Early Guinea Pig Death?

Question

Hi everybody. I just wanted to share that my guinea pig died 20 minutes ago, 6/26/1008. Most guinea pigs live to be 6 to 8 years old, but this guinea pig only lived to 3. I have had 2 other guinea pigs, also. One of them lived to 6, but she was diabetic. My other one lived to be 7. The guinea pig that has just recently passed away was my favorite out of them all, but her life was the shortest.

We don't use any vets. We've never used a vet. We don't plan on paying for a vet, either. It's very hot in our house, but our guinea pigs have had at least one filled water bottle at all times (we have 2 water bottles). One of the water bottles is rarely empty and they barely use it. I'm very sure that it still works, though. The most used bttle was empty when I got home.

She was very much alive yesterday and didn't show any signs of stress or decline. If she wasn't getting enough water, then the other guinea pig would also show stress also, which she didnt. I want to know why she died. :(

Answer 1

I'm sorry about your guinea pig but remember not all animals live to an old age even people can die young

Answer 2

I'm sorry about your guinea pig.  Three is on the young side.  They live 5-8 years.  I'm sorry that you don't use vets.  When you get a pet you have to care for your pets when they aren't well by taking them to the vet.  If your house is very hot then I'm sure it died from the heat even if water was available.  Just because your other guinea pigs didn't die doesn't mean that the one who died wasn't affected by the heat.  It makes the most sense.  You can either take it to the vet and find out why it died or find a nice place to bury it and just wonder.  I am sorry for your loss.

Answer 3

The only way to know how she died would involve seeing a vet.  A vet can perform a necropsy (animal autopsy) to determine why she has died.

She could have died from any number of things.  A respiratory infection can kill quite quickly, particularly if it is complicated by a heart problem.  It is possible that she died from heat stroke though, guinea pigs are unable to handle high temperatures.  Be sure to provide your remaining pig with either air conditioning, a fan, or bottles of frozen water.  These will all help keep the area around the cage cooler.

If your other pig shows any signs of illness you really must take her to the vet.  To do anything else is to sentence her to death.

Please don't get any more pets if you are unwilling to get veterinary care.  An animal deserves treatment when it is sick as much as a human does.  If you can't provide a good home, a home that gets proper medical care, then don't have pets.  I know that sounds harsh, particularly given your recent loss, but take a close look at your situation.