Why is my guinea pig not eating?
If your guinea pig has suddenly stopped eating, it can feel worrying. Guinea pigs love food, so when they turn away, it usually means something isn’t quite right. Let’s explore the possible reasons, the signs to look for, and what you can do to help. 🐹
Why guinea pigs might stop eating
There are many reasons why guinea pigs go off their food. Some are simple and easy to solve, while others need quick vet care. Because guinea pigs have delicate digestive systems, you should never ignore a loss of appetite. 🚨
Dental problems 🦷
One of the most common causes is dental trouble. Guinea pig’s teeth are constantly growing throughout their lives. Overgrown teeth make chewing painful. As a result, your guinea pig may nibble less or avoid harder foods like hay. Since hay is vital for keeping teeth trim, this can quickly cause bigger issues. Always check if your guinea pig is struggling to bite or chew.
Stress and anxiety 😟
Guinea pigs are prey animals, so they scare easily. Loud noises, a new environment, or even sudden changes in routine can cause stress. When stressed, guinea pigs often refuse food. Because stress can lead to illness, you should always try to calm their environment. Provide hiding spaces and keep their cage in a quiet spot.
Illness or pain 🤒
If your guinea pig feels unwell or is in pain, food often loses appeal. This could be caused by infections, tummy troubles, or other health issues. Since guinea pigs hide illness well, a refusal to eat is often the first sign you’ll notice. Don’t wait—book a vet appointment if food refusal lasts more than 12 hours.
Changes in diet 🥬
Have you recently switched pellets or vegetables? Guinea pigs can be picky. A sudden change may lead them to refuse food. Because fibre is essential, always introduce new foods slowly while keeping hay constant. If changing pellets start with 25% of the new pellets mixed with 75% old for a few days, then gradually increase the new and reduce the old over a few weeks.
Digestive blockages ⚠️
Sometimes, guinea pigs suffer from gut stasis, where the digestive system slows down. Without prompt help, this can become life-threatening. If your guinea pig hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12 hours, treat it as an emergency.
Warning signs to watch for
It’s not just about refusing food. Other clues often appear too. Watch for these key signs:
- Smaller or fewer droppings 💩
- Drooling or wet chin
- Weight loss or a bony frame
- Hunched posture or sitting still
- Refusing hay but nibbling vegetables
Because guinea pigs go downhill quickly, act fast if you see these symptoms. The sooner you respond, the better their chances of recovery.
What you should do next
So, your guinea pig isn’t eating. What now? Here are practical steps:
1. Offer favourite foods 🍓
Tempt them with fresh herbs like coriander, parsley, or dandelion. Because guinea pigs love variety, this can spark interest.
2. Check teeth and mouth 👀
Look for drooling, uneven chewing, or long front teeth. If you spot problems, contact your vet right away.
3. Monitor weight regularly ⚖️
Use small kitchen scales to weigh weekly. Because weight loss happens fast, regular checks give you early warning.
4. Keep stress low 🛏️
Offer hideouts, fleece tunnels, and safe corners. Since guinea pigs need security, a calm space encourages eating.
5. Visit the vet quickly 🩺
If your guinea pig refuses food for over 12 hours, treat it as urgent. Because they cannot go without fibre, time is critical.
How to prevent future problems
Prevention is always easier than cure. Here’s how you can reduce the risk:
- Provide unlimited hay to wear down teeth 🌾
- Offer fresh veg daily for vitamins 🥦
- Keep cages clean and dry to avoid illness 🧹
- Weigh weekly to catch weight loss early ⚖️
FAQ: Why is my guinea pig not eating?
How long can guinea pigs go without eating?
Not long. Guinea pigs need constant fibre. If they stop eating for 12 hours, contact a vet urgently.
Could new food make them stop eating?
Yes. Sudden diet changes often cause food refusal. Always introduce new food slowly while keeping hay constant.
Do guinea pigs lose interest in food with age?
Older guinea pigs may eat slower. However, they should never completely refuse food. If they do, get them checked.
Should I syringe feed my guinea pig?
Only under vet guidance. Syringe feeding can help, but the cause of the problem must be treated too.
Final thoughts 🐹
When your guinea pig isn’t eating, it’s never something to ignore. From dental problems to stress, the reasons vary, but the solution is always action. Because guinea pigs decline quickly, a fast response can save their life.
If you’re looking to improve your guinea pig’s health and happiness, providing the right cage space is key. Spacious environments reduce stress and encourage natural eating habits. Explore our full range of C&C guinea pig cages today and give your piggies the best start. 💚
Take action now: if your guinea pig isn’t eating, contact your vet, review their setup, and ensure their cage supports a healthy, stress-free lifestyle. 🐾