Senior Guinea Pig Care

The average life span of a guinea pig is 5 to 7 years, with some guinea pigs living to 9 or 10 years. The official record for the oldest guinea pig is 14 years and 10 and a half months!

Guinea pigs can be considered to enter their “senior” years at around 4 to 5 years of age, or when symptoms of age develop. Older guinea pigs can suffer from conditions such as arthritis, eye sight issues and can lose muscle and body mass as they progress in age.

Guinea pigs, like humans, can develops arthritic symptoms. Many owners find increasing the levels of vitamin C in the diet can assist with inflammation often associated with arthritis. There are other treatments to combat arthritis which you can discuss with your exotics veterinarian.

See our Vitamin C supplements here.

Adding softer beddings such as Vet Bed can help reduce pressure on limbs and aid in a reduction in pain. Guinea pigs may find heat pads and wraps helpful to alleviate pain and aching joints. Please ensure that your guinea pigs can walk away from any heat pads you place in your guinea pigs cage if the heat become excessive. All pads must be 100% securely wrapped with a towel or blanket.

How You Can Help Your Piggies

Guinea pigs love tunneling and enjoy a safe, warm place to snuggle up. A piggy pouch or similar item is perfect to allow your cavy to rest, recuperate and have a safe, comfortable place to have a snooze.

We highly recommend our Vet-Bed liners for senior piggies, as these super soft and snuggly liners are designed for piggies with joint or mobility issues.

As time goes on it may be quite difficult for older guinea pigs to groom and care for themselves without assistance. You may need to check your guinea pigs bottom daily and clean away any excess urine or fecal matter. Using warm water your can gently wipe away any urine or fecal matter and towel dry. Always ensure your guinea pig is completely dry prior to placing back in its cage.

Weight is a vital health indicator in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are prey animals, and as such may be able to hide or cover any outward signs of illness. Be sure to weigh your guinea pig on a weekly basis, as weight loss is one of the first signs of illness.

Check out weight chart here.

Always check your guinea pigs teeth on a daily basis, watch for signs of teeth issues - these could range from not picking or eating food as they usually do, drooling, excessive movement when chewing, eye or nose discharge, weight loss or having an appetite yet not being able to eat.

Read more on senior piggy care in our Vet Blog.