Guinea pigs are very cute and simple creatures. However, they can also feel depressed and melancholy from time to time. They can also be fragile and sensitive to stress.
There are some factors leading to depression in guinea pigs, such as environmental change and lack of comfort. Â You have to make sure that you know guinea pig temperature guide to make sure that your guinea pig does not feel too cold or too hot.
As an owner, you may not even notice the symptoms unless you are familiar with the symptoms. You need to learn the signs of depression in guinea pigs and how to treat it so that they feel safe and secure.
Guinea pigs may feel depressed due to some reasons. Loss of a companion is one of the most common reasons. The other reasons are getting bullied by the other pigs, fighting, and cage that is too small. It is also very important for owners to pay attention to these conditions.
- Lack of Appetite
As a parent of guinea pig, you know that guinea pigs are always hungry. Even like after five minutes they have finished munching on veggies, they will be full of excitement once you rustle a bag signaling that it is a feeding time.
It will be totally different when your guinea pig is depressed. If your guinea pig is depressed, the first sign is lack of appetite. If you notice that your guinea pig does not feel excited about its food anymore, then you get a reason to worry.
Lack of appetite is a serious issue, so you need to pay closer attention to it. Loss of appetite in guinea pigs can also be a sign of other serious conditions. Once your guinea pig wants to eat again, consider feeding them the best food. Best fruit for guinea pig should be included on your list.
- Weight Loss
Weight loss is related to the lack of appetite, but it doesn’t always get together. There are several reasons why guinea pigs lose weight. One of the reasons is depression.
For example, when a guinea pig loses its life companion, it will feel sad for a longer period of time. Then, it will lose weight because it does not eat as much as it used to. Make sure you can keep the weight on track by measuring the weight regularly.
- Being Inactive
Depressed guinea pig is a lazy guinea pig. When your guinea pig loses its companion, then it will feel lonely and depressed. If it is lonely, then it may not be active as it used to be. Inactivity may also be caused by some other factors, but depression is the most important reason behind it.
Small cage can also cause inactivity and lead to depression and sadness as well. If this is the reason, then you need to provide larger area for your guinea pig as guinea pigs love to explore large areas.
- Irresponsive
Normal guinea pigs love to be bubbly and energetic every time you approach their cage. If they act in the opposite way, then there might be something wrong, and it can be depression.
Being irresponsive can also be caused by lots of things, so you should pay attention to any possible conditions. The most common cause is the loss of a companion.
Beware also with the following signs of a depressed guinea pig:
- Prefer to hid a lot and refuse to go out
- Sleep most of the time
- Nervousness
- Freezing
- Hair loss
- Irritability
- Refuse to be handled
- Hissing or baring teeth
Ways of Treating Depression in Guinea Pigs
The best way to treat depression in guinea pig is finding the cause. By knowing and figuring out the cause, then you can find the proper and best treatment of it.
Comfort is very important. When a guinea pig feels comfortable, then it will feel happy and enjoyable. Consider the size of the cage too. The cage that is too small will give the guinea pig limited place to explore.
Find the ideas on how to set up guinea pigs cage. When its mobility is limited, then it tends to get bored and depressed at the end. You can also consider making DIY tunnels for guinea pigs so they can have fun!
If you have pets other than guinea pigs at home, such as dogs and cats, try to keep them away. Dogs and cats are naturally predators, though the ones at your home aren’t, but seeing larger animal approaching the cage can be very stressful for your guinea pig.
Take it slowly. To handle depressed guinea pig needs patience and time.
Consider giving your guinea pig a companion in a cage. It can be the one with the same or different sex. If you choose to have different-sex companion, make sure the male is neutered.
Besides, once your guinea pig has companion, don’t forget to always observe their behavior. Once you notice any fight, separate them as it might worsen the depression.