Guinea pig has died and am GUTTED!

mammyof7

This afternoon my husband went to the hutch and found one of our guinea pigs dead . He was only 18 months old and lived with another guinea and a rabbit.
I actually feel really upset about it, even worse than the kids! I just cant understand it, I don't know if the cold has got him or if he was ill. I just feel so bad, imagining him being ill and dying and I never knew.
On the grand scheme of things I know he was "only" (don't like that phrase) a guinea pig, but he was so tame and nice natured and was also our pet.
The other animals have been brought in now, but I still feel guilty. We had to have our rabbit put down a while back and I didn't feel like this. God help me when we lose our Great Dane (whose starting to knock on) I think it will just about finish me off!!!
I'd be interested to know how others felt when their pets died.

Elle7

I think grief is normal.

But, that said, right now I think you need to consider what is likely to have killed him - if it could have been contagious, you'll need to quarantine your other pets, and get them veterinary treatment. When did you last see him? Did he seem okay? Was he eating and drinking normally?

I am really sorry for your loss. 18 months is so young, and he sounds like such a lovely character...it is mighty cold outside, so bringing them in was probably a good idea anyway.

londonsurrey

I hate the word "only" used in conjunction with animals too.
My condolences on your loss. Your grief is perfectly natural. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise - it says more about them than anything.

jimimi

Sorry to hear about your loss. I was unconsolable as well when we had to have our guinea pig put to sleep. I think he was about the same age, and he started to have fits. I think he had liver or kidney failure or something like that. We only noticed his deterioration as he lived indoors though. It's not silly, it is easy to get attached to them, ours used to 'talk' when he saw us!

mammyof7

The last time we certainly seem him was Saturday night. It was dark when I fed them last night so couldn't say for certain that I seen him (could have been the other one).

The other guinea and rabbit seem absolutely fine but I am going to ring the vet in the morning to see what she says.

He was fine when we seen him, but I did notice that there was food left in the cage on Sunday and today - which isn't normal.

My husband thinks that he maybe died yesterday and the others haven't eaten due to him being dead in the hutch, they have eaten though since I moved them indoors.

mondello

It's normal to grieve for our pets when they pass. It's always a sad time. I have rabbits and I was gutted when two of them passed away eaalier on this year. They are never 'only' rabbits to me. One of them died in my arms, I'd had her from a baby and she was only 6 when she died. :-(

Your gp's passing could have been because of the cold. Guinea pigs are not as hardy as rabbits so in winter it's best to keep them in a shed or bring them inside once the cold weather sets in. Or the rabbit my have accidently kicked the gp. Rabbits have very strong back legs and could kick the gp by accident and cause injury or death.

annie12

mammyof7 wrote: »

This afternoon my husband went to the hutch and found one of our guinea pigs dead . He was only 18 months old and lived with another guinea and a rabbit.
I actually feel really upset about it, even worse than the kids! I just cant understand it, I don't know if the cold has got him or if he was ill. I just feel so bad, imagining him being ill and dying and I never knew.
On the grand scheme of things I know he was "only" (don't like that phrase) a guinea pig, but he was so tame and nice natured and was also our pet.
The other animals have been brought in now, but I still feel guilty. We had to have our rabbit put down a while back and I didn't feel like this. God help me when we lose our Great Dane (whose starting to knock on) I think it will just about finish me off!!!
I'd be interested to know how others felt when their pets died.

Aww

When our rabbit died last year aged 8, hubby and I were totally devastated. It took us weeks to get over it.

We gave a home to 2 rescue bunnies from the RSPCA about 3 months after. It felt good to give a home to 2 bunnies that had been mistreated.

I totally understand it, it's normal, they become part of the family.
It does get easier, but you never forget them. xx

mammyof7

Thanks mondello,
The reason that I thought that the cold may have got him was because he was found in his little house and I hoped he may have just died in his sleep.

They have a big double level hutch and the rabbit and guineas usually stay on two different levels, but I suppose its possible that the rabbit could have kicked him.

The others will certainly be staying in now, although my teenage sons are not too happy as the pets have moved into their bedroom!!

Blackpool_Saver

My feeling is all animals should be inside it is way too cold now. I lost an 8 year old guinea pig not long ago, we were very upset, she was a part of our lives. She is buried in the garden.

mammyof7

Ours will certainly be indoors now, We had a hutch hugger but it maybe wasnt enough:( . My husband has took Bramble to his parents whom have buried him in their garden, Still cant stop thinking about it.:(:(:(

Blackpool_Saver

Can they not be in an area of the house like a dining room maybe? wont the teens be too noisy and upset them? oh and away from cigarette smoke if anyone does.