The guinea pig, also known as the cavy or domestic cavy, is a species of rodent belonging to the genus Cavia in the family Caviidae.
Guinea pigs make great pets and have a tendency for a long lifespan.
Generally, they have different personalities and are very vocal, making it easy to know their individual identities and get attached.
Keeping guineas as pets is fun and very entertaining.
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What is the LifeSpan of Guinea Pigs?
Guinea pigs who live in captivity for research tend to have a lifespan of 4 – 8 years. Of course, this depends on how well the Guinea pigs are taken care of.
Unlike humans, a guinea pig’s life span is affected by genetics, environment, and diet. Some guinea pigs live longer or shorter lives.
Similar small pets such as hamsters, gerbils, mice, or rats don’t live up to a guinea lifespan.
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Can Guinea Pigs Live 20 Years?
As we stated above the average lifespan of Guinea pigs is 4 to 8 years. If pampered and well taken care of they can reach ten years or more.
In other words, 20 years is a possibility for Guinea Pigs, all things being equal.
At What Age is a Guinea Pig Considered Old?
For an animal its lifespan is maxed at 8 years, Guinea Pigs are considered old once they are more than 5 years old.
Age comes with attention and special needs. Guinea pigs that are old, need to be evaluated annually by a qualified veterinarian to ensure they are healthy.
How Can I Tell if My Guinea Pig is Dying?
Depending on how well taken care of Guinea Pigs are, they can live longer than their lifespan. However, once they get sick they can die off. Here are some signs that can tell you your guinea pig is dying;
Bad Urine and Feces.
- Fever.
- Lethargy.
- Weakness
- Eye Condition.
- Mobility Issues.
- Lack of Appetite.
- Poor Coat Condition.
- Respiratory Problems.
What is the Most Common Cause of Death in Guinea Pigs?
70% of guinea pigs die of Pneumonia which is actually the leading cause of death in Guinea pigs.
Pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection that makes them wheezing, trouble breathing, discharge from the nose or mouth, loss of weight, red eyes, and depression.
If it’s not medically handled, it could kill the guinea pigs.
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What Do I Do When My Guinea Pig is Dying?
Weakness is one of the signs that a guinea pig is dying. Once they become weak, they become unable to feed or water themselves and this often leads to death.
What you can do at this point is to offer them water from a spoon, syringe, or water bottle. You can offer them a guinea pig “smoothie”.
To make a guinea pig smoothie, you have to blend hay, water, and ground-up pellets.
Can a Guinea Pig be Happy Alone?
To research, guinea pigs can live and thrive alone but that doesn’t mean they should. Naturally, Guinea Pigs are social creatures that live to be around their mates or human buddies.
They need companionship from other guinea pigs. For a guinea pig to thrive alone, it will require a lot of care and interaction, and 70% of the time human owners don’t get the time for that.
Over time, experts recommend keeping at least two guinea pigs together.
Can Guinea Pigs Live Alone After One Dies?
Following the expert’s advice to keep at least two guinea pigs, most people often know what the next step is if one dies.
Literally, we recommend that you do not leave your single guinea pig alone. They will die of boredom, loneliness, and lack of companionship.
Although not necessary, we recommend you get another one for the sake of companionship.
Are Guinea Pigs Smart Animals?
Among the many questions, most pet owners ask about a Guinea Pig lifespan is their level of intelligence and smartness.
By nature, guinea pigs are very intelligent pet rodents. If trained, they are able to understand certain gestures and sounds.
Also, most guinea pigs respond to their names and catch on and learn a few tricks faster than some other pets.
Why Do Guinea Pigs Lick Me?
Licking from a guinea pig signifies it likes you. Licking from a guinea pig is an affectionate gesture that communicates love and acceptance from a guinea pig.
Is Buying A Guinea Pig A Good Idea?
Guinea pigs need a large cage, playpen for floor time, toys, chew items, hidey houses, beds, water bottles, and bowls, in addition to food and bedding.
In addition, vet visits can be costly. Guinea pigs are generally healthy when well cared for, but emergencies can arise at any time.
If you have the resources to foot all these necessities and you think you can pull it then it’s a good idea.
Conclusion
The lifespan of a guinea pig generally lies on how well you take care of them and the environmental conditions in which they grow.
References
- https://www.petmd.com/ – How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live?
