Colds

Colds are pretty common in guinea pigs. A runny nose is the most obvious sign of them having a cold. If there is a discharge coming from their nose, it will also be on the inside of the piggy's paws, because they 'wipe' their nose on their foot a lot.

TREATMENT: First, move your cavy to a warm spot, draft-free. If they are not eating on their own, force-feed fluids through a syringe, eyedropper, or, if you have to, a spoon.

You can mix a teaspoon of sugar in a glass of water and give some to your piggy. Most piggies love this. Also give them baby cereal, or veggie baby food, apple juice, and, of course, water. Make sure you have pellets out at all times for them. You should be supplying your cavies with vitamin C, if you haven't yet, start now. Throughout the time it takes for the cavy to get better, keep it supplied with fruits and veggies, especially oranges.

If the cavy has more than just a runny nose, it may have a serious case. If you put your ear to your cavy's chest and hear rattling, you need to get your pig to a vet's fast. Upper Respiratory Infections are a leading cause of death in cavies and should be treated immediately.