Guinea pig diarrhea: what to do with loose stools?

Guinea pigs are definitely long-livers. Moreover, they rarely cause any inconvenience to their owners. This animal is less prone to infections compared to other pets. If the pig is sick, it is advisable to contact the veterinarian and treat the rodent. Most often, all diseases are associated with errors in nutrition or improper care. It is for this reason that diarrhea can occur in a guinea pig.

Types of diarrhea and what causes it

It must be understood that diarrhea in a guinea pig is not a separate disease. Loose stools are a symptom of a more serious condition. Therefore, urgent action should be taken.

The owner must find out what the feces look like. Stools can be unformed: watery and liquid. The pig itself will be dirty. The shape of the feces can simply be soft and shaped. Soft stool is not diarrhea. You can check this: if the formed stools are choking, then this is not a disorder. This happens if the pet has eaten juicy herbs and fruits. It is not necessary to treat the rodent.

What are the main causes of diarrhea

Why does a guinea pig get diarrhea. Most often this happens due to a number of reasons:

• various poisonings;
• helminth infection;
• dental problems;
• yeast infection;
• presence of coccidiosis;
• general toxic damage to the body;
• inaccuracies in nutrition;
• lack of appetite for various reasons;
• poisoning;
• mechanical injury;
• viral etiology;
• with insufficient food.

With diarrhea, sometimes the mumps is tormented by bloating.

Breeders of this rodent should be aware that their intestines are disproportionately long compared to the size of the body. Its length is approximately two meters. For this reason, digestion of food is quite slow. Treatment is also delayed for this reason.

What are the signs of disorder

Each guinea pig experiences a gastrointestinal upset in its own way, all individually. But there are signs that immediately appear:

• increased heart rate;
• loss of appetite;
• lethargy of the rodent;
• the mumps is breathing heavily;
• hiding in the corner of the cage;
• do not like being stroked on the tummy;
• often the animal is shivering;
• fetid specific smell;
• anus contaminated with liquid faeces;
• disheveled wool;
• if the owner picks up the rodent and listens, he will hear a characteristic rumbling.

The most dangerous manifestation of diarrhea in infectious lesions of plague, with salmonellosis. Therefore, a visit to the veterinarian is the best solution to rule out possible diseases that can lead to the death of the animal.

Actions for diarrhea

What to do and how to treat loose stools in a guinea pig. And this should be done without delay, as dehydration of the body can occur against its background.

It is important to remember that if it is possible to consult a veterinarian, it is best to do so in order to rule out more serious complications in the rodent.

When an animal vilifies, the first remedy that will come to the rescue is Smecta. Smect should be given as follows: a sixth of one sachet is diluted with a small amount of water. Further, using a syringe (without a needle!) You can drink a sick pig. Also well proven such drugs:

• activated carbon dissolves in water based on the weight of the animal (1 g per 1 kg);
• Enterosgel – no more than three times a day, with a syringe (1 ml each);
• Bifitralak — 1 ml per 0,1 kg of rodent weight;
• Loperamide, in case there is no improvement in the condition;
• Etazol – acts as a fixative;
• a solution of potassium permanganate – no more than three drops, so that the water is slightly pink. Has a disinfecting effect. You should drink the pig from a syringe;
• special probiotics for a rodent – purchase at a veterinary clinic.

Experienced rodent breeders advise such an unusual way to get rid of loose stools: dilute the feces of healthy guinea pigs in water and feed a sick pig with this remedy.

Guinea pigs eat their own feces when healthy, for what it is necessary, read the article “Why a guinea pig eats its own feces”.

A well-tested remedy is raw potatoes, due to the starch it has an astringent effect. The guinea pig should try to feed a small amount – this often helps.

Important: probiotics intended for humans will not bring benefits, as they contain lactobacilli!

Guinea pig diet with loose stools

Feed your pet during the period when diarrhea is present, you need to be very careful. All fruits and watery juice are excluded from the daily diet. Be sure to give vegetables and hay. Don’t forget about water and food. When you stop liquid bowel movements, you should again return the juice to the diet, but only in small portions.

If diarrhea continues for two days, then the rodent must be shown to a specialist and a stool sample be taken for a possible infection!

When upset, a pig may lose its appetite, but it still needs to be fed, at least through a syringe. First, dilute the food to a creamy state.

Prevention

Diarrhea in a guinea pig can be prevented without treatment. To prevent gastrointestinal upset in a rodent, you need to carefully monitor its diet. And not only what he eats, but whether regularly. It is better if the animal is accustomed to eat at the same time. If the feed is replaced or something new is introduced, then this should be done gradually.

If the owner takes the time to consult a veterinarian about nutrition, this will be ideal for the pet. Only a specialist can determine the state of health of the animal and advise what to introduce additionally, and what, on the contrary, to remove from the daily diet. Here are some simple rules for effective prevention that every guinea pig breeder should know:

• regularly sanitize the cage and drinkers;
• encourage active walks around the apartment – this trains intestinal motility;
• vitaminize the diet;
• give probiotics;
• monitor the quality of the food you eat and regularly change the water to fresh;
• arrange quarantine if a new pet has appeared.

If you follow these guidelines, your pig will be happy and healthy.

Video: what to do if your pet has diarrhea