Piggie eating, pooping and drinking less than usual

[tyrrel_katz]

Hey all, first time poster here!

My three year old guinea pig has suddenly started eating less, pooping less, barely drinking, and I think he’s scratching more than usual (I might be paranoid and noticing it more, but I am pretty sure he wasn’t so itchy before). He still eats, but not ALL the time like before.

I have recently changed his bedding to a fresh one (used it before, so can’t imagine it could have been the problem).
Another thing that has changed is that our dog has been diagnosed with lymphoma, and since then the guinea pig has started sleeping by the dog’s side...

Could it be stress? Or parasites? When is the time I should start worrying and take the piggy to the vet?
Thanks!

 

[Siikibam]

I would take him to the vet now. Have you been weighing him weekly to see if he’s lost weight? Is he alone or lives with another piggy?

Please also be careful with letting your piggy interact with the dog. No matter how gentle they are, there’s always a risk.

 

[Piggies&buns]

With everything siikibam has said. He needs to see a vet. Please ensure you weigh him regularly as a matter of routine (it should be done weekly in a healthy piggy) but now he isn’t eating properly then weigh him daily. You will need to step in with support syringe feeding mushed up pellets to stabilise his weight.

I also agree, is isn’t safe for him to be near a dog. He should live with another guinea pig for company.

 

[tyrrel_katz]

Thank you for your advice! Took him to the vet today, turns out he has lice from the new bedding. He’s much happier already, eating and pooping as usual.

As for our doggie, we never leave them alone together, and only let them interact when we are in the kitchen, under strict supervision! Our 11 year old shi-tzu treats him as her pup. But thank you, I will keep being vigilant!

 

[Siikibam]

Good news. please get your piggy a friend. He’d be sooooo much happier

 

[tyrrel_katz]

We will, once our doggo finishes her chemo and there will be more time to make a new piggy feel safe and welcome.

Our guinea is a rescue of sorts, his previous owners were very cruel to him and kept him in a tiny cage on their balcony, and my mum had to persuade them to give him to her to keep, so it was a big (but lovely!) surprise when he joined our home

If it would have been a planned decision to get a guinea, we would of course get a couple, as I know it’s even illegal in some countries to sell them alone.

 

[Swissgreys]

What a lovely story with a happy ending.
I am glad you worked out the problem and your guinea pig is doing better.
We would love to see a picture of him too.