For those people, who may be wondering how long guinea pigs live, this article may be of some help. Although the life span of guinea pigs, or Cavies, varies, they can live up to ten years old. When people take excellent care of their Cavies, they can extend their lives considerably.
However, many pets often get sick due to genetic causes that owners cannot do anything about. Some typical signs that one’s pet is aging include eating less, sleeping more, loss of playfulness and moving slower than normal. The secret to extending a Cavy’s lifespan is knowing what normal behavior is and knowing how to spot behavior that is not normal.
This advice is just as essential for people with young pets as it is for people with geriatric pets. Knowing how to recognize behavior changes in Cavies can prevent illnesses from getting so serious that the pet cannot recover. Since the immune systems of geriatric pets are weaker than those of younger pets, people will want to pay particular attention to them and their behavior.
Loss of weight or appetite is two of the largest signs of illness or aging in Cavies. Veterinarians recommend that people weigh their Cavies regularly and keep records of any changes. Regular, kitchen scales are terrific for weighing Cavies. People also need to feed them the same amount of food each day. By doing this, they can be sure not only that their pets are getting the proper amount of food, but they can also determine that it is not their diet making the Cavies gain or lose weight.
Drinking a lot of water or too little water are also signs of illness or aging. Before people decide that their pets are ill or aging, however, they should first check for any holes in the pet’s water bottle, and check to make sure the ball is not stuck in the tube. Another sign of illness or aging is brittle or broken teeth. People need to check their Cavy’s teeth regularly for any problems.
Just as in humans, Cavies can develop cataracts on their eyes as they age. Cataracts appear as cloudy films over one or both eyes and can inhibit proper eyesight of pets. It is unfortunate that there is no cure for cataracts in Cavies. Another common sign of aging in guinea pigs is stiff joints. If one’s pet is having difficulties climbing or walking, it may have arthritis. However, there are medicines for this condition that will help pets feel comfortable.
Finally, many geriatric Cavies develop foot sores or calluses. This is simply due to old age and/or repeatedly walking upon rough surfaces. Since calluses can often develop into infected sores quickly, pet owners should apply antibiotic cream and replace their pets bedding immediately when they recognize any foot problems with their pets.
In conclusion, how long do Guinea Pigs Live depends on many medical conditions in Cavies are simply common to aging and cannot be stopped. Pet owners can do things to make their pets comfortable in their old age. There are also many things that pet owners can do to extend their pet’s lives by following the tips outlined above.
