Scared Guinea pig

[BrusselnSprout]

Hi I would be really grateful for some advice. I have a lone boar, his cage mate passed away a couple of months ago . We were advised by the vet to give him some time to settle and if he wasn’t settling then to consider attempting to bond him with another pig. He has been very active in his cage since his cage mate passed - running around more, popcorning and sleeping soundly and comfortably in the middle of his cage - so we have decided for now not to introduce another pig.
This evening a friend visited with his small dog who was on a leash but had a little sniff around our Guinea pig’s cage (he is fully enclosed and no way the dog could access the cage) and since then (5 hours ago) our Guinea pig has been hiding in one corner, hasn’t moved and hasn’t eaten. I understand he’s probably a little stressed but is this normal and is there anything we can do to make him come out and feel comfortable again?
Really would appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance!

 

[Piggies&buns]

He will need to time to come round from that. I would cover the cage with a sheet or blanket to see he feels more secure and see if that helps.

Piggy would not have known he was safe from the dog so is now going to be very scared.

Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips

I’m sorry to hear you lost your other piggy.
Acute pining and needing a new friend immediately doesn’t often happen ie (when they stop eating etc) so you won’t often see a piggy who is clearly showing signs of being desperately lonely. They do appear to settle and get on with life due to their survival instincts after the loss of their friend but it doesn’t mean they don’t feel the loneliness - you may just not see it. They are usually ok to be left to grieve for a few weeks following the loss of their fiend but after that if you are able to get him a new friend, then it is best to do so.