Heat Strokes

Heat stokes affect many guinea pigs without their owners even knowing, but when they become frequent, they can be life threatening. A heat stroke can affect a guinea pig even when it does not feel too hot to a human, this is due to their thick fur. 

 

Causes:

• Obesity 

• Too much fur

• High temperatures

• Lack of water

 

Symptoms:

When a Guinea pig has suffered from a heat stroke they usually present with the following behavioural and physical symptoms.

 

Behavioural:

• General discomfort

• Unwillingness to move

• Avoiding solid foods

• A 'floppy' stature

 

Physical:

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhea

• Temperature (Anything above 38 degrees celsius)

• Dehydration

• Fatigue 

• Glazed over eyes

 

Prevention:

• Keep your guinea pig in a cool environment to prevent heat strokes from occuring.

• Keep your guinea pig's fur trimmed.

• Never leave your guinea pig in direct sunlight for more than 10 minutes.

• Always provide water for your guinea pig.

• If temperatures rise to more than 35 degrees celcius bring your guinea pigs inside and put them in a room (maybe a bathroom or cellar) with a fan until the temperatures drop. 

• If you find your guinea pig looking sleepy/ floppy, immediately wrap them in a cold, damp towel and make them drink water.

• Do not overfeed your guinea pig, as obese guinea pigs are more prone to getting heat strokes.

• If the heat stroke symptoms do not subside, take your guinea pig to the vets immediately to aviod brain damage or even death.