Care for a pregnant guinea pig

The pregnancy of the guinea pigs

First of all, we have to confirm that our guinea pig is pregnant.If we do not know if it has reached sexual maturity or if it has been in contact with any male, we can suspect pregnancy if we observe some of the following signs :

Increase in water and food intake.
Constant fattening.
Breast development.
Pear shape, with an enlarged abdomen.
Possibility of feeling the fetal movements if you rest your hand on your belly.

To To be sure, we can consult with our veterinarian. Using an ultrasound it is possible to confirm the pregnancy and find out the number of offspring that our guinea pig is brewing, which can vary from 1 to 6.The veterinarian will be responsible , also, to provide us with information about the care for our pregnant guinea pig and resolve all our doubts.The pregnancy in these rodents lasts, on average, about 68 days.Although in this p eriodo our guinea pig will lead a practically normal life, we must observe some important aspects that we will develop next.

Feeding for a pregnant guinea pig

Once the pregnancy is confirmed, the first thing, within the care for a pregnant guinea pig, is going to be to adapt its diet.A correct diet for any guinea pig includes, according to its proportion , the following foods:

Hay, since the guinea pigs are completely herbivores.
Specific feed for guinea pigs that must also be composed of hay.
Vegetables rich in vitamin C to prevent a disease called scurvy (lack of vitamin C because the necessary one is not ingested in the diet).
Fruits and cereals only as a prize, that is, of occasional consumption.
Vitamin C supplement if our guinea pig does not eat enough with its usual diet.

After reviewing the diet that every guinea pig needs, how should we adapt it? if ours is in gestation period? Feeding a pregnant guinea pig should include the following modifications to your usual diet :

Alfalfa hay rich in calcium , necessary in the pregnancy, as their requirements increase.
The amount of vitamin C tripled daily is tripled, so it may become necessary to supplement, always under the supervision of the veterinarian.It is better to give this vitamin directly because it decomposes quickly and if we put it dissolved in the drinking fountain it can have no effect.
We must ensure that our guinea pig always has fresh and clean water at its disposal, in a drinker, also clean, and easily accessible.
Eye with parsley .Although it contains a large amount of much-needed vitamin C, it has an effect on elutero and can cause abortions.

Ideal environment for a pregnant guinea pig

In addition to feeding it is also important to maintain the following precautions:

It is not time to make changes in the environment or in the routines of our guinea pig because they can be a stress factor for her.Likewise, we must avoid loud noises, drafts or excess heat (the guinea pigs withstand heat rather than cold).
Although her life is going to remain essentially the same, if we find that you have difficulties entering or leaving the cage, accessing the drinking fountain, etc., we must take measures to facilitate mobility .
If you live together with other guinea pigs and we observe that with some clashes occur it is a good idea to separate them, keeping the pregnant cage in the usual cage.You can live with the male until the end of pregnancy, if you feel comfortable with it, but you should always separate some days before delivery or just after to prevent a pregnancy right after birth.
The s guinea pigs do not need to nest to give birth but, even so, we must always keep the bed clean .
During pregnancy we can notice that our guinea pig is more reluctant to handle it.Let's leave it alone.
In case of any anomaly or doubt we should consult the veterinarian without wasting time.In this sense, it is important that this is an expert in guinea pigs.It is a good idea to have your telephone number and the emergency number at hand in case there are any complications.
Finally, it is not the time to submit it to activities that displease you, such as bathing or brushing.Unless you like it, we can postpone it for the couple of months that the pregnancy lasts.

These would be the main care for a pregnant guinea pig, if we find ourselves before a healthy female.In the next section we will stop at the risks that may arise.

Risks for guinea pigs during pregnancy

As we have said, guinea pigs mature sexually very soon, between 2-4 months (we also have to take into account that their life expectancy is, on average, about 5 years). A from 10 months of age the bones of your pelvis are being welded.A first delivery at this time may be impossible, since a rigid birth canal will prevent the outflow of the offspring, assuming a caesarea with the risks that this intervention entails.Therefore, if we do not know the age of our guinea pig or if it has given birth previously or not, it is advisable to put the case in the hands of the veterinarian.Between 4-7 months will be the age safer for a first pregnancy.

On the other hand, in the care for a pregnant guinea pig, we must know the main pathology that can occur during this period, the toxemia , which it is a very serious and deadly metabolic disorder, if it is not detected in the early stages.It occurs in females a couple of e weeks before delivery and up to a week later.It manifests itself by immobility, anorexia and hypersalivation (drooling) and, in blood tests, hypoglycemia, although there are times when the guinea pig appears suddenly dead without showing no symptoms.There are also risk factors such as obesity or age.

How to know if my guinea pig is going to give birth

The care for a pregnant guinea pig also includes the time of delivery.One of the greatest uncertainties in any pregnancy is knowing when the event will take place.Although we know that the pregnancy of our guinea pig lasts about two months, it is impossible to know when it will be the exact day of childbirth.Also, in guinea pigs it is not easy to detect symptoms that indicate the impending birth, since there are no changes in their behavior Perhaps the only one of the pelvic bone would be.If we put our finger over the genitals of our guinea pig, we will notice a bone.If we notice it as a split in two, with an approximate separation of 1 centimeter, we can predict that the birth will take place in the next days (about 10).It must be borne in mind that this sign is not an exact measure, that it is not easy to palpate it and that there are guinea pigs that can present this separation for a long time without starting labor.

