Super Worried Piggy Mama

[Chlawee]

I've spoke on this forum before about the fact my piggy who's 10 weeks now has really soft poo it's sort of verging on diahorea, I'd post a picture in comments if needed.

This is the second time it's happened that I'm aware of and I'm worried because he's only little still.
I noticed after he had been in the run outside and had some veg, but I am not going to give him anymore till it hardens up.

How serious is this? Should I be taking him to the vet? I live with my mum and step dad (my step dad owns the house) so I can't go through the pdsa, I only have a 6 hour job which won't pay vet fees and pay day is still 11 days away.
But I will have to find the money somehow if necessary.

Could it be due to too much veg? Or anything like this? Is it an emergency? Basically, what do I do? I'm really worried about him!

He is eating and drinking, but I don't know if this is related but he sometimes randomly squeaks like this for no reason:

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

Is this related? Or could it just be he wants something. I really hope someone can help me in the right direction!

Chlawee

 

[Pandru]

(Keep in mind, I am not a medical professional.)
If your pig has soft poop, it might be a good idea to only feed them pellets/hay for a day and see if it hardens back up. If not, I would go to the vet, because diahorea can be very dangerous to Guinea Pigs (as they are much smaller than humans).

Also, what your Guinea Pig is doing in the video is called 'wheeking,' and it's perfectly healthy! Pigs will wheek for a variety of reasons - if they're hungry, excited, or want attention for example. As you said your Guinea Pig is getting plenty of food, and you seem to care about them, so I would assume your pig is just happy to see you.

 

[Chlawee]

(Keep in mind, I am not a medical professional.)
If your pig has soft poop, it might be a good idea to only feed them pellets/hay for a day and see if it hardens back up. If not, I would go to the vet, because diahorea can be very dangerous to Guinea Pigs (as they are much smaller than humans).

Also, what your Guinea Pig is doing in the video is called 'wheeking,' and it's perfectly healthy! Pigs will wheek for a variety of reasons - if they're hungry, excited, or want attention for example. As you said your Guinea Pig is getting plenty of food, and you seem to care about them, so I would assume your pig is just happy to see you.

Thank you! I have tried just going back to hay and pellets when it happened before and it went back to normal but it just came back recently. I'm worrIed it's a long term thing ;(
And I know about the wheeking as they do it a lot when I rustle anything! Especially Oscar (8 months old rascal!) I just worried this was a different kind of wheeking where he was in pain! Thank you for your help xx

 

[Pandru]

Thank you! I have tried just going back to hay and pellets when it happened before and it went back to normal but it just came back recently. I'm worrIed it's a long term thing ;(
And I know about the wheeking as they do it a lot when I rustle anything! Especially Oscar (8 months old rascal!) I just worried this was a different kind of wheeking where he was in pain! Thank you for your help xx

It sounds to me like you're giving into the cuteness of your pigs and feeding them too many vegetables. If that fixed the problem last time, and it fixes it again this time, then you should probably find a healthy amount of fruits and greens and stick to it. Sometimes you just have to give cute Guinea Pigs extra treats, but be careful not to go overboard.

 

[VickiA]

Please read our threads about a balanced diet and the amount of veg to be offered.
Recommendations For A Balanced General Guinea Pig Diet
Feeding Grass And Preparing Your Piggies For Lawn Time

Please bear in mind if the piggy has been on grass that grass also counts as veg so you have to reduce their vegetables if they've been eating grass.

Stop feeding all veg and fruit and grass until the poo has returned to normal at least for 1-2 days then try reintroducing slowly. In the meantime of your piggy gets any worse or this doesn't improve then please get them seen urgently by a vet.

 

[Chlawee]

Please read our threads about a balanced diet and the amount of veg to be offered.
Recommendations For A Balanced General Guinea Pig Diet
Feeding Grass And Preparing Your Piggies For Lawn Time

Please bear in mind if the piggy has been on grass that grass also counts as veg so you have to reduce their vegetables if they've been eating grass.

