Do Guinea Pigs Fart?
A funny sound and a slightly stinky smell come from your guinea pig, and you wonder if guinea pigs fart. As a guinea pig owner, you may also wonder if farting is a symptom of a health issue.
In this post, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about the reasons why guinea pigs fart, and what you can do about it.
Do Guinea Pigs Fart?
Guinea pigs fart occasionally, and it’s usually not something to worry about. Farting is a normal physiological reaction. It can be a sign of digestive issues caused by certain antibiotics.
A sudden change in the diet can also lead to this issue. In case of excessive farting and other signs of digestive issues, make sure you take your guinea pig to a veterinarian.
What Do Guinea Pigs Fart Sound Like?
It usually sounds like a little puff of air, just like a human small fart. If a guinea pig farts, it doesn’t usually smell, because the small fart does not affect the surrounding air.
A fart from your guinea pig may not even sound like farting. You may just notice vibrations, rumblings, or light puffs of air.
However, if it smells nasty, it can be an indicator of a serious problem in your piggy’s digestive system. If ignored, the issue can be fatal. So, take your piggy to a vet if the fart smells bad.
Also read: 5 Causes Why My Guinea Pig Poop Smells So Bad
How often Do Guinea Pigs Fart?
Guinea pigs have a sensitive digestive system. Their stomachs become upset pretty easily. If your piggy farts occasionally, don’t worry about it.
However, if farting is regular and excessive, visit a vet immediately. Excessive farting can be a sign of bloating or constipation, which can be fatal for these adorable rodents.
Why Do Your Guinea Pigs Fart?
Digestive problems and bloating can make your guinea pig fart. Farting has many causes including an abrupt diet change, being on antibiotics or feeding too many green veggies.
An Abrupt Diet Change
A sudden change in your guinea pig’s diet is one of the most common causes of bloating, which makes the animal fart. An imbalance in nutrition can lead to more serious problems, such as chronic diarrhea.
If you introduce a new diet, do not rush. Make the transition slow. Plan a balanced diet and stick to it.
By all means, steer clear of dairy products and beans, because they can cause severe digestive complications in guinea pigs.
Avoiding cruciferous vegetables altogether is not a good idea either. It is okay to feed these foods occasionally. Notice how your piggy responds to these foods and make a decision accordingly.
Your guinea pig’s primary food should be hay, which is good for the digestive system of rodents. Steer clear of big pellets with cereals or corn, because guinea pigs find them hard to break down.
Also read: Top 5 Guinea Pig Cages & 7 Factors To Make Perfect Enclosure
Oxbow Essentials Guinea Pig Food
Being on Antibiotics
Another common cause of farting in guinea pigs is being on antibiotics. If your guinea pig is taking antibiotics, their gut bacteria may be out of balance. This can lead to gas and other digestive issues. Do not use antibiotics without consulting a veterinarian.
Feeding Too Many Green Veggies
If you’re feeding your guinea pig too many green veggies, this could also be the cause of their farting. While greens are a healthy part of a guinea pig’s diet, too many can lead to gas and other digestive issues. If you think your guinea pig is farting too much, cut back on the greens and try another type of food.
If your guinea pig’s diet is the issue, you can introduce new foods gradually or soak their hay in water for a few minutes to help with digestion. If you think your guinea pig may be sick, take them to the vet for a check-up.
Also read: 10 Best Guinea Pigs Commercial Food
Should You Be Worried If Your Guinea Pig Farts?
This is a common question of guinea pig owners. Is farting a sign that the animal is sick. In general, the answer is no. But the intensity of the problem is a matter of consideration.
Don’t assume that your piggy is sick if the animal farts. Farting can be even a sign that the animal is in good health.
But a bloated belly, discomfort, excessive farting, anorexia and pain are some causes of concern. If you notice these symptoms, take your piggy to a veterinarian immediately.
In most cases, you can prevent this condition just by ensuring a balanced diet. Adjust the food if the animal has digestive issues.
Learn as much as you can about the foods of guinea pigs so that you can make an informed decision in terms of selecting food items.
Keep a food journal for your guinea pig, and fix dietary problems as they arise. To make sure your guinea pigs are healthy and happy, monitor their behavior. In order to solve a health issue in your piggy, you have to first recognize the issue.
In Conclusion
The bottom line is, guinea pigs fart, but it is usually not something to worry about. But if farting is excessive and there are symptoms of bloating and indigestion, it is important to see a vet immediately.
You can prevent the problem by making sure that your piggy gets a balanced diet.
