5 min read
Guinea Pig Emergency Signs: When to Go to the Vet Now
A clear list of guinea pig emergencies that should not wait until tomorrow, plus what to bring and how to transport a sick pig.
Go now if you see
- Not eating for more than a few hours.
- No droppings, or very few tiny droppings.
- Labored, noisy or open-mouth breathing.
- Bloated, tight belly.
- Bleeding, injury or a fall.
- Seizures, collapse or inability to stand.
- Straining to pee with blood.
Call for advice the same day if
- Diarrhea or very soft droppings.
- Sudden weight loss.
- Eye injury or discharge.
- Drooling or dropping food.
What to bring
- A small carrier with hay and a towel.
- A sample of current food and recent droppings.
- Weight records and notes on when the change started.
Find a vet before you need one
Not every clinic treats guinea pigs. Save the number of a local exotic vet and an after-hours option now, so you do not lose time in an emergency.
When to call an exotic vet
This guide is general education, not veterinary advice. If your guinea pig stops eating, stops producing droppings, struggles to breathe, bleeds, or seems suddenly quiet, contact an exotic vet the same day. Guinea pigs hide illness, so small changes matter.