What Does Normal Guinea Pig Urine Look Like? (Urine Chart+Problems)

What does healthy guinea pig pee look like

The guinea pigs’ urine might become murky if they eat a calcium-rich diet. It is important not to disregard cloudy urine. When dark urine first appears, it is necessary to alter one’s diet. If the urine is not treated immediately, it will turn sludgy and chalky.

It is normal for urine to turn crimson from time to time as a result of dietary changes, so you should not be concerned. It is frequently assumed to be blood, but this is not always the case. It’s possible that the coloration is caused by the guinea pig’s bladder.

It is uncommon for Guinea pigs to have varied colored pee. If it persists for an extended period of time, you should not dismiss it as a nuisance. For medical advice, consult with a veterinarian.

It is normal for the color of urine to vary on a regular basis as a result of dietary changes.

Guinea pig urine chart

Guinea pigs urinate in a variety of hues, depending on the species. It is possible that the colors will change within a day. When it comes to guinea pigs, this is typical practice.

The following chart can assist you in identifying the various colours of urine:

1. Bright Yellow: Your guinea pig is in good health, as indicated by the color of his fur. You shouldn’t be concerned about your pet’s health until it is eating and drinking properly.
2. Milky Yellow: The presence of a milky or dark color in the urine is an early warning indication of calciuria. It is primarily attributable to the consumption of a calcium-rich diet. Look for a change in your eating habits. If the guinea pig is currently on alfalfa hay, switch to timothy hay. Additionally, choose a low-calcium diet for them.
3. Red: Red urine is frequently mistook for blood, however it can be caused by certain foods such as dandelion, beetroot, red cabbage, or carrots, among others. It could also be caused by pigments found in the bladders of guinea pigs. Antibiotic medications have been linked to the development of red pigmentation. During the winter, a rapid drop in temperature might cause red pee to appear. The presence of prolonged red urine is a cause for concern.
4. Pink: Pink pee may be caused by the presence of blood in the urine. Despite this, the color indicates that blood is present in little amounts. When the blood is diluted, it turns a pinkish-purple color. It is possible that eating strawberries or cranberries will cause it. Excess calcium in the diet may also be a contributing factor.
5. Brown: The color of the guinea pig’s pee is not a source of concern. Take note of how the pee dries to a uniform brown color. Bladder pigments are the source of the problem. The presence of deep brown or rusty colors in the pee indicates the presence of more red urine. Examine the food as well as the fecal wastes. If guinea pigs are constipated, the fecal waste will become lodged in their digestive tract, and they will not even vomit. The urine of young guinea pigs is more likely to have a brown tint to it.
6. Orange: When a guinea pig is dehydrated, it will pee in an orange color. As a result of dehydration, there is excessive urination, which gives the urine an orange tint. Make certain that your guinea has access to plenty of fresh water for consumption. Because of the pigmentation, urine may also appear orange.
7. White:Dehydration causes guinea pigs to pee in an orange tint, which indicates that they are dehydrated. It is common for people who are dehydrated to have a lot of urination, which gives their urine an orange colour. You should make ensuring that your guinea has access to plenty of clean, fresh water for drinking. It is possible that urine will appear orange as a result of the pigmentation.

To check the color of the urine, you can use white litter to do so. The presence of white litter stains aids in the accurate determination of the color of the urine.

It is a more accurate and straightforward method of determining color. A regular review of the urine is beneficial in identifying any problems as soon as they arise.

Why does my guinea pigs pee look milky?

To a certain extent, guinea pigs’ urine with murky or milky hues is beneficial to their health.

A buildup of calcium precipitate combined with a decrease in urine content results in sludge or thick paste. The urine of a guinea pig suffering from calciuria is thick and milky in consistency. If left untreated, it can be quite hazardous.

The kidney is responsible for purifying the calcium that the guinea pigs consume. Excess calcium is excreted through the urine, resulting in a murky appearance to the urine.

Calcium, on the other hand, is necessary by guinea pigs for healthy teeth and bones, albeit in little quantities. Foods with a high calcium concentration should be avoided at all costs.

