Daily bloat or normal gas?

[Finn-Bendle]

I'm a first time guinea pig owner, and this didn't come to my attention until we had them checked for pregnancy (luckily - both fine) but I'm wondering whether a little swelling in the piggies' abdomen is normal after eating their veggies? I've noticed every day after feeding them they seem to get a little bulge in their stomach and I'd like to know if anyone with experience knows if this is normal or if I should be doing something to help them pass the gas or reduce the swelling. I've researched a little into bloat in guinea pigs and it's pretty scary, especially considering I'm not financially responsible for them (It can be difficult to persuade my parents to make a vet visit for the guinea pigs as they obviously don't quite get the extent of some of these health issues) and if an emergency did arise, I wouldn't have the tools ready to syringe feed them. Is a little bloating after feeding normal and if not, what preventative measures should I be taking?

 

[lildog5]

I'm a first time guinea pig owner, and this didn't come to my attention until we had them checked for pregnancy (luckily - both fine) but I'm wondering whether a little swelling in the piggies' abdomen is normal after eating their veggies? I've noticed every day after feeding them they seem to get a little bulge in their stomach and I'd like to know if anyone with experience knows if this is normal or if I should be doing something to help them pass the gas or reduce the swelling. I've researched a little into bloat in guinea pigs and it's pretty scary, especially considering I'm not financially responsible for them (It can be difficult to persuade my parents to make a vet visit for the guinea pigs as they obviously don't quite get the extent of some of these health issues) and if an emergency did arise, I wouldn't have the tools ready to syringe feed them. Is a little bloating after feeding normal and if not, what preventative measures should I be taking?

Hello ,

I know exactly how you feel when I was growing up I had the same issues with not being financially responsible . However I may be able to help you .

I was wonder :
How long have you had them
We’re did you get them from
And what veggies have you fed them
Do they have any other supplements or pellets. x

 

[Finn-Bendle]

Hello ,

I know exactly how you feel when I was growing up I had the same issues with not being financially responsible . However I may be able to help you .

I was wonder :
How long have you had them
We’re did you get them from
And what veggies have you fed them
Do they have any other supplements or pellets. x

Hi, thanks for responding so quickly,
They've been with us for about 2 months and they're reaching the 4 month old mark.
Unfortunately we bought them from a pet shop (after doing research I deeply regret this and don't continue to support big pet shops)
and I feed daily romaine lettuce (2-3 leaves each) and I switch between carrots, bell peppers, cucumber or sometimes spinach but only as a treat.
They eat pellets but they're pretty bad quality, I'm considering switching to a different brand with less fillers like soya.
and of course they get plenty of Timothy Hay and water.
I hope this helps.

 

[lildog5]

Hi, thanks for responding so quickly,
They've been with us for about 2 months and they're reaching the 4 month old mark.
Unfortunately we bought them from a pet shop (after doing research I deeply regret this and don't continue to support big pet shops)
and I feed daily romaine lettuce (2-3 leaves each) and I switch between carrots, bell peppers, cucumber or sometimes spinach but only as a treat.
They eat pellets but they're pretty bad quality, I'm considering switching to a different brand with less fillers like soya.
and of course they get plenty of Timothy Hay and water.
I hope this helps.

No problem I am happy to help anytime.
Sometimes low quality pellets can result in bloating. Or maybe introducing the veggies to quickly to there diets could cause the bloating. If you can check your guinea pigs stomach and see if it’s soft or has hardened up. Also just wondering if you keep a record of the weight or do health checks On them .

 

[Finn-Bendle]

No problem I am happy to help anytime.
Sometimes low quality pellets can result in bloating. Or maybe introducing the veggies to quickly to there diets could cause the bloating. If you can check your guinea pigs stomach and see if it’s soft or has hardened up. Also just wondering if you keep a record of the weight or do health checks On them .

Their bellies usually feel quite hard after feeding but soften up again after a few hours. Admittedly, I'm still pretty bad at handling them so we haven't had many health checks, although they've been to the vet twice and have had their nails trimmed - both times the vets didn't notice any problems. I shall definitely start weighing them twice a week and feeding better pellets and I'll get back if I notice anything significant.

 

[lildog5]

Their bellies usually feel quite hard after feeding but soften up again after a few hours. Admittedly, I'm still pretty bad at handling them so we haven't had many health checks, although they've been to the vet twice and have had their nails trimmed - both times the vets didn't notice any problems. I shall definitely start weighing them twice a week and feeding better pellets and I'll get back if I notice anything significant.

Well if you have been to the vet and they did not notice any issues then I am sure all of fine. If anything does proceed to get worse or they seem to have issues with the toilet maybe invest in another vet trip. But I’m sure they are ok best of luck with your new little ones .

 

[Wiebke]

I'm a first time guinea pig owner, and this didn't come to my attention until we had them checked for pregnancy (luckily - both fine) but I'm wondering whether a little swelling in the piggies' abdomen is normal after eating their veggies? I've noticed every day after feeding them they seem to get a little bulge in their stomach and I'd like to know if anyone with experience knows if this is normal or if I should be doing something to help them pass the gas or reduce the swelling. I've researched a little into bloat in guinea pigs and it's pretty scary, especially considering I'm not financially responsible for them (It can be difficult to persuade my parents to make a vet visit for the guinea pigs as they obviously don't quite get the extent of some of these health issues) and if an emergency did arise, I wouldn't have the tools ready to syringe feed them. Is a little bloating after feeding normal and if not, what preventative measures should I be taking?

Hi and welcome

Please make sure that you are not overfeeding veg; it should make only 10% of the daily food intake. Too much can lead to fermentation in the lower gut and can cause bloating or diarrhea. Over 80% of the daily food intake should be unlimited hay for long term health and a longer life expectancy while pellets should only be a tablespoon per adult piggy per day; overfeeding on pellets diminishes the crucial hay intake.
A guinea pig will weigh 30-40g more after a large veg dinner and a full bladder can weigh 10g more; that is why I recommend to always weigh either before dinner or breakfast.

You can find all the information in these guides here, which you may find very helpful:
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
Weight - Monitoring and Management