Guinea pigs only drink water, which could indicate a health issue. If your guinea pigs refuse water, they may have a serious illness.
Provide fresh water daily if your guinea pigs aren’t drinking enough. Give them a clean water bottle and change it often.
Since guinea pigs like cranberries, some owners feed them unsweetened cranberry juice. Cranberry juice should not replace water, so proceed with care. However, guinea pigs should only sip water.
Guinea pigs must always have water. If their water consumption changes significantly, investigate and address it quickly. Guinea pigs eating fluid-rich vegetables like celery and cucumber may not need to sip water. Even so, the drinker should remain.
Keeping your guinea pig moist is crucial. Healthy guinea pigs should always have clean water and be monitored for water intake. If their water consumption or behavior changes, contact a vet.
As a guinea pig owner, I know how important water tracking is. My guinea pig Charlie began drinking a lot of water and losing weight. A vet diagnosed diabetes. We managed his diabetes and helped him live a happy, healthy life. This showed me that my guinea pigs’ water consumption and behavior could indicate health issues.
The Ideal Volume of Water
Guinea pigs need enough water daily. This amount depends on the guinea pig’s size, activity, ambient temperature, and humidity.
Guinea pigs consume 100 mL/kg daily. If this amount changes, see a vet immediately.
Dental problems, bladder stones, urinary tract infections, diabetes, and serious health issues like kidney failure or digestive disorders can increase water consumption. Blood tests detect these problems.
Guinea pigs need water and fresh produce in moderation.
The Risks of Not Providing Enough
Does your guinea pig drink other than water? It’s possible, but it’s unsanitary.
Guinea pigs need room-temperature water daily (not distilled or boiled). To prevent bacterial buildup, change this regularly.
They can also be given a small amount of fresh fruit or vegetables with water, but slowly to avoid upsetting their digestive system.
Guinea pigs, especially pellet-fed ones, need vitamin C. Nutritional disorders like loss of appetite or diarrhea can lead to GI stasis and death if this vital nutrient is lacking.
Ask a vet if your guinea pig is getting enough water. They can pinpoint the issue and propose a solution.
The Consequences of Dehydration
Guinea pigs lack vitamin C, which is needed to make collagen, which keeps skin, joints, and blood vessels healthy, making dehydration dangerous.
Dehydrated guinea pigs lose weight, have diarrhea, have energy deficits, and limp. Their fur may also roughen and fade.
Water is essential for pet health. You can give them a water bottle or an indoor bowl.
Whether you use a bottle or bowl, track their daily water intake. Discuss with your vet what they need and how to increase their hydration if they seem to be drinking more. Monitor their urine for dehydration or urinary tract issues.
Seek Veterinary Advice
If your guinea pigs aren’t drinking, see a vet immediately. This will help you diagnose and treat their issue.
Guinea pigs are herbivores and should eat their natural diet. Hay and fresh vegetables provide a balanced diet and vitamins and minerals.
Hay improves chewing and tooth wear, reducing dental disease. Replace dirty hay regularly.
