If you’re a new guinea pig parent, you could be concerned when you notice your new pet trembling, and you might wonder, “Why Is My Guinea Pig Shaking?”
However, guinea pigs tremble for a variety of causes, so it isn’t always indicative of a problem. Shivering and shaking might sometimes signal a problem. Shaking, on the other hand, can be perfectly harmless. Let us learn about it.
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Why is my guinea pig shaking?
Some guinea pig owners may become concerned if they notice their guinea pigs shaking or shivering. What does shaking, on the other hand, imply? I was intrigued as to when it happened to me for the first time.
So I consulted a few specialists and studied a slew of research papers to figure out why my guinea pig was shaking. Here’s what I discovered!
Guinea pigs can shiver or tremble for a variety of reasons, including joy, cold, fear, and anxiety.
Guinea pig mange (Trixicara cavis) is a skin parasite that can cause pain, shaking, and twitching in guinea pigs. During thunderstorms or pyrotechnics, we frequently notice guinea pigs trembling.
Before deciding what to do next, it’s a good idea to figure out what’s causing the shaking. As you can see, there are various reasons why your guinea pigs may be trembling. If you can’t figure out what’s causing the shaking, you should seek advice from a veterinarian.
Here are some possible reasons due to which your guinea pig might be shaking.
Due to Cold
Guinea pigs, like humans, may shake when they are cold. Depending on the room temperature, you should be able to rule this issue out. They’re probably just cold if the weather has fallen.
Consider relocating them to a warmer environment. While a little bit of cold isn’t usually hazardous, you don’t want your guinea pigs to be excessively cold for long periods of time. Furthermore, if the temperature is appropriate, it is simply more comfortable for them.
Out of Fear
When terrified or agitated, guinea pigs can also quake. Loud noises or big changes in their environment can cause this. Shaking is likely a symptom that the shift stresses them if they’ve recently been adopted.
Making them comfortable and waiting them out is often the greatest thing you can do. The guinea pigs will usually quiet down with time. Guinea pigs can withstand a certain amount of acute stress. So, if fireworks are going off outside, don’t be too concerned.
Long-term stress, like in people and other species, can create health concerns. If your guinea pig appears afraid on a regular basis, it’s possible that their tank isn’t large enough.
Make sure that your furry little friend has plenty of hiding places and isn’t overstimulated. Some guinea pigs, of course, are more fearful than others. It’s sometimes just a matter of temperament.
Out of Happiness
Surprisingly, when guinea pigs are happy, they may also shake. They can “popcorn,” which entails guinea pigs rapidly hopping up and down. When they are happy and content, they do this. This can be perplexing because they also tremble when anxious.
However, you can usually tell why they are shaking based on their other behaviors. They are most likely stressed if they are trying to conceal or are “frozen.” Shaking is apparently just another way to show you how happy they are if they are otherwise cheerful.
Due to Sickness
A number of diseases and ailments can cause shaking. Guinea pig mange is an example of such a parasite. Pain, trembling, and twitching are all symptoms of this parasite.
This necessitates medical attention, albeit it is usually not life-threatening. However, it might be highly distressing for the animal.
To Establish Dominance
A guinea pig’s butt generates a tiny rumbling sound when it shakes it. They do this to show that they are superior to other guinea pigs. If your guinea pig shakes at other guinea pigs, it’s probably trying to assert control over them.
Is shaking a normal behavior for guinea pigs?
Shaking isn’t quite typical for all guinea pigs, but it’s also not something to be concerned about right away. While there are various reasons why your guinea pig may be trembling, the three most common are: a.) it’s too cold, b.) it’s sick, and c.) it’s afraid of something.
Why is my guinea pig shaking and purring?
This happens when the guinea pig makes a low, consistent sound. It doesn’t sound like a cat since it sounds like a cross between a dog’s grumble and a cat’s quiet purr. Purring is often associated with contentment or happiness.
When you are softly touching your pig, you will most likely hear it. They will, however, vocalize the same noise in short bursts when they hear a startling noise or feel unexpectedly threatened.
Based on the circumstances and/or setting, you can probably figure out what kind of purring your guinea pig is doing based on the circumstances and/or setting.
How do I stop my guinea pig from shaking?
Generally, you don’t have to do anything to stop your guinea pig from shaking. Shaking is just a symptom of something else, which could be good or negative.
You might not want to put a halt to your guinea pig’s shaking. You can do certain things if your guinea pig’s shaking is a sign of anything more serious.
Reduce the Level of Stimulation
If your guinea pig is frequently anxious, you may need to reduce the amount of stimulus they receive. A variety of tiny things can stress out guinea pigs. The sounds from being near a television, for example, might be quite uncomfortable and cause people to be on high alert.
Shaking may often occur and on a regular basis as a result of this. Consider relocating your guinea pig to a quieter location and reducing the amount of handling you undertake.
Make an appointment with a veterinarian.
Your guinea pig could be trembling due to a more serious issue. Contact a veterinarian if your pet exhibits any other symptoms or appears to shake at random periods. The most prevalent ailment that causes shaking is parasites.
There are, however, some significant concerns. Furthermore, diseases can induce tension and agitation in your guinea pig, which can lead to terrifying shaking. When it comes to our pets’ health, it’s always best to be safe than sorry.
More Hideouts are needed.
Some of our guinea pigs are just more fearful than others. They may demand extra hiding spots or prefer a calmer region of the house to feel at ease.
Consider adding more hiding spots and soft bedding for them to burrow into in this situation. It might be exactly what they require to feel more at ease in their confinement.
