🐹Guinea Pig Health

Guinea Pig Health Guides

70 guides on guinea pig health, cited to the veterinary literature — symptoms, conditions, and when to see a vet.

Guinea pigs can't make their own vitamin C and hide illness until they're seriously unwell, so appetite loss or labored breathing always deserves prompt attention. These guides cover the most common concerns — dental disease, respiratory infections, and scurvy — and how to tell urgent from manageable.

🐹Guinea Pig HealthJul 6, 2026
🛡️Wellness & Prevention

Do Guinea Pigs Need to See a Vet? Yes — Here's Why

Guinea pigs are prey animals that hide illness until it's serious. An annual wellness exam with a cavy-savvy vet catches dental disease, scurvy, bladder stones, and respiratory infections early — here's how to find care and what it costs.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJul 5, 2026
🩺Chronic & Systemic

Guinea Pig Ovarian Cysts: Hair Loss on the Flanks and Other Signs

Symmetrical hair loss on both flanks in a female guinea pig is often ovarian cysts. Learn the signs, the differentials, and when a vet visit is urgent.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJul 2, 2026
💨Respiratory

Nasal Discharge in Guinea Pigs: Signs, Causes, and When to See a Vet

Nasal discharge in guinea pigs — especially combined with sneezing, labored breathing, or reduced appetite — is almost always a sign of bacterial respirato

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 28, 2026
🌿Skin & Coat

Guinea Pig Ringworm: Fungal Skin Infection Signs

Guinea pig ringworm causes circular hair loss and scaly skin, usually starting at the face. It spreads to humans and other pets. Learn signs and treatment.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 28, 2026
🦷Dental

Guinea Pig Dental Malocclusion: Overgrown Teeth Signs

Overgrown or misaligned teeth cause guinea pigs to drop food and lose weight. Cheek-tooth spurs are hidden — learn signs and when to see a vet.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 26, 2026
🍽️Eating & Drinking

Guinea Pig Scurvy: Vitamin C Deficiency Signs and Treatment

Guinea pigs can't make vitamin C and develop scurvy when deficient. Swollen joints, bleeding gums, and rough coat are key signs. Fully preventable.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 26, 2026
🩺Chronic & Systemic

Guinea Pig Pyometra: Uterine Infection Signs and Emergency Care

Pyometra is a life-threatening uterine infection in female guinea pigs. Vaginal discharge and a distended belly mean same-day emergency spay surgery.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 25, 2026
🐛Parasites

Guinea Pig Mange (Trixacarus): Itching and Skin Signs

Trixacarus mange causes intense itching, hair loss, and skin crusting in guinea pigs — sometimes triggering seizure-like episodes. Learn the signs.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 24, 2026
🩺Chronic & Systemic

Guinea Pig Diabetes: Signs, Testing, and Management

Guinea pig diabetes causes increased drinking, weight loss, and lethargy. Learn the signs, how vets diagnose it, and what management looks like.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 24, 2026
🌿Skin & Coat

Guinea Pig Mastitis: Signs of Mammary Infection to Watch

Guinea pig mastitis causes hot, swollen mammary glands and can rapidly become life-threatening. Recognize the signs early and know when to act.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 23, 2026
🚽Urinary

Bladder Stones in Guinea Pigs: Signs, Causes, and When to See a Vet

Guinea pig bladder stones cause straining, blood in urine, and pain. Learn the signs, diagnosis steps, treatment options, and prevention strategies.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 23, 2026
🌿Skin & Coat

Guinea Pig Cheilitis: Lip Scabs and Mouth Sores Explained

Guinea pig cheilitis causes crusty scabs at the lip corners and mouth sores. Learn the signs, causes, and when your guinea pig needs a vet.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 22, 2026
🌿Skin & Coat

Guinea Pig Neck Lumps: Cervical Lymphadenitis Signs

Cervical lymphadenitis causes jaw and neck lumps in guinea pigs from a strep bacterial abscess. Learn the signs, treatment, and when to see an exotic vet.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 21, 2026
🌿Skin & Coat

Guinea Pig Cheilitis: Mouth Corner Sores Signs & Care

Cheilitis causes painful lip-corner sores in guinea pigs, often from vitamin C deficiency. Learn the signs, treatment, and when to see an exotic vet.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 19, 2026
👁️Eyes & Ears

Guinea Pig Eye Discharge: Normal vs. Worrying Signs

A milky eye secretion is normal in guinea pigs, but persistent or one-sided discharge often signals dental disease, bacterial infection, or vitamin C defic

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 19, 2026
🦷Dental

Guinea Pig Dental Abscess: Signs & Treatment

Dental abscesses in guinea pigs are a leading cause of weight loss and drooling but are often missed because cheek teeth are invisible without sedation. Kn

