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how do you comfort your pig at the end of their life?

t3ddy

t3ddy

New Born Pup
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One of my older pigs (about six and a half y/o) is having trouble walking and refuses to eat. I already have an appointment for the vet in three hours, but I’ve had older pigs pass before and I’m not hopeful that this is any different, especially because she’s always had some medical problems. I can’t tell if she’s in pain — she’s always been pretty quiet. I don’t want to take her out of her cage if it means making her feel less safe or less comfortable, but I don’t know if my other guinea pigs will bother her. How do you comfort pigs at the end of their life?
 
I'm sorry to read of this.
Most of mine have been pts at the vets but I did have one pig who was in a similar condition once, and I too had an appointment. Sadly he didn't live long enough to get to the vet. But the point is, his brother wasn't bothering him - I'd rushed back from work to find Pedro had collapsed, and Panda was just off to one side, quietly watching. By the time I'd got the carry box out for our trip to the vet, Pedro had gone. And all the time Panda was just a quiet presence, not bothering Pedro, but not leaving him.
I think they are comforted by familiar things. So if your pig is used to lots of cuddles from you, that might give her (and you!) some comfort.
 
Sue and Smartie said:
I'm sorry to read of this.
Most of mine have been pts at the vets but I did have one pig who was in a similar condition once, and I too had an appointment. Sadly he didn't live long enough to get to the vet. But the point is, his brother wasn't bothering him - I'd rushed back from work to find Pedro had collapsed, and Panda was just off to one side, quietly watching. By the time I'd got the carry box out for our trip to the vet, Pedro had gone. And all the time Panda was just a quiet presence, not bothering Pedro, but not leaving him.
I think they are comforted by familiar things. So if your pig is used to lots of cuddles from you, that might give her (and you!) some comfort.
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Thank you so much <3 she’s relaxing side by side with another pig right now. They were both bonded at the rescue we got them at. She can still move herself around but she’s much slower. She wasn’t a fan of cuddling, so I’m going to just keep a close eye on her until the vet appointment. Thank you so so much.
 
Sorry to hear this. When my precious boy was coming to the end of his life, he had some cuddles with me, but I found him most comfortable snuggled with his buddy, in familiar surroundings. So if your lovely piggy has a friend(s) they will most likely be comfortable with them.

Thinking of you at this difficult time
 
I’m thinking of you at this sad time. Sending hugs to you. ❤️
 
I'm so sorry to hear this :( Most of my past piggies have been pts at the vets apart from Connie and Eliza. Connie passed away overnight and we found her the following morning. With Eliza, she seemed uncomfortable (kept trying to lie down but couldn't get comfortable) so we took her out of the cage. She died in my husbands arms not long after. I suggest that you leave her with her friends if they aren't bothering her or upsetting her. Thinking of you x
 
t3ddy said:
One of my older pigs (about six and a half y/o) is having trouble walking and refuses to eat. I already have an appointment for the vet in three hours, but I’ve had older pigs pass before and I’m not hopeful that this is any different, especially because she’s always had some medical problems. I can’t tell if she’s in pain — she’s always been pretty quiet. I don’t want to take her out of her cage if it means making her feel less safe or less comfortable, but I don’t know if my other guinea pigs will bother her. How do you comfort pigs at the end of their life?
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Hi and welcome

I am ever so sorry! It is such a sad and upsetting experience when you are faced with a potentially dying piggy on your hands.

You will find lots of practical information and tips in this link here that deals in depth but in a sensitive way with all matters relating to the end of life, including how you can support your guinea pig and make them as comfortable as possible during the natural dying process as well as information on euthanasia/pts and when this becomes necessary: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs
 
Wiebke said:
Hi and welcome

I am ever so sorry! It is such a sad and upsetting experience when you are faced with a potentially dying piggy on your hands.

You will find lots of practical information and tips in this link here that deals in depth but in a sensitive way with all matters relating to the end of life, including how you can support your guinea pig and make them as comfortable as possible during the natural dying process as well as information on euthanasia/pts and when this becomes necessary: A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs
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I just read that a few minutes ago — it was very helpful! Thank you so much <3
 
t3ddy said:
I just read that a few minutes ago — it was very helpful! Thank you so much <3
Click to expand...

I am glad that this is helping you. It has been the most difficult and emotionally taxing guide for me that I have ever written but if it can help others and make their and their piggies' journey easier, then it was a price well paid.

Sadly there is virtually no practical advice around but loss of a pet is very often the first and rather traumatic encounter for many of us with death. Unlike previous ages where death in young age was far more common and there have been public rituals, death has very much become a behinds doors thing and we are woefully unprepared as a society when confronted with the sheer physicality and all the practical aspects of the dying process and taking leave. :(

My thoughts are with you and your girl!
 
We’re making the decision to put her down. Thank you all for your kind words
 
It is never an easy decision and I feel for you. You have made your decision out of love for your precious piggy and she will know you love her. Sending hugs at this sad time x
 
Such a hard decision to make but made with love. Take care ❤️
 
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