I have two guinea pigs that I recently got. They are 3 year old boys. I have two dogs which is why I keep the door shut and a gate in front of the room they are kept in for good measure. I have no idea how she got in, but today one of my dogs got into the room and attacked one of them. We got him away as fast as we could and he moved a bit in my arms, but after that he stopped moving and breathing. His body is cold now and I’m certain he’s dead. I feel horrible, and overrun with guilt. My question is about his brother. I know Guinea pigs are social therefor he needs a partner, but he’s only ever known this other pig so what if he doesn’t take well to a new friend. I don’t want anything to happen to him but I’m not sure where to go from here. I’m completely heartbroken and could really use some help.
Dog attacked and killed my Guinea pig
- Thread starter crowley
- Start date
Roselina
Forum Donator 2024/25
Oh gosh I’m so sorry to read this - my condolences to you and your family.
You need to fix a bolt/ lock onto the door to prevent this happening again - however ‘nice’ a dog is it will always go for a Guinea pig/bird etc
I would say to leave the dead piggy in with his friend for a few days so that the living piggy can adjust - I recently did that with my piggy
Your remaining piggy will need a new friend and you will need to bond them for a secure friendship and a rescue can help you with that. There is some excellent information on this forum
Once again I’m so sorry that you’ve had to go thru this
You need to fix a bolt/ lock onto the door to prevent this happening again - however ‘nice’ a dog is it will always go for a Guinea pig/bird etc
I would say to leave the dead piggy in with his friend for a few days so that the living piggy can adjust - I recently did that with my piggy
Your remaining piggy will need a new friend and you will need to bond them for a secure friendship and a rescue can help you with that. There is some excellent information on this forum
Once again I’m so sorry that you’ve had to go thru this
Roselina
Forum Donator 2024/25
BIG HUGS
A dog attack usually happens in a matter of seconds and it really shakes you to the core. I lost my first own piggy and my sister hers in the same attack when a neighbour's dog managed to get through their badly maintained fence onto our lawn when I was a teenager. I cried a river.
Please make sure that the remaining boy is safe for now and that he is eating and drinking.
This will give you ca. 1-4 weeks' time to get past your initial shock and think things through before you make any decisions. Try to avoid any knee jerk reactions right now. They will only cause you further upset and doubts down the line.
Questions to ask yourself when you are ready:
- In terms of keeping guinea pigs in the same household with a killing dog that now knows where there is prey: Can you really guarantee that it won't happen again? Can you lock/padlock the guinea pig room door and ensure that your dog cannot wiggle past you?
- In terms of company: Can you provide a divided cage space so you can keep your two boys as next door neighbours with full interaction/stimulation through the bars if a bond is not working out?
Please take your time to get over the shock and then think hard and honestly about those questions. Don't rush into anything right now and then rue it or have second throughts. Yes, you will feel very upset and guilty but when you have a big stumble in life, ultimately it is more important how you get up and go on from there, and - in your case - whether you are able to really sort out the safety aspect. You cannot undo the past but you can always change the future, even if it comes with the hardest decision of all if you are unable to eliminate any safety concerns. Acknowledging your limits is just as important and sometimes more so as doing your utmost; but it is harder.
But you can only do that when you are able to stop, calm down and really listen to what your heart of hearts is telling you. Give yourself the space to not be OK right now and to absorb the shock first.
Our grieving guide also contains links to pet bereavement charities as well as practical tips and further links if you feel the need for more information and trained help.
We are here for you for further questions, community support and practical advice.
I am moving this thread to our new End of Life and Bereavement Support Corner.
A dog attack usually happens in a matter of seconds and it really shakes you to the core. I lost my first own piggy and my sister hers in the same attack when a neighbour's dog managed to get through their badly maintained fence onto our lawn when I was a teenager. I cried a river.
Please make sure that the remaining boy is safe for now and that he is eating and drinking.
This will give you ca. 1-4 weeks' time to get past your initial shock and think things through before you make any decisions. Try to avoid any knee jerk reactions right now. They will only cause you further upset and doubts down the line.
Questions to ask yourself when you are ready:
- In terms of keeping guinea pigs in the same household with a killing dog that now knows where there is prey: Can you really guarantee that it won't happen again? Can you lock/padlock the guinea pig room door and ensure that your dog cannot wiggle past you?
- In terms of company: Can you provide a divided cage space so you can keep your two boys as next door neighbours with full interaction/stimulation through the bars if a bond is not working out?
Please take your time to get over the shock and then think hard and honestly about those questions. Don't rush into anything right now and then rue it or have second throughts. Yes, you will feel very upset and guilty but when you have a big stumble in life, ultimately it is more important how you get up and go on from there, and - in your case - whether you are able to really sort out the safety aspect. You cannot undo the past but you can always change the future, even if it comes with the hardest decision of all if you are unable to eliminate any safety concerns. Acknowledging your limits is just as important and sometimes more so as doing your utmost; but it is harder.
But you can only do that when you are able to stop, calm down and really listen to what your heart of hearts is telling you. Give yourself the space to not be OK right now and to absorb the shock first.
Our grieving guide also contains links to pet bereavement charities as well as practical tips and further links if you feel the need for more information and trained help.
We are here for you for further questions, community support and practical advice.
I am moving this thread to our new End of Life and Bereavement Support Corner.
guineapogmum
Junior Guinea Pig
I'm so sorry! This happened to my 2 babies just 6months ago when 2 neighborhood dogs escaped and got under the fence killing 2 birds and my 2 babies (I'm still mad that nothing happened to the dogs but... what can you do?)
It happens so quick, don't blame yourself, just make sure its secure so it doesn't happen again!
sending you thoughts and hugs
It happens so quick, don't blame yourself, just make sure its secure so it doesn't happen again!
sending you thoughts and hugs