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 18, 2026
🌿Skin & Coat

Guinea Pig Wet Dewlap: Skin Fold Infection Signs & Care

A persistently wet chin in a guinea pig leads rapidly to moist pyoderma and abscess. Learn to spot early signs, the most common causes, and when surgery is

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 18, 2026
🌿Skin & Coat

Guinea Pig Hair Loss: Alopecia Causes & Treatment

Guinea pig hair loss can mean mange mites, ringworm, ovarian cysts, or barbering. Each cause looks different and requires different treatment — learn how t

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 17, 2026
🌿Skin & Coat

Trichofolliculoma in Guinea Pigs: Signs, Treatment & Cost

Trichofolliculomas are the most common benign skin lumps in guinea pigs, filled with keratin and hair. Learn signs, when to remove, and surgical costs.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 17, 2026
🩺Chronic & Systemic

Fatty Liver Disease in Guinea Pigs: Signs & Emergency Care

Fatty liver disease in guinea pigs can develop within 48 hours of anorexia in obese animals. Learn signs, emergency syringe feeding, and vet costs.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 16, 2026
👁️Eyes & Ears

Conjunctivitis in Guinea Pigs: Signs, Causes & Treatment

Guinea pig conjunctivitis can result from bacterial infection, vitamin C deficiency, dental root abscess, or Chlamydia caviae. A weeping eye not clearing i

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 15, 2026
🌿Skin & Coat

Guinea Pig Ringworm: Signs, Treatment & Keeping Humans Safe

Guinea pig ringworm causes crusty bald patches and is contagious to humans. Learn treatment options, decontamination steps, and how long it takes to clear.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 14, 2026
🐛Parasites

Guinea Pig Mites: Seizure-Like Itching, Ivermectin Treatment & What to Expect

Mange mites in guinea pigs cause violent seizure-like itching episodes. Learn to spot Trixacarus caviae, ivermectin dosing options, and when it's an emergency.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 14, 2026
🚽Urinary

Blood in Guinea Pig Urine: Bladder Stones, UTI & Uterine Disease Explained

Blood in guinea pig urine signals bladder stones, UTI, or uterine disease — not harmless pigment. Learn when to go to the ER and how to prevent calcium stones.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 14, 2026
🩺Chronic & Systemic

Guinea Pig Adrenal Disease: Signs, Diagnosis & Treatment

Guinea pig adrenal disease causes symmetrical hair loss, skin darkening, and hormonal imbalance. Learn signs, diagnosis, treatment costs, and prognosis.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 14, 2026
🍽️Eating & Drinking

Guinea Pig Vitamin E Deficiency: Signs & Prevention

Vitamin E deficiency causes muscle weakness and stiff gait in guinea pigs. Learn signs, dietary causes, treatment, and how to prevent white muscle disease.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 8, 2026
🦷Dental

Guinea Pig Molar Spurs: Drooling, Appetite Loss & Dental Pain

Guinea pig molar spurs cause drooling, weight loss, and food dropping. Diagnosis requires sedated oral exam. Regular dental burring manages this lifelong c

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 8, 2026
🤮Digestive

Guinea Pig Salmonellosis: Signs, Treatment & Zoonosis Risk

Salmonellosis causes rapid, severe illness in guinea pigs — lethargy, bloody diarrhea, and high mortality. It is also transmissible to humans. Exotic vet e

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 6, 2026
🩺Chronic & Systemic

Guinea Pig Lymphoma: Lumps, Weight Loss, and What to Do

Lymphoma in guinea pigs causes firm lymph node lumps, weight loss, and lethargy. Mediastinal forms cause breathing difficulty. Diagnosis needs a biopsy.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 5, 2026
👁️Eyes & Ears

Guinea Pig Pea Eye: That Swelling Under the Eye

Pea eye is a usually harmless bulge under a guinea pig's lower eyelid. Learn how to tell it from a serious eye problem and when it actually needs a vet.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 5, 2026
🦴Mobility

Guinea Pig Satin Syndrome: Why Shiny Coats Carry Risk

Satin guinea pigs are prone to osteodystrophy, a painful bone disease. Learn the warning signs, the coat link, and how to keep them comfortable.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 4, 2026
🐛Parasites

Guinea Pig Ear Mites: Symptoms, Treatment, Cross-Species Risk

Guinea pig ear mites cause head shaking, brown ear debris, and scratching. Ivermectin clears most cases; rabbit and cat housemates need treating too.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 3, 2026
🩺Chronic & Systemic

