how to encourage a piggy to drink?

[squeakysmallpaws]

Hi, any ideas on how to encourage a piggy to drink more water?

Floyd's had cystitus and my Mum thinks it could be down to the fact that neither him nor Manny really drink. They always have fresh water available - I have a range of different bottles.

x

 

[doglovinpiggylover]

hmmm could you put some in a dish? or see if they will lick it off a spoon?

Or maybe you could flavour the water a little?

My two never drink

 

[Amanda1801]

You could try syringing some barley water or cranberry juice? Both may be beneficial for his cysitis.

 

[Guinea pig slave]

Two of my boars have hardly ever used their bottle - I used to put a small dish in as well when they were babies but never used it :{
As someone suggested, try a bit of flavouring - sugar free diluted Cranberry is good for piggies with any bladder issues, my one boy loves his in his bottle x)
Any new piggies I've had, I've put my finger over the spout, tapped it a few times and piggies being inquisitive, have come to have a look.
Some get enough fluids from veggies so I really wouldn't worry too much unless you think he may become dehydrated - look for the key symptoms which is if you pinch the skin on the back of the neck gently, it should spring back. If it stays raised, piggy is dehydrated.

 

[Belinda Shute]

Hi. If you give your piggies veg regularly try washing them really well in lots of water. The water on the veggies will help to hydrate them. A little bit of melon and cucumber is also high in water, just not loads as it could upset tummies.

Good luck xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[Abi_nurse]

All of the above i agree with. Sometimes some piggies dont tend to drink a lot and get much of their water from theri veggies. While he has cystitis it may be benificial to syringe him down some extra water to help flush out his system.

How is he doing?

x.