Unfortunately, many small pets (especially rodents) do not live long, so be prepared for the possibility of saying goodbye to your guinea pig. This animal usually lives 5-8 years, provided it does not present serious injuries or diseases; If your little rodent is nearing its end, there are a few things you can do to make these last moments as comfortable as possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing When He Is Dying
Step 1. Observe his behavior
There are some signs that may indicate that he is approaching his last days of life, but there is no behavioral sign that can 100% guarantee that he is dying; some specimens show no warning, while others may appear to be dying but then live for a long time to come. Among the potential signs you need to watch out for are:
- Loss of appetite
- Slowed movement or inactivity;
- Incontinence;
- Less playful behavior;
- Difficulty in breathing.
Step 2. Assess your age
Unless you have had the pet since it was born (or you got it from someone who originally had it), chances are you don't know exactly how old it is. The signs of aging occur at rather predictable moments in the life of the guinea pig and can be used to estimate its age (and therefore understand how close it can be to death); this is a task that can best be done by a veterinarian. The signs of aging include:
- Thickened and deformed fingers
- Cataract (dull eyes);
- Tumors / growths on the body or head
- Joint stiffness / lameness.
Step 3. See if he appears sluggish or fatigued
As the domestic guinea pig ages (especially in the last few weeks of life) it may begin to appear less agile and move slowly. If you see that it is no longer able to climb ramps, stand or walk for a long time, it means that the body is weakening.
- You should always compare his energy level to age and health. Some specimens can be very lazy by nature; if this is the case, the slowdown may not be a sign of aging and impending doom.
- If the small rodent is overweight, fatigue could simply be the consequence of this condition; keep him healthy by checking his food and treats, providing him with only correct portions.
Step 4. Take him to the vet
If you suspect that he is ill, injured, or you think he is about to die, see your doctor; in addition to providing him with any treatments to save his life in case of illness, the veterinarian provides you with his professional knowledge to ensure the well-being of the guinea pig and determine what can be done to save him.
In some cases, an elderly domestic guinea pig or with a terminal illness is found to endure severe pain (depending on the pathology that has affected it); if the vet confirms that this is the case with your little friend, consider euthanasia as the most forgiving of solutions
Part 2 of 3: Creating a Comfortable Environment
Step 1. Leave him close to his companions
The guinea pig is a social animal; therefore, if you have more than one specimen, you should not dismiss the one that is dying; in this case, everyone would be anxious and sad, while what you want is to make his last days the best they can be.
It might be a good idea to separate the dying specimen from the others if it is in a lot of pain or if another guinea pig bothers it; you have to evaluate the best thing to do yourself, based on the situation
Step 2. Keep it covered
Put a small light blanket or a piece of soft cloth over the body to prevent him from getting cold and to relax him; alternatively you can bind it with the fabric. When its organism begins to slow down its basic functions, the pet can also become incontinent; then change the blanket as often as necessary to ensure a discreet cleaning and keep him at ease.
- Many animals (and people) become considerably more sensitive to cold as they age and approach death, so keep the cage environment slightly warmer than usual to provide more comfort for your little older rodent.
- Use some material or fabric that she is familiar with to improve her well-being in this already difficult situation.
Step 3. Help him with his basic needs
A dying guinea pig becomes very weak and is unable to eat or drink on its own in the latter periods. You can make his life easier these last days by offering him water with a spoon, syringe or bottle; Blend or make a thick mixture of hay, water and ground pellets and feed it with this puree.
- Don't force him to eat or drink if he doesn't want to; you just have to make it easier for him if he can't do it himself.
- Make sure whatever you offer him is well blended, so he doesn't have to waste precious energy chewing (which he may not be able to do anyway).
Step 4. Show him affection
You can cuddle him or caress him gently to offer him comfort and show him your affection; this helps him feel less alone and can reduce the fear or anxiety he is experiencing. If you pick it up, do it the way you know it likes it and that doesn't cause unnecessary pain or discomfort.
- Many domestic guinea pigs like to be stroked gently on the forehead; if he appreciates yours too, don't let him miss it in this last phase of his life.
- Take note of his body language or the noises he makes and adapt physical contact accordingly, respecting his needs; do nothing that could cause him pain.
Step 5. Create a peaceful atmosphere
The small rodent is much more comfortable in a warm and quiet environment, with neither too bright nor too dim lighting. Some soft, pleasant and natural sounds (such as birds singing or water in a stream) may offer comfort; moreover, it is advisable to leave him an adequate space to rest in his last days and to be able to fall asleep in peace. Check him often to offer him food and water.
- If there is a toy or other object he is very attached to, put it in the cage next to him; the mere presence of this element can reassure him.
- Treat the dying guinea pig like a sleeping baby; anything that can wake up a child probably disturbs the pet as well.
Part 3 of 3: Coping with the Loss of the Animal
Step 1. Decide what to do with the corpse
You have to choose how to dispose of the body of the small rodent once it is dead; you can proceed as you prefer, as long as the method respects the health regulations established by the Municipality and the body remains out of the reach of small children and pets.
- Organizing some sort of funeral or burial could prove useful in getting through the mourning phase.
- Make sure you are not violating any public health rules or regulations; for example, do not bury him on someone else's property and do not light a bonfire in areas where it is prohibited.
Step 2. Show the guinea pig's body to other pets
If the guinea pig had a playmate (such as a rabbit or other similar) let him see the corpse; many animals are able to tell when another creature has died and sometimes this simple detail helps them overcome the situation.
- If you have taken the dying guinea pig out of the cage and no longer put it back inside, its mate may become anxious or feel sorry for being "abandoned" by its friend.
- It is not necessary to leave the corpse with the other pets, just show it to them and let them smell it for a few moments.
Step 3. Commemorate the guinea pig
You can do this in many different ways; a rite of some kind makes it possible to become aware of his death and at the same time to celebrate its existence. This can be a single funeral or an anniversary that allows you to pay homage to the guinea pig; whatever you decide to do, it should be something that gives you peace of mind. Here are some suggestions:
- Celebrate a funeral;
- Share funny stories about the animal with your friends and family;
- Look at her old photos;
- Plant some flowers or a tree as a gift.
Step 4. Accept that bereavement is normal
It is perfectly healthy to feel grief over the loss of your pet. You can manage this much easier if you allow yourself to experience the feelings that accompany the death of a playmate. The process is not that different from grieving a human relative or friend.
- Seek support from friends, family and people who are experiencing the same situation or support groups; avoid individuals who do not understand your feelings or who consider them an unimportant matter.
- Allow yourself to be sad; do not think that you are stupid or that your pain is unjustified.