Once the part or it starts, the guinea pig will remain still and its offspring will be born quickly.Yes, if you wonder how long the delivery of a guinea pig lasts, you should know that, in general, the whole process usually lasts from about 10 minutes to half an hour and In any case, it should not last for more than an hour.The possible complications that may arise are set out in the following section.

Delivery problems in guinea pigs

Generally, childbirth does not require any special care on our part, since it is usually a quick and simple process that our guinea pig will do quietly alone.We should not intervene unless there is any complication, such as the following :

Disregard of the offspring , translated into not breaking the amniotic bag.Normally, according to the offspring are born, the mother will break the bag with her teeth It involves them but, sometimes, this does not occur, for different reasons, and we will be the ones who break it and bring the mother closer to it.We can ask our veterinarian to teach us.
Excess of time , if the process of childbirth lasts for more than an hour without more babies being born and we observe that our guinea pig is still in labor, making efforts.It may be a dystocia and will need veterinary intervention.
Bleeding , which is normal in childbirth but reason for consultation if the amount of blood exceeds one tablespoon.
Of course, we should request veterinary assistance if we observe any anomalous sign in our guinea pig or in its young.

The expulsion of the placentas indicates the end of the birth.It is completely normal for the guinea pig to eat them, just as it ingests amniotic bags and umbilical cords.Small guinea pigs are born with the ability to feed themselves.mother will be able to eat the same as her, so you have to continue with a balanced diet, maintaining the alfalfa hay that ensures the calcium necessary for their growth.Despite this independence, they should suck approximately during the first month., it is important to separate males and females to avoid new pregnancies , both from the mother and the offspring.

Lastly, even though we provide all the care for a pregnant guinea pig, the gestation process supposes e a risk, not to mention the ethical issues that should surround the raising of guinea pigs in a society in which so many of these animals are abandoned and, therefore, need a home.As responsible caregivers we must consider sterilization .

If you want to read more articles similar to Care for a pregnant guinea pig , we recommend that you enter our Gestacion section.

Comments

Persian cat hair care

The Persian cat is characterized by its long and dense fur, regardless of its face Of such characteristic features in this luxurious feline breed.Obviously this type of mantle requires meticulous care that other cat breeds do not need. In Animals and Pets Online we will provide you with the guidelines so that your Persian cat always looks good groomed and beautiful in this article on the Persian cat hair care . Discover what ideas we propose, read on: Daily care All Persian cats need daily care on our part.It is our obligation to provide them with food and water every day, while keeping their sand clean.Although we do not create the benefits of healthy and healthy feeding.quality will directly affect the animal's mantle. In the case of the Persian cat there is a daily obligation added: comb it . Naturally, we must do it with carino and with the appropriate material for this, keep reading to discover the indications recommended by Animals and Pets Online. Material f...

Advantages of having a Siberian husky

The Siberian husky is a possessor of stunning beauty, with its striking celestial eyes and its appearance that resembles wolves.But as with all races, adopting a Siberian husky has its pros or cons, or its advantages and disadvantages . Logically, for us, dog lovers, adopting a dog is a synonym for pure joy, regardless of race, sex, age or color, but it is always important to highlight that giving A decent life for a dog also presupposes responsibilities, a certain economic solvency and time availability. When we talk about "disadvantages", in reality, we refer to the aspects that can make raising a certain breed more difficult , either for requiring a more detailed maintenance that requires a lot of time from your tutor, for needing ample space To live comfortably, to maintain a more fragile health, or to require a special diet or more specific care that implies higher expenses. In this article of Animals and Pets Online we want to talk to you about the advantages...

How does the change of address affect dogs?

Domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, They are usually very sensitive to the changes that occur in their environment, stressing and even getting sick from things like the arrival of a baby or another pet or a move. It is because What we want to talk to you about How does the change of address affect dogs? , so you can have the necessary tools to help your dog overcome this change and that the process is not traumatic for him. Similarly, from Animal Expert we urge you to not abandon your pet before a change of address, however far away it may be: always you can get a place that is suitable for both of you, and the adaptation will be easier for both of you if you go through it together, with the love you have always had. Why does a move affect dogs? Dogs are not only animals of customs , but also are territorial , so a house change It implies for them to abandon what they have already marked as their territory, to enter a completely new one. It is perfectly norma...

How to massage a cat?

Although cats have the undeserved reputation of being little affectionate animals, the truth is that the vast majority of our feline companions will enjoy, enormously, the massages that we can dedicate to them.Especially if we want to improve our bond with him, the practice of massages is especially recommended. In this article from ExpertAnimal, to get the best results, we will explain how to give a cat a massage so that it relaxes in a complete step by step.We will see the benefits that this practice can bring us, as well as the precautions we have to take and some additional information about cat massage. Do cats like caresses? Before explaining how to give a cat a relaxing massage correctly, we must be clear that the vast majority of cats like and enjoy the caresses that we provide humans.Cats are animals that we have tamed and this has allowed them, even as adults, to maintain childish characteristics.For them their human caretakers are like their mothers and that is why...

