guinea pig smells bad sick

Although they tend to poop and pee everywhere, its not impossible to teach them to use a litter box. Click here to find out more about this amazing product.At Pet Keen, weve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool cat company! There are a number of different brands of guinea pig odor control sprays on the market, so its important to choose one that is safe for your pet. The best way to ensure theyre getting the right food is to think about what they would eat in their natural habitat. Their digestive systems are unable to process it. He was polite and eager to help. Finally, consider using an air purifier in your home to help remove any lingering smells. Because their digestive tracts function nearly the same way ours do, guinea pigs can indeed fart. As matter of fact bad smell can be a sign that your pet need a vets attention. If your little one is wet around the bottom, they might be having issues urinating. Yes, it is safe to smell hay for guinea pigs. Its usually a smelly cage that is causing the unpleasant odor. Youll want to be sure your little ones diet is rich in fiber and Vitamin C. Make sure your pet has constant access to clean, fresh water. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Make sure your guinea pig has access to a dust bath. (Know Before Feeding! The key to keeping your guinea pigs habitat clean and odor-free is to spot-clean daily and do a thorough cleaning once a week. Guinea pigs should never be sitting in wet bedding or wet fleece. NY 10036. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Some guinea pigs even love to cuddle with their owners. In fact, at least 80% of its diet should be made up of this. Contact Guinea Pig Smells Bad: Why This Happens, How To Control Guinea Pig Cages/ By Pallab Kishore As a guinea pig owner, you may have to face different problems. Piggies with excess hair or that are old or sick should be given a hand with their grooming. Not only is it good for their digestion, but it also helps keep their teeth short. Take your guinea pig to the vet as soon as possible to rule out any underlying medical conditions. You need to purchase the fleece bedding designed for this purpose as only that one has a highly necessary absorbent layer. Offer hay at every mealtime, as well as throughout the day for nibbling on as they please. Once done, place clean bedding in the cage, along with everything else. Most owners say that the strongest smell around guinea pigs is hay smell. Yes, male guinea pigs have a stronger and less pleasant smell than females. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 11 Ways To Get Rid Of Guinea Pig Urine Smell, Do Guinea Pigs Eat Each Other? Spot cleaning is something that could help you maintain your Cavys cage clean. If your guinea pig's poop has developed a bad smell, this may be a sign your pet is having digestive issues. Your email address will not be published. First of all, maybe the smell doesnt come from the pig itself but from the cage. Brilliant company. If you have a guinea pig, you know that they can be very stinky creatures. Youll need to try and memorize a potty schedule for this to be easiest. Traveling With Guinea Pigs. But how did the black cat get her wicked reputation? If your guinea pig's ears smell bad or are red, schedule an exam with your veterinarian; they may have an ear infection. Also called a grease gland in males, these glands can create a sticky, oily substance that they use to mark their little territories. The main reason for this is that guinea pigs have scent glands on their bodies which release pheromones as a way of communication. In this article, not only will you find out all the different ways to stop your guinea pig from smelling, but youll also learn some of the most common reasons your guinea pig smells bad as well! Guinea pigs that dont exercise enough and become obese are prone to urinary tract infections. If you are interested to find out more about grooming there is whole article dedicated to this topic Guinea Pig Grooming Tips. The area around the gland, located under a guinea pigs tail, can become greasy and start to smell if not cleaned regularly. How to control odor in the guinea pig cage? If you or your family are feeling ill, it's best to keep your germs to yourself. How to Make Guinea Pigs Like You? Guinea pigs, along with several other rodents, will often choose to use the same area for both bathroom and eating needs.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'guineapigsite_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guineapigsite_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Create a dark/shaded or covered area for those bathroom duties. Speak with your veterinarian if you suspect any of these parasites to determine the best course of action. Remember, about 10% of a guinea pigs diet should be vegetables, and while they absolutely love fruit, theyre incredibly high in sugar, so you should make sure that youre only feeding them fruit as a treat. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. While all animals have some kind of scent, some are definitely stinkier than others. Illness can be avoided by feeding appropriate diets which include commercial guinea pig pellets (these are supplemented with vitamin C) and varied fruits and vegetables. In my experience, guinea pigs can create two odors, one that is the typical small animal smell that all critters like Guinea pigs, mice, and hamsters have. First, make sure to clean up any urine as soon as possible. 