Weight loss is very common in guinea pigs and is not a reason to panic. But when you notice that your guinea pig is losing weight, you should monitor the situation very carefully to make sure that everything is going well. This naturally means that you should weigh your pig regularly (twice a week is recommended) and look for a significant change in weight.
How much is a “significant” change in weight?
A guinea pig’s weight will typically differ by a few grams each time you weigh it. This is due to hydration, nutrition (or lack thereof), etc. So a difference of up to 35 grams (1.2 ounces) per week shouldn’t be a big concern. However, if the weight drop is above this level, you should pay attention. A drop of more than 85 grams (3 ounces) almost certainly means an emergency and you should see your vet right away.
What to do if you notice weight loss.
If you notice significant weight loss of more than 2 ounces, you should check to see if your pig has been eating and drinking properly. Most of the time, insufficient nutrition is to blame. However, don’t be fooled by simply seeing empty food bowls, because guinea pigs will sometimes save their food instead of eating it. So even if all the food is gone, the pig may not have eaten all of it.
If you find that your pig is not eating properly, you can try quickly changing its diet. Buy a different brand of guinea pig food, spice up the menu with different fruits, vegetables, etc. If it still doesn’t work then there is a problem and you need to see a vet. Until you see one, you want to make sure the pig is decently fed, even if it means force-feeding it. Force feeding should be done very carefully with the help of a clean syringe.
What is the average weight of a guinea pig?
Sometimes you may notice your pig is losing weight within the safe range, but the weight continues to drop week after week. Such constant loss is fine as long as the guinea pig does not gradually become too light. Obviously, every guinea pig is different and has its own natural weight, but if your guinea pig is an adult female, her weight should normally not go below 1.5 lbs. (24 ounces) and if male, its weight must not be less than 2 pounds (32 ounces). The only exception to this rule is if your pig is unusually small in size.
possible diseases
Several diseases can cause your guinea pig to lose weight rapidly. The most common are malocclusion and scurvy, either of which can be diagnosed by your vet. Sometimes pig teeth problems can also hurt the pig while eating, discouraging it from eating anything; this can also contribute to weight loss.