Tips for the hygienic education of the puppy

For canine cage training, you have to limit the use of the cage to travel to the minimum possible.Remember that the travel cage should not be used to lock your dog for a long time.When you have to leave your dog alone for extended periods, use a puppy-proof room. Although the puppy-proof room is useful for long confinements, you just have to do use it when you can't supervise your dog.Try to spend as much time as possible with your dog so he doesn't feel abandoned.And he also spends some time with him in his room.Keep in mind that your dog is not going to get dirty near his dog.A bed, a plate of food or a bowl of water.So don't expect the place where you need to be close to those items. Your dog is more likely to need to go to the bathroom.When you wake up, after eating, after playing and after drinking water, make sure you take it to one of the s "permitted areas" (the puppy room, the garden, the park, etc.) after he performs any of these activities. ...

My dog drags the anus on the floor

Sure, more than once, you've seen your dog on the street ua other pets crawl, with their backs, across the floor in a somewhat strange position.You should know that your dog is not dragging the anus on the ground, your dog is dragging its anal glands or try get rid of some discomfort, and for him, it is a rather uncomfortable and unpleasant exercise that is given for a very particular reason: it itches. The real question is why do they itch? Dogs may have itching in the anus for several reasons, and having no hands to quench the sensation, the best solution they have found is to drag it on the ground.Dogs' anal sacs can sometimes be blocked, abscessed or inflamed, which will cause itching. If your dog drags the anus on the ground, it is important to know which is the true root of the problem and how to solve it.Continue reading this new article of Animal Expert where we will address the causes and give you some solutions to prevent your dog from continuing to pose ...

Types of monkeys and their names

Monkeys are primates classified according to scientific jargon in the Platirrinos or monkeys of the new world and the Cercopitecoideos or monkeys of the old world.The hominoids, which would be primates that have no tail, where man enters. Animals such as orangutan, chimpance, gorilla or gibbons also do not enter the scientific classification of monkeys, since the latter, in addition to having a tail, have a more primitive skeleton and are small animals. Then you can see the scientific classification of monkeys in more detail, where you can distinguish two different parvordenes and a total of six families of monkeys, all this in this article of Animals and Pets Online.The different types of monkeys and their names you can see them below: Classification of the Simiiform infraorder To correctly understand everything about the types of monkeys we must detail that there are a total of 6 families of monkeys grouped in 2 different parvordenes. Parvorden Platyrrhini: This in...

How to know if my rabbit is male or female?

Rabbits are adorable and very intelligent animals , which is why they are increasingly popular as companion animals.Likewise, their tender appearance and small size make them good companions for apartments. When you recently adopt a rabbit, or when a litter of rabbits has been born, you may not know the sex of each one, so we will help you discover it.If you want to discover how to know if your rabbit is male or female , keep reading this article from Animal Expert. When can you see the sex of your rabbit? It is important to note that in newborn rabbits knowing sex is almost impossible , especially if you have no experience in it.However, if you have a partner or a litter it is very important to know if they are female or male, whether you want to give them up for adoption or to avoid an unwanted pregnancy, as rabbits reproduce quickly and at an early age. From the eighth week will be a good time to examine your rabbits for indicators of their sex.Rabbits are extremely ner...

15 pollinating animals - Characteristics and examples

What is pollination? Reproduction of most plant species occurs sexually, that is, it requires the union of female and male cells for fertilization .Cells are found in pollen (male), so it needs to be transferred to the flower pistil (female), where fertilization occurs and, after this process, the flower becomes a fruit with seeds. So, when we talk about the reproduction of plants, the intervention of a third party is often required, which is known as " pollinator " to do it possible. These pollinating agents can be insects, other animals and even natural elements such as water and wind.In the case of animal species, they have found a balance with the flora and evolved together, so that plants have been able to produce flowers of different aromas, shapes and colors in order to attract pollinating agents to feed on the nectar. When animals feed on the nectar, transport pollen involuntarily on their legs, wings or another part of the body.When covered with polle...

Addison's disease in dogs

Addison's disease, technically called hypoadrenocorticism , is a type of rare ailment suffered by young and middle-aged dogs.It is not well known and even some veterinarians have trouble recognizing the symptoms.It is due to the inability of the animal's body to produce certain hormones.Although it is difficult to To diagnose, dogs that receive the correct treatment can lead a normal and healthy life. If your dog is constantly ill and none of the medications work, maybe you are interested in reading this Expert Expert article on the Adisson disease in dogs, causes symptoms and treatment. Canine Addison-Causes of Addison's disease in dogs As we have said, this disease is caused by the inability of the dog's brain to release certain hormones, called adrenocorticotropic (ACTH).These are responsible for maintaining the correct sugar levels, controlling the balance between the sodium and body potassium, to support cardiac function or to control the immune system, am...

Animals and Pets Online

Search This Blog