Heat Stroke

Here in the UK the weather is warming up and our guinea pigs are now able to go out on the grass! However, many people are unaware of the impact heat can have on their guinea pigs.

Unlike humans guinea pigs cannot sweat; they over-heat so it is important to take precautions when having your pigs out during the summer months.

How to prevent heat stroke:

1. Try to position your run or enclosure in a shaded area; alternatively you could lay a damp cotton sheet over the top of their run. The water will evaporate and cool the air down!

2. A water source is essential and should be refilled every few hours so the water remains

3. cold.

4. Hidey houses are brilliant but avoid plastic ones in the summer as they over heat very quickly; wooden houses are a great alternative.

5. Plastic bottles can be half filled with water and left to freeze in the freezer overnight. In the morning wrap them in an old tea towel or pillow case, they great for your guinea pig to go and lie near.

6. Long haired breeds may benefit from a haircut!

7. Cucumber and watermelon are great, they contain a lot of water so hydrate your piggy as well as being a tasty treat.

Effects of heat stroke include; laboured breathing (sounds almost like a pant), drooling and laying stretched out (your guinea pig will like to lie stretched out in the sun so don't automatically assume they have got heat stroke, they will be showing the other symptoms listed as well).

If your guinea pig shows any signs of heat stroke they need to be wrapped in a damp towel and taken to a vet straight away! Heatstroke is fatal and needs to be treated fast!