Can Introducing My Guinea Pig To New Animals Affect Their Behavior?

[Maia Brown]

I've had my guinea pig, Ollie, for about 3 years now and she's been with a cat most of her life and that never bother her. We recently gave away my cat and this evening we brought inside my 2 dogs. Since they have come in, Ollie has been very lethargic and won't eat while she's in her cage. I got her out and held her and she ate a carrot and seemed to be herself again, but when I put her back in her cage, she went right back to what she was doing. The house also smells like flea shampoo from the baths I gave my dogs. Is she just scared of the dogs or is she sick?

 

[Lady Kelly]

I've had my guinea pig, Ollie, for about 3 years now and she's been with a cat most of her life and that never bother her. We recently gave away my cat and this evening we brought inside my 2 dogs. Since they have come in, Ollie has been very lethargic and won't eat while she's in her cage. I got her out and held her and she ate a carrot and seemed to be herself again, but when I put her back in her cage, she went right back to what she was doing. The house also smells like flea shampoo from the baths I gave my dogs. Is she just scared of the dogs or is she sick?

If she is showing signs of illness then you should take her to the vets. I have never heard of piggies becoming lethargic when going into homes with new pets.

 

[Swissgreys]

It sounds like she might be ill.
It may not even be related to the arrival of the dogs, but the fumes from their flea treatment could be a problem.
I would make sure that she is in a separate, well ventilated room, that is warm and dry and well away from the dogs.
I would also take her to the vet to be checked over as guinea pigs are very good at hiding their illnesses.

 

[Freela]

What do you mean by lethargy? Is she hiding? Is she puffed up or hunched? Is she not interested in food at all, or will she eat at night or when the dogs are not present? I can see introducing new animals causing stress and a reaction to stress- i.e. being frightened, hiding and refusing to come out due to fear. That could impact usual routines, including being too spooked to come out and eat and drink. However, if no food is being eaten or she appears ill (sitting hunched up, very subdued, etc.) I would be much more concerned about illness.