Hot Ears on a Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs have a higher body temperature than humans so their bodies feel warm to the touch and they have naturally warm ears. As researcher R.T. Grant explains, guinea pigs' ears function in a similar way to rabbits' as they help the rodent regulate its body temperature by releasing heat when the guinea pig is too hot. However, hot ears could also indicate a health problem, such as overheating or an ear infection.

  1. Identification

    • It is normal for guinea pigs' bodies to reach temperatures of 103 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if your guinea pig's ears are consistently hot for more than 24 hours, this could be a sign that your pet is ill. The Reading Guinea Pig Rescue warns that other symptoms, such as lethargy, difficulty breathing and a rapid heart rate could indicate heatstroke. If you are worried about the temperature of your guinea pig's ears, it is important to seek advice from your vet.

    Significance

    • A guinea pig's ears are used to keep it cool in warm weather. They are filled with blood vessels, which dilate (get bigger) when the guinea pig is too hot, allowing heat to escape through the ears. This is normal in healthy rodents. However, the ears might also feel hot due to a medical problem. Even though they are from South America, guinea pigs can easily suffer heatstroke. They can also develop ear infections, which will require veterinary treatment.

    Causes

    • If your guinea pig's body becomes too hot, it will cool itself down by releasing heat through its ears. They do not sweat or pant, so this is their only method of reducing their body temperature. Hot ears might also be a symptom of an underlying health issue, especially if their temperature is raised for more than a day. Ear infections and parasites, such as mites, can also cause hot ears, as the area becomes inflamed through scratching.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Providing adequate shade and water for your guinea pig, especially during the summer, will reduce the chance of heat stroke. The Reading Guinea Pig Rescue recommends that owners should trim the coats of long-haired guinea pigs to prevent them from overheating. Ensuring your guinea pig's cage is kept clean will prevent a parasitic infection and checking its ears for blockages or debris will help catch any potential ear infections early.

    Considerations

    • As guinea pigs' ears are only covered with a scant growth of hair, it is important to ensure they are protected during the summer. According to eRodent, guinea pigs with pink ears are especially susceptible to sunburn. To prevent this, owners can apply a small amount of non-toxic sunblock to their pet's ears when they are outdoors and make sure they provide enough shade as the sun changes position in the sky throughout the day.