Is your guinea pig showing signs of old age?

A guinea pig is undoubtedly one of the most beloved and cherished pets that families could adopt into their home.  Their cute gurgles, chirps, and purrs entertain us for years; about five to seven years on average.  As with any companion animal, we must learn to recognize when their golden years approach and begin to prepare ours and our children’s hearts in understanding that our friend will one day pass away.

Physical Characteristics of the Senior Guinea Pig

Like us, one of the first signs of a guinea pig approaching his or her senior years will be the sign of grey or white hairs peppering your piggy’s face and body.

You guinea pig may not be as strong as he used to be.

Another common symptom is cataracts, which will cause a guinea pig’s eyes to become cloudy.  Hearing loss and decreased activity are also very common symptoms.  These things can occur as early as four years old, and do not necessarily mean that your guinea pig has a short life left any more than we do when our hair turns grey and hearing decreases.  On the contrary, many will show no other symptom than hair turning colours.

Behavioral Changes

Remember when you brought your guinea pig home for the first time?  She was a sprite little thing wasn’t she?  She probably ran around her cage chirping non-stop for the first few months in excitement!  When a guinea pig reaches their senior year, they may start slowing down, chirping less, and eating less.  They may sleep more often dreaming of younger days.

Common Health Concerns and Tips on Caring for your Senior

Be aware of some of the more common concerns that are associated with guinea pigs.  These conditions often occur with any aging animal: heart attack, stroke, cancer (lymphsarcoma), kidney or liver disease, hair loss, discharge from nose or eyes, decreased urine or wastes, and significant inactivity or appetite loss.  These could be signs of pretty severe problems.

Care Check List

1. Look over your guinea pig’s home.  Is food, water, and a bed area easily accessible?  If you have a multi-story house, it may be better for your guinea pig to be limited to just one level based on your own evaluation of your guinea pig’s abilities.  If he seems to be staying put on one level, you should definitely limit his climbing requirements.

2. Keep a sign on your guinea pig’s faeces.  As guinea pigs grow older, one big sign of health problems will be faeces appearing pink or runny.  This symptom and urine discolouration could be a sign of kidney problems.

3. It would be better for your piggy rid of any exercise equipment to make room for walking space.  Like humans, senior citizens may limit their sprinted laps for a nice leisurely walk.

4. Make sure your guinea pig is eating ALL of his food and not just the little fruit or veggie treats mixed in.  Lucerne based pellets contain important vitamins that he needs to stay as healthy as possible.

5. Look for any signs of significantly decreased activity or metabolism.  If his eyes become dull and he appears less lively, losing fur, or obviously sick, consult a vet.

Some guinea pigs have lived up to ten years, and so your guinea pig may live to be a ripe old age.  Constant care and love is the most your guinea pig would ever wish from you.  They definitely have given you many memories to cherish forever.

Photo Credit:

First Guinea Pig Pet Talk Australia