Puff up and out coat

[PennyCopper]

On occasion my piggie has puffed up her coat while eating cold veggies and salads. But yesterday and today she is doing it while sleeping. The air cond temp has not changed in the house. Why is she doing this it is not normal for her? Or is she getting older and maybe more sensitive to cool air? Or matbe it is nothing at all. Thanks.

 

[Wiebke]

On occasion my piggie has puffed up her coat while eating cold veggies and salads. But yesterday and today she is doing it while sleeping. The air cond temp has not changed in the house. Why is she doing this it is not normal for her? Or is she getting older and maybe more sensitive to cool air? Or matbe it is nothing at all. Thanks.

Hi

Puffing up is generally a sign of pain somewhere in the head or body.
More about spotting symptoms of pain: Signs of Pain in Guinea Pigs

However, older guinea pigs, especially arthritic ones generally enjoy a bit of extra warmth from a solid microwaveable heat pad (please do not choose anything that can be chewed open).

 

[poggle]

I have had a few guinea pigs who did seem to get a bit fluffier whenever they were particularly pleased with dinner, or if they were particularly cosy.

That said, they had behaved that way their whole lives - if it's new behaviour I'd definitely be getting them checked out for pain.

 

[VickiA]

If they’ve got puffy coats I am always suspicious of a pain issue.

 

[PennyCopper]

Thank you everyone. I will call her vet and get her checked out. My poor little boo boo

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you everyone. I will call her vet and get her checked out. My poor little boo boo

Piggies can fluff up during eating in the early stages but if they puff up when sitting, then the pain issue is starting to get more serious. Fluffing up is unfortunately a rather vague symptom that is not easy to pin down.

Please have a look through the pain guide in my first post to see whether are some more pointers that could help.