Constipation Remedies for Guinea Pigs

A guinea pig, also known as a cavy, can become constipated for two primary reasons: dehydration and impaction. A blockage occurs when the guinea pig cannot expel its feces from its intestines, often due to dehydration. Impaction is when feces become trapped in the perineal sac, outside the anus, making bowel movements difficult. For the health of the guinea pig, it's important to resolve constipation problems as soon as possible.

  1. Impaction Cleaning

    • Guinea pigs have a perineal sac outside of their anus to catch the softer, vitamin-rich fecal pellets from the anus and expel them at a later time to eat them. The sac pellets are full of B vitamins. The harder pellets are simply expelled without going into the sac. When the perineal sac of a guinea pig becomes impacted, it can swell and stop any feces from being expelled. The sac accumulates not only feces, but also hair and other debris. Clean the sac -- not the anus -- regularly to prevent impaction, using warm water, mineral oil and a cotton swab. Work out all fecal matter, using lots of mineral oil and the cotton swab. Be patient; it may take a while to get all the fecal material and debris out of the sac. The procedure does not harm the guinea pig, but it may be uncomfortable and the animal may try to wriggle out of your grasp.

    Hydration

    • Constipation can occur when too little water is in the system to soften the feces. The feces becomes hard and difficult to pass. Feed the guinea pig a mix of standard food and water. This helps to soften the food and provides hydration to the guinea pig. A guinea pig can become dehydrated because of illness or if its water-dispensing apparatus is broken.

    Fruit

    • A common remedy for constipation in guinea pigs, was well as humans and other animals, is to add fruit, such as grapes and apples, to the diet. Fruit acts as a natural diuretic and helps soften the feces. Feed the guinea pig only a small amount of fruit, no more than half an apple throughout the day or five or six grapes; feeding too much can reverse the problem from constipation to diarrhea.

    Medical Issues

    • Constipation in a guinea pig can be a symptom of a larger problem or condition. Constipation is symptomatic of viruses, bacteria and parasites. If the guinea pig exhibits other symptoms, such as loss of appetite or lethargy, take it to a veterinarian for diagnosis. If the guinea pig hasn't had a bowel movement within 12 hours of treating the constipation, take it to a veterinarian.