Heat stress

Guinea pigs are sensitive rodents. They don’t cope will with extremes or hot or cold temperature, can excess heat can lead to heat stress. It is important to know how to prevent this from happening to your guinea pig, but also how to recognise the signs and what to do if it does happen.

Heat stress (or heat stroke) happens when a guinea pig is exposed to excess heat and cannot cool themselves down. Their core body temperature will rise (hyperthermia), the guinea pig will become dehydrated and organ damage will occur.

Hyperthermia can have effects on many parts of the body including the nervous and respiratory systems, the heart, digestive tract and kidneys. This can be rapidly fatal and it is imperative that if you notice your guinea pig struggling with the heat, you take immediate action.

Guinea pigs prefer an environmental temperature between 18-24°C. Without adequate shade in temperatures over 24°C guinea pigs may begin to overheat.

Guinea pigs are nose breathers so any sign of mouth breathing is a sign of respiratory distress and often seen with heat stress. Their breathing will be rapid and in the advanced stages the guinea pigs gums may turn a blue/purple colour.

They will become dehydrated, their eyes will appear sunken and they will produce less urine.

As the condition progresses they will ofte lie on their side, they may begin to seizure (convulse), will become comatosed and death will be rapid.

Recognising the early signs of increased respiration, lethargy and mouth breathing are imperative to get treatment as soon as possible to try and ensure a successful outcome.

Act immediately – never leave them to see if they will cool down on their own. Heat stress is an emergency and treatment must be given immediately.

Telephone your vet straight away for emergency advice and be prepared to take them straight away. In the meantime you can perform the following steps.

Take the guinea pig out of the warm environment and place it into a cooler, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.

You can place them into body temperature cool water – never place them into cold water as cooling the body too quick will send your guinea pig into shock which could prove fatal.

Place them in front of a fan after wetting the ears and feet.

Your vet will cool your guinea pig down. If the guinea pig is in respiratory distress they may give oxygen. They are likely to recommend fluids either given subcutaneously or intravenously.

Once stabilised and out of immediate danger, your vet will be able to advise you if any other treatment is needed.

Check the temperature of your guinea pig’s environment; it should be between 18 and 24°C.

Always make sure that the guinea pigs enclosure has shade and is never in direct sunlight all day, bearing in mind that the sun moves around throughout the course of the day. Guinea pigs will be cooler in a shaded run rather than in a hutch in hot weather. Indoor guinea pigs should not be placed near windows and should have adequate air circulating around the enclosure. Setting up a fan, in the room will help to keep the air circulating. Make sure that this isn’t blowing directly onto the guinea pigs.

Always make sure that they have access to fresh water. In hot weather the guinea pig may appreciate a water bowl as well as a bottle.

Freeze water bottles and place in the guinea pigs enclosure. The guinea pig can sit next to them to keep cool. Many guinea pigs also like to sit on a cool tile. If you take your guinea pig anywhere on a warm day, do not leave them in the car alone, even for a couple of minutes as cars will overheat inside.