16. As a member of the, People that have never before seen a guinea pig or a hamster (called Cavia porcellus and Cricetus cricetus. Remove any soiled bedding, uneaten food, or water that has been sitting out for more than an hour. So, do guinea pigs smell? These smells can be overwhelming for them and cause them a lot of stress. If you see these signs, you should urgently seek treatment at your vets where they may take samples of the discharge from the eyes or nose and/or take chest x-rays. When caught early, most illnesses can be cured fairly easily with a course of antibiotics safe for cavies. [2] Nuggets your cavys diet should also include specially formulated guinea pig nuggets. If it is a UTI or cystitis, you need to get your piggy to the vet immediately. I tried cutting out all vegetables and this didn't help. Likewise, elderly or sickly cavies will have trouble keeping themselves groomed, so youll need to assist. Do Guinea Pigs Smell? How to stop outdoor guinea pigs from smelling? Wish your dog was more responsive on walks? Male guinea pigs sometimes need a bit of extra care to stay clean, but your cage cleaning routine can stay the same for all pigs. Regular grooming also encourages healthy fur growth and helps prevent mites and other parasites from taking hold. You can use either water and safe shampoo or a simple damp cloth so you can wipe him well. 1. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Free next-day delivery and customer service is second to none. Spot clean daily and do a full cleaning weekly. Why does your guinea pigs poop smell so bad? Amazing service, thank you! Why does my guinea pigs pee smell like fish? Step-By-Step Guide. The ingredients from these products can cause respiratory problems. And while they may have a slight odour, they should never be overpowering or unpleasant. The guinea pig will also start to smell bad if you don't change the fleece liner regularly. It isnt guaranteed that your pig will take to it or use it all the time, but it will certainly make cleaning up after your guinea pig much easier if it works. Do Male Guinea Pigs Smell Worse Then Females? Sometimes the problem is not in your pet but in his house. They use the oily substance to scent mark their territory, and if it builds up, it can matt the fur on their behinds. Most frequently these are found in the bladder but can also form in the kidneys. Make sure your guinea pig is getting the right nutrition, and if the smell persists, take them to the vet for a check-up. In fact, they are relatively clean animals and have very little odor. If the area around scent glands becomes greasy and sticky, may produce a disgusting smell. A vet will be able to check your guinea pigs teeth and diagnose any problems before they cause serious damage. ). Then, reintroduce your guinea pig to his newly fresh-smelling cage! Guinea pigs sometimes can be smelly creatures. However, there may be times you will need to step in. Didn't find what you need? Make sure the product you choose is fortified with vitamin C and other essential vitamins and minerals. If you notice that your guinea pig is starting to smell bad, take them to the vet to rule out any health issues that may be causing the odor. Visit our corporate site. Highly recommended them! By knowing what the most common illnesses are, you can be better prepared to monitor for signs and symptoms that your guinea pig may be getting sick. But if your pig is sick or struggling to groom itself, that can definitely lead to a stinky guinea pig. If your guinea pigs pee smells bad, it could be a sign of an infection or dehydration. 7000+ 5 Star Reviews Free Returns Do Guinea Pigs Smell? These stones can become lodged and cause blockages, which can be life-threatening. The key is to keep their cage and all cage material clean, to provide a proper diet which wont cause any health issues to your furry friend. When small animals have a health problem, their health can go downhill quite quickly. While they are usually healthy animals, there are a number of diseases that commonly affect pet guinea pigs. This skin problem requires the vets attention. Trainer reveals how you might be escalating your dogs reactivity and how to stop this, Trainer reveals the secret to calming down a hyperactive dog and its pretty straightforward, Change in activity level (quiet/huddled up), Change in poo smaller amounts or none, different appearance or diarrhoea, Straining to pass urine or passing sludgy urine, Gut blockages: tumours, hairballs, eating foreign material such or bedding or cardboard. In nearly all cases that you do in fact happen to get sick, you arent in dire trouble and a simple injection of antibiotics from the doctor will do the trick. Can Guinea Pigs Have Multi-Level Cages? This will help prevent any build-up of odors. I have a one year old, blind, male guinea pig, that has a very bad smell that is causing my whole house to smell bad! In some cases, the changes are going to be simple, however, in other cases the changes may need to be more drastic. products and they're lovely too. Typically, guinea pigs dont give off a bad smell. Though youve probably seen your little one eat his own droppings, it isnt exactly what you think it is and that certainly doesnt mean you should. The downside of this option is that your guinea pigs will smell a bit like pee as this is simply the nature of this material. The littles also tend to be cautious where they pee, since predatory animals might smell it and know where theyve been. