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Sudden and excessive water intake - Help!

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VeggieChompers

VeggieChompers

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Hello, my guinea pig Rumplewicks is a little over 1yr old. I noticed about a half-hour ago that he was drinking at his water bottle for a long time. When I stuck my finger in front of him to check the spout he wandered off, but then returned a little later and again stayed, drinking, for quite a while. He never drinks this often and I am worried sick! I checked the spout and it was working just fine. He seems to otherwise be acting normally - I haven't noticed any unusual pee or poop, and he was very excited to eat some parsley (his favorite). It's not particularly hot here either. Please let me know what I should do, and what could be wrong with him (or if it sounds like he's okay...). As I said, this started about a half-hour ago.

Thanks
VeggieChompers
Guinness and Rumplewicks.
 
That is a great question. My 3 piggies been acting the same. They eat, play and look normal. Except when is related to the water. I have to be refill there bottle almost twice a day. They are drinking a lot of water. Like never before. And it's not hot here also. They are indoor and have a/c. I will love to know why is it happening. I hope you get the answer.
 
Is he really drinking, or just playing with the water? Sometimes they use plenty of water to rinse their mouth. If he's really drinking a lot and keeps doing so, it might be a sign of diabetes and then you need to take him to the vet.
 
Air conditioning can dry out the air and make a piggy thirstier. Piggies don't sweat or pant, they regulate the body heat through increased blood flow in their ears, so they will not necessarily drink more in hot weather. Water intake can be very individual and also vary with the piggy over time.

It can well be just a one off, but if a piggy consistently drinks more than 300ml a day (without potential bottle leaks), then it should be seen by a vet and checked for diabetes or kidney problems.
 
One of my pigs started drinking a lot when she had dental problems. The cool water obviously felt soothing on her teeth and gums. She was struggling to eat and started to dribble slightly, you could only tell if you put her on your clothing, she would leave a little wet patch by her mouth. Have your piggy checked out for possible dental problems, however I think there are other things that can cause excessive drinking too.
 
Mine drink alot of water. They eat, drink, play and are happy piggies. Mine don't eat fruits. How can a piggy get diabetes? Mine haven't been check for tooth problem by me. I did took them to the vet and he said they are ok. I think is the a/c and the hot weather here in Tampa. Please let me know how piggies get diabetic?
 
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