Curious about doing a health inspection for guinea pigs or rabbits?

Prevention is one of the most essential pillars of health for any animal species. Being proactive instead of reacting after a diagnosis is the most effective and convenient way to keep our little ones healthy and happy. 

While most people are very familiar with dogs’ and cats’ preventative health measures, like vaccination, deworming, and regular vet check-ups, not much is said regarding other less common – but not less adorable – pets like guinea pigs and bunnies. 

Regular physical inspection is strongly recommended

Like for any other species, regular physical inspection is strongly recommended by veterinarians. Because of its importantace, we want to share with you the essentials of guinea pigs’ and bunnies’ health inspection and proactive measures.

Weekly Health Checklist

A good care routine should always include physical examination. These lovely, furry pets can hide many relevant signs about their health status under their soft fur, making regular physical inspection even more crucial. There are many signs that, if you don’t search, you will probably not notice them on time.

The key aspects you should check for both bunnies and guinea pigs at least every week are the coat, skin, eyes, ears, mouth and teeth, feet and nails, and weight.

Here are the steps you can take to proceed with the physical inspection.

Coat and Skin Checklist

• Coat: Check the condition and consistency; it should not look dull, dry, patchy, brittle, or greasy.
  
  
• Skin: Look for signs of irritated, inflamed, or infected skin, such as redness, flaky skin, or dandruff. Make sure there are no injuries, bumps, or lumps.
  
  
• Feet: Inspect for broken nails or injuries in and between their fingers. Sores in the soles of their feet can be common and may indicate the presence of pododermatitis, a common condition.
  

Face Checklist

• Eyes: Inspect eyes and eyelids without touching them; eyes are very delicate. Look for abnormal discharge, inflamed eyelids, opacity, and redness. If you notice that something looks abnormal, let your vet know about it.
  
  
• Nose: This area can usually show signs of respiratory symptoms. Check for nasal discharge, inflammation, or injuries. 
  
  
• Mouth: This is a very important area to check in bunnies and guinea pigs, as dental problems are very common. Check for drooling, overgrown teeth, swelling, and ulcers.
  
  
• Ears: They should look clean, without discharge, injuries, buildup, and foul smell.
  

Signs to Watch Out For

Besides looking for the signs mentioned above that can indicate that something is happening with your little one’s health, there are additional relevant aspects that you must include in your fur baby’s weekly check-up.

The most common systems affected by health issues in guinea pigs and rabbits are the digestive and respiratory systems, the mouth, and the skin. Therefore, as you already know, the signs that you always have to pay attention to during physical examination are ocular or nasal discharge, drooling, and injuries in the mouth and feet.

However, this is not everything. There are other warning signs that may be less evident sometimes, but not less important. In addition to a physical examination, attention to behavior, appetite, and digestion can also provide valuable information about their health status.

If any of these signs are present, contact your veterinarian

Any changes in behavior, such as lethargy, sleeping more than usual, or not reacting to noises or touch, may indicate that they are not feeling well. Changes in posture, like a hunched posture, abnormal walk, or limping, are also warning signs. As for digestion, loss of appetite, sudden weight gain or loss, and diarrhea are things to consider. If any of these signs are present, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to get your little one’s veterinary attention and prevent further complications.

Tips for Stress-Free Checks

The goal is to be able to check their general health every week, and for that, we need to make sure this is a non-stressful, friendly experience.

To help your bunny or guinea pig get used to the health checks, there are some useful and simple tips that we’d like to share with you:

• Environment: Perform the health check in a comfortable, familiar place for them. For example, it can be in or close to where they sleep or spend most of their time. Make sure there are no loud noises, other pets close by, or any stimulus that could stress them. Doing this closer to the floor is better and safer than doing it at heights.
  
  
• Positive association: To create a positive association and make health checks exciting for them, you can give some treats during and after the process. It’s better if you give them a very delicious treat that they love and don’t usually eat, to make it more exciting. Remember to always give them treats suitable for their species.
  
  
• Gradualness: If you are just going to introduce health checks in your fur baby’s routine, start gradually. The first time, dedicate only a few seconds. Increase the time until you’re able to check them fully without any problems. Treats are key to this, as they will facilitate the process.
  
  
• Respect: Remember that these sweet animals are very delicate and sensitive. Always be very careful and respectful when inspecting their bodies. Don’t make sudden movements, and always keep in mind their mental and physical well-being.
  
  

Supplements for Wellness and Vitality

At NHV, we’re glad to support customers and their bunnies and guinea pigs. We have many supplements that can support these cute animals’ health, and here we’d like to share some options for overall wellness and vitality.

NHV Multi Essentials

NHV Multi Essentials is a plant-based herbal extract rich in vitamins and minerals. It aids digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and promotes healthy skin and coat. It can also help stimulate the metabolism, reduce fatigue, and increase energy. 

NHV Yucca

NHV Yucca is a single-herb formula has valuable anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Additionally, it supports digestive health, which can indirectly promote appetite. It’s a good option if there is anything causing inflammation, discomfort, and digestive upset.

NHV Milk Thistle

This herb is known for its valuable benefits for liver health. It can also support kidney function and has detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it a good option for taking care of these important organs and promoting overall health.

Dosing Supplements for Small Pets

The recommended dosage of NHV oral herbal formulas for rabbits and guinea pigs is 0.5 ml twice daily. While the bottle indicates a minimum dosage of one drop per two pounds for pocket pets, we have specifically tailored our recommendation to accommodate these species’ faster metabolism.

Need Personalized Recommendations?

If you’d like to support your pet naturally with our supplements, it’s always a good idea to inform your veterinarian, as they are the ones who know your little one’s health in depth. Also, before getting any supplement, and if you have any questions, you are more than welcome to contact our pet expert team. They will answer all your questions and provide personalized guidance to find the best supplements for your fur baby.