The urine of guinea pigs becomes thicker due to an excess of calcium. The first indicators of kidney disease are hazy or milky urine, as well as chalky residue.

Treat milky pee in guinea pigs

This condition can be resolved at home by making a few dietary modifications, which are detailed below:

1. Low-cost pellets should not be given to your pet as if they were composed of alfalfa hay, which contains a high concentration of calcium and a low concentration of fiber.
2. Remove any alfalfa hay that may have been present in your guinea pig’s cage. Most of the time, alfalfa hay is required by the growing young ones and expectant mothers of guinea pigs. It is not recommended for use with adult guinea pigs. Timothy hay is preferable for guinea pigs since it is more nutritious and may be fed at any time of day.
3. Make a list of the fruits and vegetables that are high in calcium and make a note of them. Avoid eating spinach, kale, and collard greens on a regular basis. It is not recommended to feed these products in groups of two or more at a time.
4. Exercise is essential for naturally lowering calcium levels. The kidney is able to work more efficiently as a result, and calcium is removed from the body more effectively. Internal harm is also less likely to occur as a result of this.

If the severity of the calciuria is not too severe, the urine will be restored to its normal condition. It is possible that your guinea pig will suffer from cystitis and bladder stones if the pee becomes hardened inside the urinary tract.

Guinea pigs experience excruciating discomfort as a result of cystitis and bladder stones. In some situations, bladder stones can cause a blockage, which is dangerous. Consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. In order to clear the obstruction, a course of antibiotics is frequently administered.

Dehydration is another factor that might contribute to sludgy urine.

If there is insufficient water in the Guinea pig’s body, the animal will not be able to evacuate pee at a sufficient rate.

It is recommended that the Guinea pig be urged to consume more water. If the guinea pig is suffering from dehydration, take precautions since it could be fatal if not treated immediately.

You may also be interested in learning how much water a guinea pig need. For guinea pigs, it’s all about the water!

A leaking bottle can cause a significant amount of mess, so I strongly advise you to give this fantastic choconose water bottle a try. They’re fantastic, and they’ve been patented as being leakproof.

Does my guinea pig have a UTI?

What causes UTI in guinea pigs?

UTI is caused by a bacterial infection in the urinary tract. It can be caused by any of the following factors:

1. Obesity. Guinea pigs are becoming less active and are remaining in their cage.
2. Low-fiber diet. Guinea pigs are at danger of urinary tract infection (UTI) if they eat more pellets than they should since pellets have a low fiber content.
3. Stress. Any abrupt change in one’s daily schedule or an unfavorable work atmosphere are both unacceptable.
4. Excessive calcium or other vitamins. Overindulgence in everything is dangerous. As a result, it is necessary to vary the diet in order to maintain the right nutritional balance.
5. Unsanitary living conditions. Bacteria are attracted to bacteria-infested living situations. Make certain that the litter tray is kept clean and that your pet does not roll over its waste.
6. An inability to urinate. UTIs can be caused by any obstruction in the urinary tract.

Signs of urinary tract infection in guinea pigs

The presence of blood in the urine and a painful cry while urinating are both signs of urinary tract infection (UTI). Among the most common signs and symptoms are:

1. Urine becomes thicker as a result of this.
2. There is blood in the pee.
3. Guinea pigs are known to pee at a certain location. Inspect the area to see if they are urinating uncontrollably somewhere.
4. Irritatingly, urine always flows slowly or drops by drops.
5. While urinating, there is a lot of sobbing and displaying of distress.
6. Attempts to urinate that were unsuccessful.

The symptoms are similar to those experienced by those who have bladder stones. Your veterinarian will diagnose the condition after taking a urine sample and performing an x-ray.

How do you treat a UTI in guinea pigs?

When your pet is diagnosed with UTI, your veterinarian will prescribe an antibiotic treatment that will last approximately 2-3 weeks.

Follow the veterinarian’s food recommendations to the letter.