Stop feeding all veg and fruit and grass until the poo has returned to normal at least for 1-2 days then try reintroducing slowly. In the meantime of your piggy gets any worse or this doesn't improve then please get them seen urgently by a vet.

Thank you! This is exactly what I'll do,
Just needed reassurance that I didn't need to rush him to the vets urgently

Chlawee

 

[VickiA]

Diarrhoea is serious in a piggy - so, as I've said, if there is no immediate improvement then seek a vet opinion. But what you've described sounds more like soft poos from too much fresh grass or veg. However I've not seen your piggy, so if you notice any deterioration please get him seen by the vet as soon as you can.

 

[Chlawee]

Diarrhoea is serious in a piggy - so, as I've said, if there is no immediate improvement then seek a vet opinion. But what you've described sounds more like soft poos from too much fresh grass or veg. However I've not seen your piggy, so if you notice any deterioration please get him seen by the vet as soon as you can.

Just an update, I think I was over worried, I cut the veg out and he's back to normal. Thanks everyone,
Is there any way I can make sure he doesn't eat too much? He gets less then Oscar but maybe he's got a weak stomach not sure! Xx

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Just an update, I think I was over worried, I cut the veg out and he's back to normal. Thanks everyone,
Is there any way I can make sure he doesn't eat too much? He gets less then Oscar but maybe he's got a weak stomach not sure! Xx

What do you feed him (cucumber etc)? And how much/often? They will always eat what they're given in my experience.

 

[tabelmabel]

Why not try cutting out watery veg like cucumber altogether as that is very low in nutrients anyway. Likewise don't offer fruit like strawberries/tomatoes/grapes.

try maybe a herb like mint, then if that's ok the next day you could do mint plus green beans. Then day 3 add a bit of red pepper to the mix. if you add the veg back in one by one, you'll be able to identify the culprit if the problem returns. I'm guessing it'll be cucumber, lettuce and watery fruits that are the likely culprits. I'm glad it's nothing serious!

 

[cassybaby89]

I am also thinking I need to cut back on lettuce at veg time. The piggies poops have not been wet but soft lately

 

[Chlawee]

Why not try cutting out watery veg like cucumber altogether as that is very low in nutrients anyway. Likewise don't offer fruit like strawberries/tomatoes/grapes.

try maybe a herb like mint, then if that's ok the next day you could do mint plus green beans. Then day 3 add a bit of red pepper to the mix. if you add the veg back in one by one, you'll be able to identify the culprit if the problem returns. I'm guessing it'll be cucumber, lettuce and watery fruits that are the likely culprits. I'm glad it's nothing serious!

It may be the lettuce, they're not really keen on cucumber, and won't eat pepper (I've tried numerous times) they do have lettuce though, I've introduced romaine lettuce and it may be that! Thank you xx

 

[Chlawee]

I am also thinking I need to cut back on lettuce at veg time. The piggies poops have not been wet but soft lately

I think lettuce may be the reason here too!

 

[Chlawee]

What do you feed him (cucumber etc)? And how much/often? They will always eat what they're given in my experience.

They have a range of things, but around the time it It happened it was romaine lettuce, a little bit of cabbage and broccoli and some carrots. I reckon it's probably the lettuce!
Xx

 

[JLo153]

My daughter's guinea pig has been having diarrhoea for last two days and she is very concerned! Having read all of your comments above she is very careful what she feeds them and is wondering why?

 

[Deleted member 114675]

My daughter's guinea pig has been having diarrhoea for last two days and she is very concerned! Having read all of your comments above she is very careful what she feeds them and is wondering why?

@JLo153 - I suggest you start a separate thread whenever you have a query about health - this ensures it is picked up by a health and illness guru.

 

[Chlawee]

My daughter's guinea pig has been having diarrhoea for last two days and she is very concerned! Having read all of your comments above she is very careful what she feeds them and is wondering why?

Could be poorly, I would definitely take them to the vet as it could put the piggys life at risk! Xx