Guinea pigs make wonderful companions, but like all living creatures, they must cross the rainbow bridge at some point.

Twitching is one of the signs that a guinea pig is dying, and it can be disturbing and heartbreaking for the owner to watch. If the sight of your piggie twitching is what’s brought you here, know that you are not alone.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand why a guinea pig twitches before death, how to tell if it’s in pain, other signs your piggie is dying, and how to cope with losing your beloved pet.

Guinea Pig Twitching Before Dying: 3 Facts The Owner Wants To Know

When a guinea pig is dying, twitching is a normal response to the body shutting down. Although it’s fairly common, it won’t happen during every guinea pig’s death. There isn’t much you can do to stop this, but know that pain is felt in many deaths, depending on the cause of death.

Why Does Your Guinea Pig Keep Twitching?

During imminent death, a guinea pig’s body can begin to convulse and twitch uncontrollably without warning.

As the nervous system shuts down, the muscles will begin to spasm. These motor functions occur as organs fail, often accompanied by confusion and a loss of balance.

Even after the heart has stopped beating, a guinea pig’s brain can continue to function, causing muscle spasms.

It may appear as if your piggie is in pain when this happens, but there is no need to worry. There is no pain and the best thing you can do for them in this scenario is comfort them in their last moments.

How Do You Know If Your Guinea Pig Is In Pain?

Some of the most common signs your guinea pig will display when in pain are:

• Grinding Teeth
• Squealing or Screaming
• Changes in Posture
• Lack of Movement
• Squinting Eyes
• Loss of Appetite

If you suspect your guinea pig is in pain and death is imminent, you can gently stroke their fur to comfort and help them feel calm.

But it could also indicate that your guinea pig has parasites. If your piggie is otherwise healthy, you should visit a veterinarian immediately.

What Should You Do If Your Guinea Pig Is Twitching?

When your piggie has reached the end of its life and begins to twitch, seek emergency care if we think there is a chance the guinea pig could be saved.

Try talking to them in a calm voice and gently petting them so they feel safe and less scared. Since involuntary movements can cause them to fall from high places, we recommend you avoid picking them up.

Signs A Guinea Pig Is Dying

Do you suspect that your piggie’s time has neared? Here are more signs to look for so you can be prepared for your pet’s departure.

• Old age. A guinea pig is considered a senior at 4-5 years old.
• Fever
• Labored Breathing
• Limbs are cold to the touch
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Mobility Issues
• Lethargy

How to Comfort a Dying Guinea Pig

If you are facing the death of a guinea pig, there are some things you can do to make the process easier on both you and your pet.

First, it is important to provide your guinea pig with a quiet and comfortable place to rest. This may be their cage or a special bed that you have set up for them.

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Make sure that they have access to water and food, as they may not have much of an appetite but will still need to stay hydrated.

You should also spend time with your guinea pig, talking to them and stroking their fur. This will help them feel loved and comforted in their final moments.

Guinea pigs do not make it obvious when they are in pain, so you may need to observe closely for any symptoms or behavioral changes associated with pain.

The common symptoms of pain in guinea pigs include loss of appetite, restlessness, teeth grinding, continuous squeaking in a loud voice, fast breathing, curved posture with spiky hairs and aggressive behavior.

If your guinea pig is displaying any of these symptoms, your vet may recommend medications for the treatment of the symptoms and the relief of pain so that your fur baby can have a more tolerable ending.

Finally, be prepared for the end. Have a plan for what you will do with your guinea pig’s body once they have passed away. This will help to make the situation less overwhelming when the time comes.

How to Cope With The Loss Of Your Pet

We understand how difficult it can be to say goodbye to our furry companions. It’s important to allow yourself the time you need to grieve and find emotional compensation.

In the meantime, there are many ways you can honor the life of your pet. Bring the family together for a small funeral service in which you share photos or uplifting stories about the deceased guinea pig.

Then bury its body in your garden or a pet cemetery where you can visit when you miss them.

You can also create a memorial using your piggie’s belongings such as its bowls, basket, or toys.

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Conclusion

It’s never easy to say goodbye to our guinea pigs, especially when we’re caught off guard by their bodies twitching uncontrollably during death.

However, we can find comfort in the fact that there is no pain during this process and we can make their final moments more comfortable by offering our love.

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