They ate pine needles; help!

[VeggieChompers]

Hi all

So I let the piggies (Guinness 2 1/2, and Rumplewicks almost 1) have a little grazing time outside on the lawn since it was warm. Unfortunately they both got hold of some pine needles and had a nibble. I read that pine needles are poisonous to piggies, and am now worried sick. They just got back in, so no noticeable difference yet but I am so worried about what I might see tomorrow. They didn't get much....should I be as worried as I am, or should they be ok?

Thanks for any help

VeggieChompers,
Guinness and Rumplewicks

 

[sharonS]

I would be tempted to contact your vet for advice, don't want to worry you but it is better safe than sorry.

 

[Freela]

How are they doing? You could always call your vet and check. However, I suspect with a small amount they would likely be fine... my parents have a cottage surrounded by pine trees and we do put ours out to graze on the lawn there so I suspect that they may have eaten the odd pine needle with no ill effect. I do try to clear anything that isn't grass or clover out of the area before I put them down, but the odds that I have missed a needle or two over the course of several summers is still probably pretty significant. Hope they are well!

 

[Wiebke]

With just a small amount, they should be perfectly OK. I've seen piggies of my childhood munch on the odd one, and those piggies lived healthily to a good age. Please contact your vet if you notice any problems in the next 24 hours.

 

[Guinea pig slave]

Can only echo Wiebke's advice - piggies have a very high metabolism too so anything out of the ordinary is passed fairly quickly.
Hope all is well.