Red paws?

[dan2]

(Hope this is in the right place and everything, I am new here!)
I got two guinea pigs yesterday so I've not handled them too much, they've been nervous so I've let them settle into their new home. Today I noticed the one has red back paws that I am certain wasn't there yesterday. It doesn't seem to affect her though I know they can hide illness well but she has settled in fairly good. Today she has been popcorning and running around and eating and drinking well and making her voice be heard. Am I just worrying or could it be the start of bumblefoot? They are in a plastic bottom cage, big enough for two adult guinea pigs with hay and wood shavings. Wood shavings was recommended when I got them but I've heard the carefresh bedding is better for them, could that be the issue? Just thought I'd seek some advice, they are my first guinea pigs and maybe I am just worrying but is it best to just visit the vet?

 

[guineagurl]

Hmmmm... Take a trip to the vet just in case. Hope she gets better soon...

 

[claremw92]

hey...
i know some of my piggies got red feet when they were bedded on just puppy pads so i could keep an eye on their wee...
it was caused by walking on hard surfaces all the time...
are they red... or red and sore looking... any dry or broken skin...?
x

 

[Suzygpr]

Hi there

As her feet were ok the day before and there have been no other changes I would say that the most likely cause was the weather - piggies do not sweat so can only lose heat by flushing their ears and feet with blood to cool off. If she has been living in substandard conditions then urine scald can cause soreness, I'm sure with some good care all will be fine now they are with you. If you have any concerns over their health it's always best to have a check up - especially with animals that are new to you.

Many people use wood shaving (dust extracted) and have no problems. There are lots of different types of bedding so it's worth trying a few out to see which suit you and the pigs best.

Suzy x

 

[CheylesmoreGPS]

You can always rub a bit of sudacrem on the pads once a day, or some antiseptic cream (tea tree). xx

 

[dan2]

Thanks everyone for your replies! I think am just worrying a bit as this morning her feet were pink. They look a bit red again now so I think she may just be hot. There is no dry or broken skin, they just look very hot. It was cooler this morning so it does make sense. Would sudacrem be helpful for cooling her feet off?

 

[claremw92]

Thanks everyone for your replies! I think am just worrying a bit as this morning her feet were pink. They look a bit red again now so I think she may just be hot. There is no dry or broken skin, they just look very hot. It was cooler this morning so it does make sense. Would sudacrem be helpful for cooling her feet off?

if she is hot... maybe try putting some frozen bottles of water in her cage/hutch... that will help cool her off... i have no idea how hot it has been by you today... but it has been really warm by me....8
my lot have had some frozen veg to keep them cool today...
glad its nothing serious...!
x