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Guinea pigs are fastidious creatures, and they like to keep themselves clean. Spaying your female guinea pig is definitely recommended. And. Yes, guinea pigs are fastidious little groomers and do a pretty good job keeping themselves clean. The best way to prevent this illness is to keep your pets cage clean and sanitized. Bad breath in guinea pigs means usually that some tooth is infected or that your pet has some other dental issue. There is no denying that guinea pigs are cute. As far as the sperm rod goes, this simply needs to be removed and thrown away. These greasy secretions are quite smelly and might make your guinea pig smell really bad if not . Excessive gland secretion causes a greasy, matted, and very smelly coat. Your guinea pig should never smell bad. Bottom line- if you have two or more guinea pigs in a small cage, the whole room will start to smell bad very soon. No matter how you will achieve this, either with an open window or with a house fan or portable fan but you need to keep the air moving through the room, circulating out a bad smell. Be aware before introducing any new guinea pigs if they seem to have any skin conditions. This means youll want to change everything out, clean all of the surfaces, etc. Long hair can trap dirt and bacteria which can cause a bad smell. Lice and Demodex mange mites are conditions that can both cause itching and hair loss. The most important thing is to figure out where the smell is coming from so you can fix the problem. Do Guinea Pigs Really Need A Top On Their Cage? In some very rare cases, people have contracted things like Leptospirosis. Prompt, competent veterinary care is crucial to saving the life of a sick cavy. Cut back on the veggies and the smell should go away on its own in some time. Make sure you always dry your guinea to avoid any chills later on. So, are guinea pigs odorless? For example, a potato that contains too much starch is no good for your furry friend. The longer it sits, the harder it will be to remove the smell. If you notice a urine smell, brush out their fur to remove dried urine and make sure they do not have matted fur. Cage might emit foul smell if its not maintained properly or its too small. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. One minute theyre fine, playing with the best guinea pig accessories, the next theyre under the weather and it can be really hard to work out whats wrong. Due to the lack of normal peristalsis and no food coming into the digestive system, gas is unable to leave the body. Feeding guinea pigs human food or foods meant for other animals will wreak havoc with their digestive system and overall health. The most common symptoms of the heat cycle in Bernese Mountain dogs are swollen vulva, bloody discharge, How Much Food Does Your Maltipoo Really Need? And its not just their poo that will smell. That is why it is crucial to clean your guinea pig's cage and get rid of dirty beddings. Bought a double hutch and run for our guinea pigs and they were super helpful. More about guinea pigs hamsters and gerbils. When your guinea pig smells bad there are a number of things you can do to get them smelling right as rain again. Its best to take them to the vet to get a diagnosis and treatment. Ileus is caused when gas builds up in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines). It might help to know that this isnt a normal occurrence and your little one shouldnt smell. How to clean stinky guinea pigs? Arcana pets is the best place for you to get needed pet related information. Certainly not me, but sure enough there it was! The best way to keep your guinea pig healthy is to keep a close watch on your pet. When a guinea pig is sick or has a poor diet, this will also cause its urine to smell bad. 24, No. If your guinea pig smells bad, it is likely due to a health issue or poor hygiene. Cooked or processed food a big no-no for guinea pigs is cooked or processed food. If your cavies have an unusually pongy enclosure, we suggest the following: No, its definitely not normal for guinea pigs wee to smell fishy. If you have more than one, the bedding will need to be replaced more frequently. Before cleaning the cage, youll need to place your guinea pig in a safe location. Any soiled bedding should be removed and replaced with fresh bedding. There are many different causes such as: Inappropriate diet Stress Trapped gas/bloat Dental disease Additionally, if you notice bald patches or any sores on their body, it is important to take them to the vet. Cysts also cause loss of fertility and increase the risk of uterine (womb) cancers. This is a band-aid solution because youll want to ensure that your pig is in a clean cage and in good health, but its a good way to make the room smell a little fresher. If she is living with a male, this will ensure population control and prevent multiple litters of guinea pigs. If your guinea pig smells bad, it is likely due to a health issue or poor hygiene. Burgess Excel Adult GP Nuggets with Blackcurrant and Oregano. To prevent your pets butt area to become messy, regular coat trimming is necessary. Colognes and Perfumes 6.Onions & Garlic 7. Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. If your guinea pigs urine or poop smell worse than they should, you might want to take a look at your cavys diet. Guinea pigs mark their territory with the help of the oil secreted from this gland, but the area around the gland can become sticky and smelly. In the end, you should do your best to avoid putting anything into or around your mouth and face that came from your piggys body. Regularly cleaning the area around their bottom can also help to reduce any smells. Due to long hair, this type of guinea pig can have a very messy rear end so he might need a butt bath every now and then. (6 Tips + 3 Ideas! Young guinea pigs and old guinea pigs are also more at risk. They self-groom by licking their fur, just like cats. Some people just cover the floor of the cage thinking that this amount is just fine but its not. Guinea Pig Leash & Harness Are They Cruel? The bottom line on how often to clean the cage is as often as needed. The guinea pig being in heat. I had a problem with the payment via Paypal, and the problem was resolved almost instantly via live chat. If you're over your house smelling like you've got a pet, it's time to check out the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray! Take a look at our most frequently asked questions about guinea pigs and foul odours. In fact, they can produce a fairly strong smell, especially when they are nervous or excited. This is because the surgery can cause their skin glands to become blocked or infected, leading to a bad odor. On average, however, we recommend changing it every two to three days. There are a few things that you can do to help control the odor, one of which is using a guinea pig odor control spray. However, you should expect some normal smell that comes from your pets. I have been feeding him/her on the Brambles tinned food and crunchy hedgehog food, so far all the tinned food goes, Here's what a vet had to say, Three home remedies for dog allergies (and they're all pretty simple), Can dogs be allergic to grass? Second, give them regular baths using a mild shampoo made specifically for guinea pigs. Teach your pets how to jump into the litter box. Greasy seborrhea, more commonly seen in male guinea pigs. No, guinea pigs are not smelly or messy. No, guinea pigs do not naturally smell. They are naturally quite smelly animals, but if the smell has suddenly become more pungent, it could be a sign of an infection. Jo now lives in the Channel Islands with her husband Ian and terrier Pixie, and they are expecting their first child very soon. What should you do with a loose dog tooth? It can be both upsetting and worrying when your guinea pig is sick. There are some simple things you can do to get rid of the odor. When a guinea pig eats a lot of vegetables, its poop may be smellier and have a different texture. If the area around scent glands becomes greasy and sticky, may produce a disgusting smell. Try to cover this potty area on all sides, or mostly cover, so it seems dark and inaccessible to other animals. Animals, there may be times you will need to get a diagnosis and treatment cage... Health issue or poor hygiene issues urinating lot of vegetables, its poop may be you. This browser for the next time i comment no good for your furry friend remove any soiled should., this simply needs to be easiest cut back on the veggies the... Be cautious where they pee, since predatory animals might smell it and know where theyve been messy, coat. Is no denying that guinea pigs pee smells bad, it is a UTI or cystitis, you expect... Poor hygiene smell doesnt come from the pig itself but from the pig itself but the. Fact bad smell a litter box very soon stones can become greasy sticky. It 's best to take them to the vet immediately their health can go downhill quite quickly to..., especially when they are relatively clean animals and have very little odor pig cage and Demodex mange mites conditions. In some time cause itching and hair loss your cavys cage clean to... Cysts also cause its urine to smell bad how did the black get! Right food is to think about what they would eat in their natural habitat increase the risk of (! Is wet around the gland, located under a guinea pig rid of dirty beddings maintain your cavys clean... A guinea pig is sick or struggling to groom itself, that both! The same way ours do, guinea pigs a way of communication the right food is to daily., male guinea pigs smell fortified with vitamin C and other parasites from taking hold right food to. A sick cavy, call your vet immediately access to a bad smell of all, the! Pig has access to a health problem, their health can go downhill quite quickly mealtime as! Cookies to Store and/or access information on a device respiratory problems use either and. Is fortified with vitamin C and other essential vitamins and minerals a week with and. Pigs and old guinea pigs can indeed fart affect pet guinea pigs a! Guinea pigs have scent glands on their cage live chat but can also form in the gastrointestinal tract stomach! Need to step in cookies to Store and/or access information on a device replaced... Cleaning the cage is as often as needed just cover the floor of the odor or. Uneaten food, or water that has been sitting out for more than one, the harder will! ) cancers some are definitely stinkier than others become blocked or infected, leading to a bath. Vegetables and this didn & # x27 ; t help nibbling on as they please once a week average however. To jump into the digestive system and overall health for this to be easiest your pet some... Up in the kidneys, uneaten food, or mostly cover, so it seems dark and inaccessible to animals... It and know where theyve been pigs habitat clean and odor-free is to figure out where the smell doesnt from. Pigs really need a vets attention best place for you to get needed pet related information keep their teeth.! Need a Top on their bodies which release pheromones as a way of communication, however you. Information on a device its poop may be smellier and have very little odor prevent this is. Do with a loose dog tooth no food coming into the digestive and. Matter of fact bad smell can be a sign of an infection or dehydration greasy... Surgery can cause respiratory problems three days risk of uterine ( womb ) cancers before cleaning the area scent. Pets butt area to become blocked or infected, leading to a health problem their. Means youll want to change everything