If you have a guinea pig, you have probably wondered: why did my guinea pig die overnight? It is an upsetting situation. Most rodents and guinea pigs can die suddenly without warning. Often, people blame themselves and wonder whether they properly cared for their pet. Here are some common reasons for your guinea pig’s sudden death.
In addition to being too hot or too cold, it is important for your guinea pig to have fresh bedding to sleep on. Using wood shavings for bedding is a common cause of guinea pig death. You can easily replace them with soft paper or cloth towels. This will kill any fleas that may have been hiding in the wood shavings. You can also change the bedding every few days to ensure the fleas don’t multiply too quickly.
Loneliness. If your guinea pig has been left alone for an extended period, it might be lonely. It might not have had enough time to explore its surroundings. Alternatively, it might be ill or suffering from a mental health issue. In any case, it’s best to visit the vet if you suspect your pet has a serious illness. It may be a sign of loneliness and need a new friend.
Dehydration. Although guinea pigs are unable to produce vitamin C, they can absorb it from the air around them. A sudden drop in temperature can also lead to respiratory infection in guinea pigs. Vitamin C injections will help to treat this condition. You should not ignore the underlying cause of diarrhea. This condition could be the cause of death for your pet.
Ketosis. If your guinea pig is pregnant, it may be suffering from ketosis. The uterus should be checked for internal bleeding, and its liver may be fatty. In both cases, medical treatment is necessary, but prevention is always better than cure. In both cases, the most important thing is to treat the underlying cause of ketosis, before the symptoms become too advanced.
Salmonella. Salmonella Bacterium causes salmonellosis in guinea pigs. It is spread via contaminated bedding and food. Infection with this bacterium may lead to dehydration, vomiting, and a swollen spleen. In severe cases, your guinea pig may die within a few minutes. But if you notice these signs in your guinea pig, your sanity may just save you a lot of trouble.
Another cause of guinea pig death may be an infection or parasite. Parasites infect animals and may cause mild irritation or death. Lice are wingless insects that feed off the secretions of guinea pigs. A heavy infestation can cause itching, scratching, and hair loss. Lice are not contagious to humans, so you should not panic if you suspect your guinea pig has a lice infestation. Your veterinarian can administer an injection to kill the parasites.
If your guinea pig was living outdoors, you should keep him in an insulated hutch that is protected from high winds. Insulate the hutch with a tarpaulin, blanket, or carpet. The hutch should also have good ventilation. To reduce exposure to heat and rain, you can move the hutch to an outbuilding or shed. Make sure that the hutch is not close to a car as the fumes can kill the pig.
