Grieving guinea pig advice

[rjg]

Evening everyone,
Had a dramatic evening at the out of hours vets which unfortunately resulted in my piggy being put to sleep. As if this isn’t sad enough, he leaves his brother home alone. They’ve never been apart and I’m not really worried for him. He’s over 5 years old and isn’t in great health, I think trying to introduce him to another mate would be extremely stressful.
Do anyone have any tips on how I can help him cope with loosing his brother etc?
Many thanks
Rebecca

 

[Lucyscavies]

Hi, I’m so sorry you have had to go through this tonight and I hope his brother is ok!
I’ve heard people put small teddies in the cage when their cage mate has died and/or a small mirror so the guinea pig can see himself and think there’s another piggie in the cage. I would also give him as much as attention as you can, especially for the next few days. Give him extra cuddles and treats to make him feel less lonely. I’m sorry you both had to go through this tonight. I hope things get easier for you both!

 

[rjg]

Thank you.
He’s been out in the run today, and much to his dismay had a bath to cool down.
He keeps going to the fleece his brother had and won’t leave it. It’s totally heart breaking. He’s hardly eating or drinking either. I’ll syringe some water into him. Hopefully he’ll start eating again soon.
Strangely today, his poos have changed, from normal pellets to loads of tiny pellets in a ball. Could this be related to loosing his brother, heat or maybe he’s poorly? Any ideas?!
Many thanks

 

[Merab]

So sorry for your loss.
There is an excellent guide on the forum dealing with bereavement and how to help a grieving guinea pig.
Sorry I can’t link it for you on my phone.

Guinea pigs do grieve but usually with a couple of days get on with the business of living.
It’s important to watch for signs of acute grief though.

Please feel free to write a tribute to the piggy you have lost on the Rainbow Bridge thread

 

[Hholmes]

Evening everyone,
Had a dramatic evening at the out of hours vets which unfortunately resulted in my piggy being put to sleep. As if this isn’t sad enough, he leaves his brother home alone. They’ve never been apart and I’m not really worried for him. He’s over 5 years old and isn’t in great health, I think trying to introduce him to another mate would be extremely stressful.
Do anyone have any tips on how I can help him cope with loosing his brother etc?
Many thanks
Rebecca

Sorry for your loss. I just recently had to have my guinea pig pts. He was approximately 5 plus. A bit of a shock to get tumour diagnosis. We have a 3 year old guinea pig left on his own at moment. We are just giving him even more cuddles etc and we have a fleece with scent of other guinea pig on which I think has helped. He seems to be doing ok. We are looking to find a friend for our boy left behind as been 3 weeks now. xx