How to Treat a Guinea Pig Who Won't Eat

Like many small mammals, guinea pigs have a strong survival instinct, and refusal to eat signifies a serious medical condition that requires prompt veterinary care. Hand feeding is often necessary to ensure proper nutrition while the guinea pig is ill and to speed up the recovery process. Critical Care food by Oxbow is recommended by many veterinarians when a guinea pig won't eat, because it offers a complete diet that encourages proper digestion. According to Guinea Lynx, it's important to weigh the ill guinea pig once or twice a day to determine if the hand feeding is keeping the animal's weight optimal.

Things You'll Need

  • Oxbow Critical Care food
  • Syringe
  • Towel
  • Water
  • Measuring spoon
  • Small mammal veterinarian
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Instructions

  1. Syringe Feeding

    • 1

      Gather everything you will need to feed the ailing guinea pig, including the Critical Care food, syringe, water, spoon and towel.

    • 2

      Mix the recommended amount of Critical Care food with water--about one part food to two parts water. Stir until it forms a thin paste.

    • 3

      Fill the syringe with the pasty food. This will be easier to do by separating the syringe and dropping the food into the wider side as opposed to trying to suction the paste through the tip.

    • 4

      Wrap the guinea pig in a towel and place on a flat surface, such as a table, for optimum stability. Try to secure the guinea pig's legs inside the towel so it won't be able to push the syringe away.

    • 5

      Grasp the guinea pig gently on either side of its head with one hand and use the other hand to hold the syringe with thumb and index fingers on either side of the plunger.

    • 6

      Place the syringe in one side of the guinea pig's mouth, behind the teeth, and slowly administer some food. Only feed small portions at a time, allowing the animal to chew the food thoroughly.

    • 7

      Repeat the feeding until the appropriate amount of food is administered. Dosage is based on weight of the guinea pig and needs to be determined by a veterinarian.