably sick.

Be sure to take notice of the guinea pig’s surroundings. Are they clean and relatively odor free? Are the animals kept in spacious, airy cages? Do the other guinea pigs appear healthy? Many guinea pig diseases are contagious. If the guinea pig you are considering for purchase is housed near a sick guinea pig, chances are your pet will come down with the same illness.

Check the guinea pig’s teeth to see if the two top teeth overlap the two lower teeth. Do not buy a guinea pig whose upper incisors do not overlap the lower incisors. This condition is called malocclusion and is a serious problem in guinea pigs that can result in much grief to both guinea pig and owner. Misaligned teeth do not wear down properly and can grow out of control. Unless they are regularly trimmed by a veterinarian, they will cause mouth infections and jaw problems, and can even grow so long that they will curve back into the guinea pig’s skull and kill the animal.

If you are buying your pet from a breeder, talk to them about the guinea pig you are considering. Ask questions about the animal’s ancestors. What were their personalities like? Did they have any health problems that could be genetic? If you plan to show your guinea pig, ask about the show careers of the guinea pig’s parents and grandparents. Ask to see the guinea pig’s sire (father) and dam (mother). Study the standard (a description of the ideal guinea pig) for the breed you are considering and try to apply it to the guinea pig’s parents. If they are good specimens of the breed, chances are their offspring will be, too.

While you are discussing the guinea pig with the breeder or retailer, ask them if they have a return policy if the guinea pig becomes ill. If you have other pets, particularly a dog, also find out if the seller will take the guinea pig back if your other pets will not accept her into the household.