Guinea Pig Mammary Tumors: Signs, Surgery, and What to Expect

Mammary tumors affect male and female guinea pigs. Here's how to spot them early and why surgery while the lump is small matters so much.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 3, 2026
🩺Chronic & Systemic

Guinea Pig Pyometra Signs: Uterine Infection in Older Sows

Pyometra in guinea pigs is bacterial uterine infection. Here's how to spot bloody discharge, abdominal swelling, and why spay surgery is curative.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 2, 2026
👁️Eyes & Ears

Guinea Pig Conjunctivitis Causes: Eye Infections Explained

Guinea pig conjunctivitis is usually respiratory infection, hay foreign body, or vitamin C deficiency. Here is how to tell them apart and when to see the v

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 1, 2026
💨Respiratory

Guinea Pig Respiratory Infection: Signs, Causes, Treatment

Guinea pigs hide respiratory illness until it is severe. Nasal discharge, fast breathing, or clicking sounds need same-day exotic vet care.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthJun 1, 2026
🩺Chronic & Systemic

Guinea Pig Uterine Cancer: Signs in Older Sows

Bloody vaginal discharge or a distended belly in an older intact sow often means uterine adenocarcinoma. Surgery is curative if caught before spread.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 31, 2026
🤮Digestive

Guinea Pig Ileus (GI Stasis): The Most Common Pet Pig Emergency

A guinea pig who stops eating or pooping has GI ileus — a true emergency. Acting within 6 to 12 hours dramatically improves survival.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 31, 2026
👁️Eyes & Ears

Guinea Pig Head Tilt (Torticollis): Causes and Recovery

A sudden head tilt in a guinea pig usually means an inner-ear infection or a stroke — both need same-day vet care to preserve recovery odds.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 30, 2026
🚨Emergency

Guinea Pig Pregnancy Toxemia: Signs and Emergency Care

Pregnancy toxemia kills guinea pigs fast — usually in the last two weeks of pregnancy or the first week after birth. Here's how to spot it.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 29, 2026
🌿Skin & Coat

Guinea Pig Bumblefoot (Pododermatitis): Signs and Treatment

Bumblefoot is a deep foot infection that starts with hair loss and swelling on the heels. Catch it early or it tracks into bone within weeks.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 28, 2026
👁️Eyes & Ears

Guinea Pig Cataracts: Cloudy Eyes Causes and Care

A cloudy eye in a guinea pig can be a cataract, a corneal ulcer, or an infection — and each needs different care. Here's how to tell them apart.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 28, 2026
👁️Eyes & Ears

Guinea Pig Stroke Signs: Recognizing a Neurological Emergency

Sudden head tilt, circling, or one-sided weakness in a guinea pig can be a stroke, an inner ear infection, or vitamin C deficiency — all of them urgent.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 27, 2026
🚽Urinary

Guinea Pig Bladder Stones: Symptoms, Surgery, and Prevention

Guinea pig bladder stones cause painful urination, blood in urine, and straining. Most need surgery. Diet helps prevent recurrence. Here's what to know.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 25, 2026
🤮Digestive

Guinea Pig Impaction Signs: Anal Impaction in Boars

Guinea pig anal impaction is common in older boars and shows a smelly soft buildup at the back end. Here is how to clean and manage it.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 25, 2026
🌿Skin & Coat

Guinea Pig Cervical Lymphadenitis: Neck Lumps and Treatment

Guinea pig cervical lymphadenitis (lumps) is a bacterial neck infection that needs surgical removal plus safe antibiotics. Here is how it is treated.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 22, 2026
💨Respiratory

Guinea Pig Open-Mouth Breathing: An Emergency Warning Sign

Open-mouth breathing in guinea pigs is never normal. Here's what it signals and why you need exotic vet care immediately.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 20, 2026

Guinea Pig Pregnancy Signs: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Guinea pig pregnancies are often unplanned and risky. Learn the signs of pregnancy, when veterinary care is needed, and how to prepare for birth.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 19, 2026
🚨Emergency

Guinea Pig Heat Stroke: Signs, Emergency Care, and Prevention

Guinea pigs are highly vulnerable to heat stroke. Learn the warning signs, what to do immediately, and how to keep your guinea pig safe in warm weather.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 18, 2026
🌿Skin & Coat

Guinea Pig Abscess: Signs, Causes, and Why Exotic Vet Care Matters

Abscesses in guinea pigs appear as firm lumps under the skin and require exotic vet care. Learn the signs, typical locations, and why they're treated differently than in dogs or cats.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 18, 2026
💨Respiratory

Guinea Pig Sneezing: Causes, Upper Respiratory Infection, and When to Worry

Guinea pig sneezing can be normal or the start of a dangerous respiratory infection. Learn to tell the difference and when to act fast.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 17, 2026
🤮Digestive

