6 Health
HEALTH TIP #1: Observation
Know your pet. Unusual behavior patterns could mean something is wrong and symptoms could worsen very quickly. If some of the symptoms from Guinea Pig Manual is recognized, consult your veterinarian immediately.
HEALTH TIP #2: Weigh Your Healthy Guinea Pig Weekly
Weighing is one of the best, simplest and cheapest tools available for monitoring small animal's health. Owner must be aware for dramatic changes in weight. Small fluctuations from day to day are normal. Pattern of weight loss is a reason to be alert. Reference weight fluctuations:
- 1 ounce (~ 28 grams) weight fluctuation: OK
- 2 ounces (~ 57 grams) weight fluctuation: Alert
- 3 ounces (~ 85 grams) weight fluctuation: Red Alert
- 4 ounces (~ 113 grams) weight fluctuation: Get your guinea pig to a vet!
HEALTH TIP #3: Weigh Your Ill Guinea Pig Daily
HEALTH TIP #4: Prevent the Spread Of Illness And Parasites by Quarantine
It is recommended that any new guinea pig which is about to be introduced to a resident guinea pig is submitted to a quarantine procedure. The quarantine insures that the new guinea pig does not introduce any illness or parasites to the resident guinea pig(s). It is recommended to quarantine new guinea pig for 2 to 3 weeks. Owner is advised to wash hands well in between handling the new and the resident guinea pig and consider changing shirt or wearing a removable cover-up when handling the new (or sick) guinea pig. Quarantine procedure is specifically recommended if new guinea pig is bought in a pet store (in countries where pet stores have a bad reputation).