Why is my guinea pig jumping and shaking?
Popcorning occurs when your guinea pig suddenly starts taking small hops and changes its path with a twitch while running. But they have control over it and eventually cease twitching.
It’s natural guinea pig activity, but people become concerned when they observe these abrupt jumps and mistake them for twitching. When the guinea pigs are overly eager, lively, and pleased, they will execute these little jumps.
Popcorning is the term for this type of activity. This signifies you’re doing a good job as a parent, and your guinea pig is pleased with you.
If you have a guinea pig as a pet and have yet to observe popcorning activity, don’t worry. A few guinea pigs are content and do not engage in popcorning behavior.
Simply supply the following items to keep your guinea pig happy:
- Lots of nice, healthy meals.
- Lots of fresh and cool water
- A safe and clean environment
- Arrange things for them to play with and decorate their cage.
- It is necessary to interact with them on a daily basis.
- Hay is a favorite diet of guinea pigs, so give them enough of it.
- When it’s cool outdoors, give them newly cut grass or take them out into the garden.
- Whenever you pass by their cage, speak to them in an enthralling, joyful tone.
- Provide them with a large cage in which they can freely run and roam.
Why is my guinea pig shaking and making noises?
Each pet guinea pig is unique and will react differently to stressful or puzzling situations. If your guinea pig is vibrating inexplicably and making noises, it’s probably for one of the following reasons.
When your guinea pig is nervous or startled, it may vibrate. When these vibrations are caused by fear, they are accompanied by a rapid, clipped sound.
A guinea pig in a new surroundings may vibrate in response to your alarm or unfamiliar surroundings. Loud or unexpected noises could also cause it.
As long as you are consistently gentle with your pet, the vibrations should stop when you spend more time with them. Guinea pigs are naturally social creatures, so having a friend can make them feel more at ease.
You could be better off with two females because they get along well and don’t quarrel as much as two guys do. If both animals are neutered, you can have a male and a female.
Guinea pigs, like people and other animals, shiver when they are cold. These are long and sluggish vibrations. If your guinea pig has just gotten out of the bath, be sure you completely towel dry them to warm them up and keep them away from cold draughts.
If the guinea pigs are shivering in their hutch, you should stuff their hide with soft hay so they can hide. You can utilize pet-safe heating pads, which are usually microwaveable rubber discs, in cold weather.
Guinea pigs can make deep, loud vibrating noises when they are irritated. This could be the result of something you’re doing, such as brushing their coat or gripping them too tightly. They can also hiss or display their teeth to express their rage.
If you are around them while they are eating, new guinea pigs may feel intimidated and grow frustrated. This is readily remedied by simply moving aside after filling their bowl. They will then eat in a relaxed manner.
Do Guinea Pigs Shiver due to illness?
A guinea pig is a reasonably simple animal to care for while it is healthy. This isn’t to say that we don’t have a duty of care. They require special care and have unique requirements that must be addressed in order for them to live a happy and healthy existence.
This is especially true if any signs of sickness are detected. One of the most prevalent guinea pig ailments is tremors.
A variety of illnesses can jeopardize a guinea pig’s life. They can also develop swiftly, with a terrible prognosis if the condition isn’t addressed right once. Because not every veterinarian has a lot of experience with guinea pigs, catching problems early is crucial.
We need to know their health behaviors to notice when their health is deteriorating and provide proper care about food, environment, exercise, hygiene, and other factors.
A fever may cause a guinea pig’s shaking. Fever causes the guinea pig to have a high temperature, which is difficult to detect with the naked eye. When the fever is severe, the guinea pig may shiver and shake.
Fever is merely a symptom, not a sickness in and of itself. It is caused by the immune system of the guinea pig fighting various infections. These can take the form of a virus, bacterium, fungus, or other toxins, or they might be caused by ingesting poisonous substances.
As a result, we’ll need to take the cavy to a veterinarian to figure out what’s wrong.
The symptoms of a sick guinea pig
Shaking and tremors aren’t the only signs that a guinea pig is sick. They might also show:
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of movement
- Eye discharge
- Runny nose
- Poor skin and hair quality
- Diarrhea
- Dragging hind legs
- Presence of blood on the anus
Because these symptoms are common in guinea pigs, it’s crucial to figure out what’s causing them. When they are sick, though, not all cavies will shiver and shudder. This only happens in specific circumstances, such as when they are anemic.
Final Thoughts
In guinea pigs, shaking can imply a variety of things. Happiness, fear, anxiety, and even health difficulties can all cause guinea pigs to shake. Keep a check on your guinea pigs to check if they are shaking due to something normal or if there are any other signs related to shaking that could indicate a health problem.
Understanding the cause is critical to determining what may be done to prevent guinea pigs from shaking. If you’re shaking because you’re happy, don’t worry about it; otherwise, seek medical help right away.
FAQs
Do guinea pigs vibrate when sick?
Guinea pigs shiver and shudder for a variety of reasons. They’re either cold, terrified, excited, or content or they’re sick. Look for anything that could make your guinea pig shiver or tremor. It could be normal, or it could be something else entirely.
Why is my guinea pig shaking after a bath?
You should adjust the manner you bathe your guinea pig if he shivers after a bath. When you’re done washing him, make sure to dry him completely because any water left on his body will likely cool him down and cause him to shiver.
Why is my guinea pig shaking his head and not eating?
Your guinea pig is probably anemic if they’re shaking and trembling and refusing to eat. You must take them to a veterinarian in these situations.