Guinea Pig Not Pooping: Causes, GI Stasis Risk, and What to Do

A guinea pig not pooping for 12+ hours is a potential emergency. Learn the signs of GI stasis, what causes it, and why time matters so much.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 17, 2026
👁️Eyes & Ears

Guinea Pig Ear Infection: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

Guinea pig ear infections cause head tilting, scratching, and balance problems. Learn to spot the signs early and why exotic vet care is essential.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 16, 2026
🚨Emergency

Seizures in Guinea Pigs: Causes, Signs, and Emergency Action

Guinea pig seizures can be caused by vitamin C deficiency, heat stroke, ear infection, or hypoglycemia. Learn what a seizure looks like and what to do immediately.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 15, 2026
🩺Chronic & Systemic

Guinea Pig Heart Disease: Signs, Symptoms, and When to See an Exotic Vet

Guinea pig heart disease causes lethargy, breathing difficulty, and weight loss. Learn to recognize the early warning signs and when it's urgent.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 14, 2026
🦴Mobility

Guinea Pig Arthritis: Signs, Care, and When to See an Exotic Vet

Senior guinea pigs often develop arthritis. Learn the signs, how to make your guinea pig more comfortable, and when to involve an exotic vet.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 13, 2026
🩺Chronic & Systemic

Guinea Pig Ovarian Cysts: Signs, Causes, and Treatment Options

Hair loss on the flanks and a pear-shaped belly are classic guinea pig ovarian cysts signs. Learn what to watch for and treatment options.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 12, 2026
🐛Parasites

Guinea Pig Mites: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention

Guinea pig mites cause intense itching and hair loss. Learn to identify a mite infestation, how it's treated, and how to prevent reinfestation.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 11, 2026
🚨Emergency

Lethargic Guinea Pig: Causes and When to See an Exotic Vet

A lethargic guinea pig is nearly always sick. Learn the urgent causes — respiratory infection, GI issues, vitamin C deficiency — and when to act fast.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 11, 2026
👁️Eyes & Ears

Guinea Pig Eyes Closed: Why It Happens and When It's an Emergency

A guinea pig with eyes closed or partially closed is often a sign of illness or pain. Learn when it's urgent and what to do right away.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 10, 2026
👁️Eyes & Ears

Guinea Pig Eye Infection: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Red, swollen, or discharge-filled eyes in guinea pigs need prompt exotic vet care. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 10, 2026
🤮Digestive

Guinea Pig Bloating: Signs of Gas, GI Stasis, and When It's an Emergency

A bloated guinea pig is a medical emergency. Learn to recognize gas and GI stasis before it becomes life-threatening.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 9, 2026
🍽️Eating & Drinking

Guinea Pig Not Drinking Water: Causes & How to Help

A guinea pig not drinking water can quickly become dehydrated. Learn the causes, how to check hydration, and when to seek exotic vet care.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 9, 2026
🌿Skin & Coat

Guinea Pig Skin Problems: Mange, Ringworm & What to Watch For

Guinea pig skin problems like mange and ringworm are common and treatable. Learn the signs of serious skin disease and when to see an exotic vet.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 9, 2026
🤮Digestive

Guinea Pig Diarrhea: Causes, Warning Signs & Care

Guinea pig diarrhea can be caused by diet changes, bacterial infection, or parasites. Learn what's serious and what to do to help your guinea pig.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 9, 2026
🦴Mobility

Guinea Pig Limping: Causes, Bumblefoot & What To Do

Guinea pig limping can signal bumblefoot, vitamin C deficiency, arthritis, or injury. Learn the causes and when to see an exotic vet.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 8, 2026
🍽️Eating & Drinking

Guinea Pig Losing Weight: Causes, Warning Signs, and What to Do

Unexplained weight loss in guinea pigs is almost always a sign of illness. Learn the causes and why weekly weigh-ins matter.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 8, 2026
💨Respiratory

Guinea Pig Wheezing: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Vet

Wheezing in guinea pigs often signals a respiratory infection. Learn the causes, symptoms, and when it becomes an emergency.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 8, 2026
🐾Behavior & Training

Guinea Pig Teeth Chattering: What It Means and When to Worry

Guinea pig teeth chattering is usually a warning signal. Learn when it's communication vs. a sign of dental pain or illness.

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🐹Guinea Pig HealthMay 8, 2026
🍽️Eating & Drinking

Guinea Pig Not Eating: Causes, Warning Signs, and What to Do

A guinea pig not eating is a medical emergency. Learn the causes, warning signs of GI stasis, and when to see an exotic vet.

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