Can I reduce the chance that our guinea pig will develop bowel problems?

Question

If bowel impaction is preventable, could you let me know the best way to reduce the chances of our male guinea pig developing this condition?  Also, are there any early warning signs so we can make a vet appointment as soon as he needs help?

Our little guy is @ least 6 years old & seems very healthy.  He was a rescue & is actually more playful now than he was @ age 2.  He eats Oxbow Cavy Cuisine, timothy hay, assorted veggies & occasional fruit & has had so signs of problems so far.  He's a mixed breed with really long hair if that's relevant.

Thanks.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Hay, hay and more hay! Hay is the best thing because the long strands of hay they eat, will keep their stomach's working in proper order. Once your guinea pig starts eating hay, then his stomach will clear up and any constipation or stomach pain will go away. They will need hay 24/7 so be prepared to buy a lot because they do like it a lot! Grass is also a very good resource for them because it is natural.

If he is eating healthy, getting enough vitamin C and exercise, etc. Then you wont have to worry about it. Vet check ups are recommended every 6 months.

Carol · Answer

The great news is if he was going to get it he would have already had developed it by now.

A completely well balanced diet is they only way to prevent it if it is preventable at all. That is 70% hay, alfalfa until the age of 6 months then timothy. 20 % pellets, alfalfa based up to the age of 6 months the timothy based. 10 % dark green leafy veggies for the vitamin C. A good C supplement, my EXOTIC vet prefers the 40 mil. tablets. I do well with the C and minerals in the water. 

If you would like to e-mail me tomorrow at carolmoore30@yahoo.com i will call my vet tomorrow and ask her if there are early warning signs. She has shared with me that 75% of the males  guinea pigs in her practice develop it, so that being the case im guessing she is some what an expert on the subject. She is happy that i dedicate quite a bit of my time to helping people with their guinea pigs and is happy to help when we come up with something i do not know.

Meg · Answer

I never had a guinea pig but i had hamsters when i was younger. I fed one too many peanuts and he got really backed up. We called the vet and he told us to get a bowl of warm ( not burning hot ) water and let them sit in the bowl for awhile everyday. It worked. Hope this helps!

sunset · Answer

Call your vet for advice or take him in for a checkup.  I have a Himalayan cat that had bowel problems and my vet told me to sprinkle a little Benefiber daily in his water bowl.  It did the trick.

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Can I reduce the chance that our guinea pig will develop bowel problems?

4 Answers