Guinea Pig Got Out In Wet - Warning Signs To Look Out For?

[Jo P]

My cheeky guinea pig (6 months old) managed to get out from the hutch into his run last night - one side of the cover that keeps them in overnight wasn't quite shut correctly.

He was out for around 20 minutes before I noticed when I went to check on them before going to bed, it was between 9 and 10 degrees C and the floor was wet but it wasn't raining. When I picked him up he wasn't cold, but cooler than usual and his underside and his fur was wet.

He seems okay, but a bit more quiet than usual today, but this could be as it has been hotter today (up to 23 degrees) and he isn't as used to being outside. I was wondering if there is anything that I should keep an eye out for as I am worried that he may have got ill, even though he seems okay.

Thanks in advance for any help and advice!

 

[Wiebke]

My cheeky guinea pig (6 months old) managed to get out from the hutch into his run last night - one side of the cover that keeps them in overnight wasn't quite shut correctly.

He was out for around 20 minutes before I noticed when I went to check on them before going to bed, it was between 9 and 10 degrees C and the floor was wet but it wasn't raining. When I picked him up he wasn't cold, but cooler than usual and his underside and his fur was wet.

He seems okay, but a bit more quiet than usual today, but this could be as it has been hotter today (up to 23 degrees) and he isn't as used to being outside. I was wondering if there is anything that I should keep an eye out for as I am worried that he may have got ill, even though he seems okay.

Thanks in advance for any help and advice!

Hi! I am very sorry for your accident; piggies have a knack of finding any weak point before you. As he hasn't been out for a very long time, I would not panic yet, but be prepared to see a vet promptly if you notice any symptoms.

Please give your boy a dry with a towel and if necessary a gentle blow dry on the lowest setting if he ends up wet and cold again. Put lots of hay in the hutch for overnight insulation, so he can warm up or place a microwaveable snugglesafe in their hutch.

Please weigh your boy daily at the same time to monitor the food intake and give him a health check at the same time for the next week or two.
The two issues you need to be on the lookout for is either a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a respiratory tract infection (URI).
You can find out more about either illness via these links here:
Guinea Lynx :: UTI
Guinea Lynx :: URI

 

[Jo P]

Hi! I am very sorry for your accident; piggies have a knack of finding any weak point before you. As he hasn't been out for a very long time, I would not panic yet, but be prepared to see a vet promptly if you notice any symptoms.

Please give your boy a dry with a towel and if necessary a gentle blow dry on the lowest setting if he ends up wet and cold again. Put lots of hay in the hutch for overnight insulation, so he can warm up or place a microwaveable snugglesafe in their hutch.

Please weigh your boy daily at the same time to monitor the food intake and give him a health check at the same time for the next week or two.
The two issues you need to be on the lookout for is either a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a respiratory tract infection (URI).
You can find out more about either illness via these links here:
Guinea Lynx :: UTI
Guinea Lynx :: URI

Thank you!

I think that he is okay - he is eating a lot and is running around quite happily, but he's my baby so I worry about him!

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Has he got a friend to snuggle up to? That'll help!

 

[Jo P]

Has he got a friend to snuggle up to? That'll help!

Yes - he has a cage mate and they love to snuggle together in the hay in their sleep area

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Yes - he has a cage mate and they love to snuggle together in the hay in their sleep area

Body heat will be the best medicine for him then!