CONTRIBUTOR(S): Claire Speight, Abigal Edis,
Bite wounds
Bite wounds
Guinea pigs are social animals and generally get along well with other guinea pigs. However, sometimes fights and fallouts occur, and bite wounds may be the result.
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Why do guinea pigs fight?
Fights occur in any gender of guinea pig, but can often between two males if there is inadequate space in their enclosure or if there are females around. Sometimes fights can occur when you try to bond in a new companion into a group or pair.
Are guinea pig bite wounds dangerous?
Guinea pigs have large and sharp incisor (front) teeth that can easily pierce the skin, however guinea pigs rarely bite people unless scared or in pain.
Most bite wounds on guinea pigs occur on the rump or face. This is either because the guinea pig has run away from the fight and been bitten on the bottom or as guinea pigs normally aim for the head and eyes when they fight, they have stood up for themselves and not run away.
How will I be able to tell if my guinea pig as a bite wound?
Most bite wounds are minor and cause no problems, but you should check your guinea pigs over daily for any signs of wounds. You may not see them easily and the only sign may be a little blood in their enclosure. If you feel carefully over your guinea pigs body you may notice a scab.
If the bite wound becomes infected, the guinea pig may be bothered by it and may scratch at it, causing further damage and inflammation.
Should I take my guinea pig to the vets?
If you witness a fight and notice a wound on your guinea pig it is advisable to seek advise from your vet, some bite wounds can be very deep and in some cases require a stitch or tissue glue applied to close it. Small abrasions can be cleaned with saltwater daily if necessary.
If you find a wound that is scabbed over and healing then unless the guinea pig seems unwell you shouldn’t need to take them to your vet. If you find a wound that looks infected, sore, has pus coming from it or is bothering the guinea pig then you should take your guinea pig to your vet as antibiotics may be required.
How can I prevent bite wounds?
Guinea pigs should never be kepts alone, so you can never fully prevent a bite from occurring. It is best to ensure that your guinea pigs have plenty of space as an enclosure and if they are squabbling you should ensure that there are two sources of all food and water, ie two water bottles and two hay racks; this will prevent fighting over foode. You should ideally not keep more than one neutered male with females as this often sparks fighting.