Guinea Pig Not Eating: Is It An Emergency?

Guinea pigs are hind gut fermenters, just like rabbits and, to some degree, hamsters. This means that fermentation occurs in their lower gut. There is a delicate balance of bacteria present, breaking down high fibre foods. If the system slows down, the consequences can be fatal.

As a prey animal, guinea pigs are not only prone to stress, but are also experts at hiding the signs when they are sick. It can be difficult for owners to spot when a guinea pig is unwell, but reluctance to eat is a very telling sign.

Why Has My Guinea Pig Stopped Eating?

There are lots of reasons that a guinea pig may stop eating, and the problem may be medical or behavioural. Determining the cause is vital for prompt and effective treatment.

What Causes a Guinea Pig to Stop Eating?

Let's take a look at some of the most common causes we are faced with in veterinary practice.

Dental Problems and Teeth Issues

Guinea pigs have hypsodont dentition, meaning their teeth constantly wear down, grow, and erupt. This works well in theory, but in domesticated pets, it regularly leads to serious problems.

If teeth are misaligned or not worn down adequately, they develop spurs and cause cuts and inflammation inside the mouth. This often occurs when a guinea pig is not fed enough fibrous foods.

Digestive Problems and GI Stasis

Gastrointestinal stasis is a potentially life-threatening condition, whereby the gut stops moving as it should. Bacteria multiply and gas builds up, leading to cramping and pain.

Illness and Underlying Health Conditions

Many underlying medical issues have the potential to reduce appetite. This can include liver or kidney disease, infections, or a source of pain such as a toe fracture or eye ulcer.

Stress and Environmental Changes

Guinea pigs are very sensitive critters who do not cope well with change or stress. Events like house moves, overhead fireworks, or contact with a new pet (especially predator animals like cats or dogs) have the potential to cause guinea pigs to panic and stop eating.

Another common cause for a reduced appetite would be the loss of a bonded mate. Guinea pigs need to live in a pack, and should not be kept alone.

What Are the Signs Your Guinea Pig Is Not Eating?

It is not always immediately obvious when your guinea pig stops eating, but there will be some tell-tale signs.

Reduced Droppings and Presence of Food

It can be tricky to assess for a change in droppings and food intake when there is more than one guinea pig, but you may be able to detect these changes, particularly if your cavy stops pooping altogether.

A healthy guinea pig should poo about 100 times in one day. If there is much less poo than usual, this points towards gut stasis.

Lethargy and Hiding Behaviour

When poorly, your guinea pig will instinctively want to stay out of the limelight. They may hide in the corner and keep their head away from you and their cage mates. You’ll notice they are less curious and sleep more.

Weight Loss and Changes in Body Condition

Weight loss may not be visible on day one, but can occur over time if a guinea pig has a reduced appetite. They can become skinnier over their back end and their back bones appear more prominent.

Is a Guinea Pig Not Eating an Emergency?

A guinea pig who stops eating or pooping is classed as an emergency.

How Long Can a Guinea Pig Go Without Food?

Going just 6-8 hours with no food is a red flag and indicates that there is a serious problem which requires veterinary attention.

When to Contact an Emergency Vet

Call your emergency vet if you have reason to believe your guinea pig is not eating or they seem unusually quiet.

What Should You Do If Your Guinea Pig Won't Eat?

As well as organising an urgent visit with your vet, there are things you can do from home.

Checking Food, Hay and Water

Ensure your guinea pig has access to clean water and fresh grass or hay. Stick to high quality options, like Timothy hay. As well as scattering their hay on the ground, you can make it more interesting by putting it in toilet paper tubes or toys.

Offering Fresh Vegetables and Herbs

Although grass and hay should make up a good 90% of your guinea pig’s diet, you can also offer them some veggies, herbs and a small portion of pellets.

Some good options include:

• Parsley
• Bell pepper
• Carrots
• Romaine lettuce
• Coriander
• Basil
• Mint
• Papaya

Syringe Feeding Your Guinea Pig

If your piggy is not eating much, you can top them up with syringe feeds. This is best done with complete recovery food products such as Oxbow Critical Care. Blended pellets mixed with water can be used in a pinch.

How Do Vets Diagnose a Guinea Pig Not Eating?

Your vet will want to know what symptoms you’ve noticed and when they’ve begun. They’ll also enquire about any recent changes in your piggy’s home life and diet.

Dental and Physical Examination

The vet will check your guinea pig over, including using an otoscope to visualise the back teeth. They should listen to the chest and gut sounds and gently palpate the abdomen.

Further Health Checks and Tests

For a small number of guinea pigs, further tests may be indicated. This can include X-rays to check for obstruction, or blood tests to assess organ function and blood glucose levels.

How Is a Guinea Pig Not Eating Treated?

It is important that treatment starts right away if these guinea pigs are to recover.

Veterinary Treatment and Supportive Care

Your vet may provide fluids as well as injectable medicine such as gut motility drugs, pain relief, and supplemental feeding.

Recovery at Home: Diet and Syringe Feeding

Syringe feeding is vital if your guinea pig is not eating well. This will usually be done every 3-4 hours. The amount will depend on the food used, but is typically about 10mls/kg at each feeding.

Afterwards, you can gently massage the abdomen with your fingertips in circular motions, to help any gas move along the GI tract.

How Can You Prevent Your Guinea Pig Stopping Eating?

As GI stasis can be life-threatening and difficult to treat once it establishes, prevention should always be the aim.

Best Guinea Pig Eating Regime: Hay, Pellets and Vegetables

Diet is crucial when it comes to GI stasis prevention. A guinea pig’s diet should consist of about 80-90% good quality hay, 5-10% pellets, and a small amount of fresh vegetables and herbs.

Keeping the Cage Clean and Stress-Free

Guinea pigs need plenty of space to roam and forage, and their cage requires regular cleaning of faecal matter and uneaten food.

They require at least one guinea pig friend, as living alone causes them to be in a state of chronic stress.

Regular Vet Check-Ups for Pet Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs should be seen by their vet for regular check ups, particularly if they have had prior dental issues. Those with misaligned teeth usually need regular trimming and burring, to prevent dental overgrowth.

A senior guinea pig should be seen every 6 months or so, to monitor for underlying medical issues.

Get Veterinary Care for Your Guinea Pig

Contact us to schedule a vet visit for your guinea pig or to get some more information and advice on their care. If you are concerned they may have Gastrointestinal stasis, please call our emergency line.

Guinea Pig Not Eating: FAQs

How long can a guinea pig go without eating?

Once more than 6-8 hours have passed without eating, the situation is classed as urgent.

Why is my guinea pig not eating but still drinking water?

Some guinea pigs who won’t eat will still drink. This will not sustain them, and they still require immediate veterinary care.

Can stress stop a guinea pig from eating?

Absolutely, stress plays a big role in a guinea pig’s appetite and eating habits. If they are very stressed, they may refuse food completely.

What can I feed a guinea pig that won't eat?

Offer all of your guinea pig’s regular food alongside some tempting favourites such as parsley, coriander and bell peppers. You can provide extra support by syringe feeding if required.

When should I take my guinea pig to the vet for not eating?

If you suspect your guinea pig has not eaten for several hours or they are lethargic, contact your vet right away.