Avoid giving your pet cranberry juice that has been diluted. It is vital to seek professional assistance because any delay in treatment has the potential to be fatal.

What does blood in guinea pig urine mean?

We frequently believe that the reddish-colored pee contains blood, which is not the case. Blood is present in diluted form in urine that has a pink tint to it. The fact that a guinea pig is producing pink pee is cause for concern.

Hematuria is defined as the passage of blood through urine. To be more specific, the red blood cells are being expelled along with the pee.

That could be a life-threatening predicament for your cavy. It is preferable not to waste any time and instead take the urine sample to your veterinarian.

Blood in the urine can occur for a variety of reasons, including the following:

• Kidney stones, or any disorder in the kidney.
• Bladder stones, cystitis, or deposition of urine crystals in the bladder.
• High calcium content in the diet.
• Genitals injured.
• Blood clots.
• Disorder in reproductive organs, especially in unspayed female guinea pigs.
• Diabetes
• Cancer

Guinea pigs demonstrate changes in their physical activities before blood and urine are produced.

Maintain close watch for signs of abdominal enlargement, as well as damage or swelling around the bladder. The following are the signs and symptoms of bladder stones.

The use of antibiotics is frequently recommended as a therapy option. The diagnosis will assist us in determining the exact cause of the problem.

Surgery is also performed in the most severe situations. Blood transfusions are only performed in exceptional circumstances, such as when a large amount of blood is lost through urination.

Also, check out:

• 25 Common Health Problems In Guinea Pigs
• 10 Signs That Your Guinea Pig Is Dying
• 16 Signs Of Old Age In Guinea Pigs(+How To Help Them)

Why does my guinea pig’s urine smell so bad?

When guinea pig urine is kept out for an extended period of time, it develops a nasty odor. This is due to the bacterial activity in the urine, which results in the production of ammonia.

If your pet inhales it, it can cause damage to the inside lining of the nose channel as well as a respiratory illness. The presence of a foul odor in the urine does not necessarily indicate that the guinea pig is unwell.

The following steps can help to alleviate the bad odor:

1. Guinea pigs can be neutered or spayed because they produce less odorous pee after they have been neutered or spayed.
2. Your guinea pig will learn to eat from litter. Install a litter box near the location and reward your pet for good behavior.
3. As the guinea pig eats while urinating, place hay around the litter box to keep it clean. Make an effort to keep garbage contained to a single site.
4. Once a day, empty the litter pan and clean it well. This will not happen if it smells bad to the Guinea pig.
5. Remove any hay that has been stained with urine. The hutch does not need to be cleaned very regularly, but it should be checked near the litter box.
6. You can clean the litter pan by scrubbing it with white vinegar. This aids in the removal of the unpleasant odor as well as the cleaning of the calcium residue. Remove any remnants of white vinegar from the litter box by washing it well.

Is guinea pig urine harmful to humans

The urine of guinea pigs is not toxic to people and is completely safe to handle. Its odor may be irritating to certain people. Nonetheless, you must exercise caution since a parasite that can be identified in the urine must be avoided.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi, often known as E. cuniculi, is a bug that may be detected in the urine of most rodents, including guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are less susceptible to this bug than other animals. In most cases, the infection is asymptomatic, but it can be fatal if the pet has a damaged immune system.

The parasite is spread through the urine of the host. The immune system of the guinea pig is capable of combating this insect. If the guinea pig becomes infected with the parasite, it is believed that it will remain infected for the rest of its life.

Humans who have a poor level of immunity are more susceptible to becoming infected with this disease than others. When handling the urine of guinea pigs, children and the elderly should exercise extreme caution.

Even if a guinea pig afflicted with Encephalitozoon cuniculi appears to be in good health, its growth may be impaired. Antibiotics are used to treat the illness once it has been identified. You should exercise caution when cleaning the cage until the situation has been resolved.

Examine your pet’s pee to see if it is clear and fluid in consistency. Urine that is cloudy or milky should be handled with caution. You should check with your veterinarian as soon as possible; else, it could be uncomfortable.