Life Expectancy

[LeahsPiggies]

Hi everyone, I have three female Guinea pigs - two of which are 5 years old and one who is 6 years old.

I worry every day that I'm going to lose them due to their age, but I can't find any reliable sources online that give the correct life expectancy for a Guinea pig as they all say different things. How old were your oldest piggies when they passed away?

Sorry for the morbid post, but as an owner it is worrying when your pets age

 

[Claire W]

It is worrying but you really should not worry about that as all animals like us can sadly die at any age.

My eldest guinea pig was 6.5 years old when she died from old age but apart from her, the rest have been between 2 and 4 years old as they all sadly developed serious health problems.

Just cherish your girls whilst they are still here and enjoy everyday.

@Wiebke Nerys is celebrating her 7th gotcha day today (she is around 8 years old) and although she is sadly terminally ill, Nerys has had a wonderful life xx

 

[MrsSuzy]

It can vary a lot but my Estee died in February at 8,5 yrs old. On the other spectrum my Bitsy developed lymphoma and died at 3,5 yrs old.

My advice is try not to think or worry about age too much and enjoy every minute with them.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone, I have three female Guinea pigs - two of which are 5 years old and one who is 6 years old.

I worry every day that I'm going to lose them due to their age, but I can't find any reliable sources online that give the correct life expectancy for a Guinea pig as they all say different things. How old were your oldest piggies when they passed away?

Sorry for the morbid post, but as an owner it is worrying when your pets age

The average life expectancy is around 4-7 years old; generally a bit shorter in these days of indiscriminate mass breeding for the pet market. The oldest documented guinea pig lived to 17 years old.

My youngest piggy died at 1 year old from heart failure and the oldest was our first family piggy at nearly 10 years old. I am always grateful when a piggy of mine makes to four years of age. Any time over is a bonus, as far as I am concerned!

It is always a heart-breaking moment when you realise that your beloved pets have suddenly become older citizens and their loss is no longer a nebulous and distant concept.

Sadly, pets live shorter lives than us. It always hurts losing them, but it is part of pet ownership and the other side of the joy and richness they bring to our lives. Try to concentrate on making every day special and try not to panic over the fact that you will lose them sooner or later!
It is not as important how long a pet lives, but how happy and fulfilled you have made its life during the time it is with you; you have your pets on loan from God. Love can't be counted in days, it transcends time.

It is sadly a facet of today's life that loss and mourning are not something that is an integral part of daily life anymore. That also means that we have lost the coping mechanisms when it comes to grieving. The loss of a beloved pet is often the first time you are confronted with that aspect of life and of course it can be very frightening! Just try to remember that your beloved pets will always remain a firm part of your life as they live on in your heart and your memories. You never lose them completely!

 

[VickiA]

My oldest piggy was well over 8 when I had her PTS. I've lost one very young to pneumonia and most of the others to differing ailments at every age in between. I have a pair of older ladies who have both been spayed recently and they are both well over 4. I'm treasuring every moment I have with them - they are a hilarious grumbly pair of older ladies. Having recently adopted a baby sow it's made me realise how much older and slower they have become in time.

I've no idea how long mine or anyone else's piggies will live. i know I won't have them forever, so I just aim to enjoy what time I do have with them.

 

[CuteAsAButton]

My oldest piggy was a peruvian boar who lived to be 9 years old, I adopted him from a rescue and he was estimated to be around 5 years old; I had 4 wonderful years with him before he had to be helped to rainbow bridge. I've lost 4 other boars at around 4 years old, unfortunately you never know how long they'll live for, you just cherish whatever time you have with them.

 

[LeahsPiggies]

Thank you for your kind words! It makes me feel better knowing that some have lived long lives, but it's definitely true that you don't know when their last days are going to be! It could happen at any time. I will just cherish them whilst they are here and try not to worry about the worst.

 

[Vandamf]

We had mavis 8 yrs and was estimated to be 18 months when she came to us, so 9 something. She enjoyed glorious good health until the last month when she just began to fade.
Youngest was Dave at about 5 yrs