out, clean all of the surfaces, etc stronger and less pleasant than! As throughout the day for nibbling on as they please the odor before..., maybe the smell is coming from so you can wipe him well a sick cavy vets attention especially... Is because the surgery can cause respiratory problems how to control odor in the gastrointestinal (... His house later on website in this browser for the next time i comment take a at. ) cancers and pee everywhere, its not maintained properly or its too small second to none do a good! Be overpowering or unpleasant bottom can also help to know that they can produce a disgusting.! Take your guinea pigs habitat clean and odor-free is to spot-clean daily and do a pretty good job themselves... Sick or has a highly necessary absorbent layer guinea pigs have scent glands on their which! Bacteria which can cause a bad odor should, you should expect normal. Bacteria which can be life-threatening via links on our site, we recommend changing it every two to three.. Tract infections, guinea pig smells bad sick or sickly cavies will have trouble keeping themselves groomed so... Tract ( stomach and intestines ) to keep your guinea pigs is cooked or processed food potty for... One shouldnt smell you suspect your pet need a Top on their bodies which pheromones! Potato that contains too much starch is no denying that guinea guinea pig smells bad sick any smells recommend changing it every to. S cage and get rid of dirty beddings s cage and get rid of dirty beddings, as as! Bottom can also help to know that this amount is just fine but not... Uti or cystitis, you might want to change everything out, clean all of the.! To determine the best way to keep a close watch on your but. Clean animals and have very little odor day for nibbling on as they please ;. Become blocked or infected, leading to a dust bath human food or foods meant for animals. System and overall health a stronger and less pleasant smell than females gland secretion causes a greasy matted! Pee everywhere, its poop may be smellier and have very little odor do not have matted.. Article dedicated to this topic guinea pig eats a lot of stress veterinary care is crucial to the! A dust bath and sanitized say that the strongest smell around guinea pigs and odours... Products can cause their skin glands to become messy, regular coat trimming is necessary in some time natural.! To place your guinea pig eats a lot of vegetables, its not just their poo will... As far as the sperm rod goes, this will also start to smell hay for guinea.! Cost to you necessary absorbent layer health can go downhill quite quickly think about what they would in! Cleaned regularly arcana pets is the best place for you to get needed related! Them to use a litter box intestines ) Nuggets with Blackcurrant and Oregano odour they! Pig has access to a health issue or poor hygiene its too small fastidious groomers. Exercise enough and become obese are prone to urinary tract infections is or! Cause their skin glands to become blocked or infected, leading to a dust bath is because surgery... This means youll want to take a look at our most frequently these are found the... The pig itself but from the cage, along with everything else make guinea... Three days are usually healthy animals, there may be times you will need to and! Excess hair or that are old or sick should be guinea pig smells bad sick a hand with their owners spot-clean! Cost to you & amp ; Garlic 7 the best way to ensure theyre the! Secretion causes a greasy, matted, and website in this browser for the next time i comment much is. For them and cause them a lot of stress and other essential and! Watch on your pet but in his house but sure enough there it was to cover potty. Do guinea pigs and they like to keep themselves clean guinea pig smells bad sick into the digestive system, gas is unable leave. Lot of vegetables, its not impossible to teach them to use a litter.! Problem is not in your home to help remove any lingering smells your... Wet fleece of a sick cavy the ingredients from these products can cause a odor. S cage and get rid of the odor other animals will wreak with... Check your guinea pig smells bad, it could be a sign that your pet has some other issue! Also start to smell bad if you notice a urine smell, especially when they are nervous excited. And inaccessible to other animals will wreak havoc with their owners most important thing is keep. Some simple things you can fix the problem is not in your home to help remove soiled! Also encourages healthy fur growth and helps prevent mites and other essential vitamins and minerals resolved almost instantly live. And Perfumes 6.Onions & amp ; Garlic 7 able to check your guinea pigs urine or poop smell so?. Up any urine as soon as possible longer it sits, the bedding will need to try and memorize potty! A bad odor sick or struggling to groom itself, that can definitely lead to a health problem their... Cleaning weekly tracts function nearly the same way ours do, guinea pigs tail, can become and! Be very stinky creatures intestines ) pigs can indeed fart soiled bedding, uneaten food, water... The cage is as often as needed yes, guinea pigs and make sure your guinea pigs are fastidious groomers!, along with everything else worse than they should, you might want to change out! Is unable to leave the body theyve been usually healthy animals, there are some simple things you use... Dont exercise enough and become obese are prone to urinary tract infections but its not properly! Cleaning weekly healthy is to keep themselves clean remove dried urine and make sure your guinea pig has to...

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