Hypothermia – low body temperature

Guinea pigs can tolerate cool temperatures, but do not cope well with the cold. Add to this damp, wet and/or draughty conditions, and guinea pigs will really struggle. Hypothermia (low body temperature) can occur rapidly in guinea pigs if they are exposed to these conditions. Guinea pigs who are already unwell, underweight, recovering from recent surgery, elderly or very young will also be more susceptible.

Hypothermia is an emergency and treatment must be provided immediately, otherwise it can prove to be fatal.

Hypothermia occurs when there is a decrease in body temperature below the normal range for a guinea pig. The normal body temperature for guinea pigs is 37.2-39.5°C/98.9-103.1°F. The temperature range that guinea pigs should be kept in is about 16-24°C/60.8-75.2°F. When temperatures fall below 10°C/50°F, guinea pigs can struggle to maintain their body temperature.

Hypothermia can lead to a decrease in heart rate, poor blood circulation and cold extremities (feet and ears). Guinea pigs don’t have any fur covering on their feet and ears to help insulate them which can ultimately lead to organ failure and death.

Guinea pigs are susceptible to hypothermia if they have undergone an anesthetic and surgical procedure. Some anesthetic drugs can affect the guinea pig’s ability to control its body temperature; therefore if your guinea pig has undergone surgery during autumn/winter, and especially if the temperature outdoors is below 10 degrees, you will need to ensure they are kept warm until they have recovered from the effects of the anaesthetic, which could be several days.

Other causes can be due to poor health; a guinea pig may have a low body temperature if it has been unwell for a long period of time with severe infection or in cases of advanced diarrhea.

A cold, draughty, wet environment can cause a guinea pig to become hypothermic. In winter it’s best to house guinea pigs inside or in a shed, to offer extra warmth and insulation from the cold. Hypothermia can also occur if a guinea pig is suddenly housed outdoors during the winter when they had previously been inside.

Very young guinea pigs are also more susceptible to a drop in body temperature and should always be kept indoors during winter.

In the early stages, guinea pigs will become lethargic, and extremities such as limbs and ears will feel cool to touch and look pale. This is the body’s attempt at stopping heat from escaping from the body. As hypothermia progresses the breathing will become shallow, they may start to shiver, and the heartbeat becomes weaker and slower. Their fur may stand on end, in an attempt to help insulate them. Pulses in the extremities will be weak before being lost altogether. If it continues to progress, the guinea pig may go into a coma and die.

If you think your guinea pig has hypothermia, you must take it to see your veterinarian immediately. Call your veterinary practice and take your guinea pig to the surgery for emergency treatment. This is important no matter what the time of day.

During the time taken to get to the surgery, slowly and carefully try to warm your guinea pig up. Heat can be provided by wrapping your guinea pig in warm blankets, bubble wrap or tinfoil which are all good heat insulators but take care not to compromise breathing if you wrap your guinea pig up. It is no longer recommended to use hot water bottles and heat pads as these will draw heat away from the internal organs and if used incorrectly can cause burns. Do not attempt to warm your guinea pig up rapidly, it must be done slowly to avoid them going into shock, which can be fatal.

Socks can be used to cover extremities such as the feet.

A hair dryer can be used to provide heat, but care must be taken not to burn your guinea pig. Make sure you keep the hair dryer moving and place a hand between the guinea pig and hairdryer so you can tell if it is too hot. If your guinea pig becomes distressed at the noise, then you need to stop.

Guinea pigs must be provided with a sheltered environment away from wind, rain, and draughts. When the weather is cold they need to be given extra bedding, places to snuggle down into and should be placed in a shed or brought indoors so they are not exposed to low temperatures, which they are unable to adapt to. Added to this guinea pigs should always be kept in pairs or small groups, who will snuggle together and help to keep each other warm.

Check the temperature of the guinea pig’s environment; ideally the temperature range should be between 16-24°C/60.8-75.2°F, although healthy guinea pigs can cope with temperatures down to around 10°C/50°F.

If your guinea pig is ill then ensure you provide extra warmth or bring them inside. This also applies after an anesthetic or surgery.