Guinea pigs are one of the most common types of small pet found in households all over the globe. Their calm disposition, cute features, and ease of care make them a preference, especially with families having kids. Like any other pet, they have their mode of expressing themselves, one of which include biting.
Guinea pigs are usually considered friendly and tame, which makes it a bit of a shock for some when they get bitten. But one must remember it is only a last option to them and not a primary means of communicating with others.
Except for some more harmful types with some other pets dogs are one of them, guinea pigs very seldom bite when staggering. However, the question that comes up to people who want to adopt pets, or those who already have them is: “Does a guinea pig bite hurt or what?”
This article is aimed at discussing why guinea pigs bite, whether the bites do mean some danger, what risk exists and what to do in case there is a bite. By the end of this post, you will feel more confident about handling your guinea pig and understanding their behavior.
Why Do Guinea Pigs Bite?
First and foremost, it should be made clear that ‘pigs’ are very gentle animals which is natural. They are also prey animals, meaning that they do not tend to attack but instead tend to run away and hide.
Bite by a guinea pig is often viewed as a last option, done primarily not out of hatred but for self-protection or confusion or just discomfort.
In the case of a guinea pig, biting does not come about due to aggression as it is the last option used. More often than not it comes from fear, discomfort or confusion rather than out of malicious thinking.
There are several common causes why a guinea pig could use a sharp mouth:
Fear or Anxiety: Guinea pigs in some instances are natural shyer animals especially when they are not used to other people apart from those who constantly attend to them. They panic at loud sounds or at sudden movements or new places. When cornered or trapped, the piggy will most likely attempt a bite as means of escaping.
Pain or Discomfort: This may increase the likelihood of your guinea pig biting you especially after you have touched them when they don’t like it. A guinea pig with an ache, wound or illness will definitely nip at forced touching of the sick area. While playing with a guinea pig for instance most of them quite often ensuring that you observe pet-cries screeching or squeaks.
Curiosity: Guinea pigs live in suction form around their mouth. In some cases, it starts with a little nibble that develops into a bite. They could simply be trying to find out if your finger is food or they are interested in your finger. These nibbles are usually harmless and do not cause any pain.
Mistaken for Food: This sometimes happens when you are hand feeding a guinea pig or if your fingers still smell of food. These kinds of situations can lead to a bite.
Over exhaustion: No matter how many times a guinea pig may be petted or held, there always comes a point where they become broke. But if this tension goes beyond what they can take, they will sometimes nip just to declare that it is too much.
Territorial Attitude: A guinea pig may sometimes bite out of fear or to show who the boss is, when it encounters other pigs or finds itself in strange surroundings. This kind of behavior is less prevalent in their treatment of humans.
Are Guinea Pig Bites Dangerous?
Most guinea pig bites are not serious and there is little risk of injury occurring. Some may even end up being not even puncture the skin. Pig teeth are made to grind tough plant parts, not rip meat, therefore their chomps are not very forceful to sink deep to leave serious gashes.
Superficial Bites: The most of the bites would just mean minor scratches or little punctures. These can be easily taken care of even at home. Most guinea pig keepers characterize the feeling as rather a pinch than a hard bite. Though it may be surprising, it is not a thing that requires much panic in the unfolding.
When Bites Can Become Concerning:
If the Skin is pierced as a Result of the Bite: While rare, there are occasions where some bites may pierce through the skin which then renders the area susceptible to bacteria. When that happens, it is important to wash the area thoroughly to prevent infections from bacteria.
Bites from Unknown Guinea pigs: If you’re bitten by a guinea pig you own not or if it is a guinea pig from a pet shop or breeder. There could be worries about their general health and cleanliness.
If there is an Underlying Medical Condition: Let’s say, there is a decrease of immunologic resistance in some individuals with some medical illnesses such as diabetes. Those people should be careful as their body would not respond well to such infection.
Potential Health Risks of Guinea Pig Bites
There is plenty evidence that guinea pigs are beneficial pets for thousands of families. Most guinea pig bites are not injurious, however, there are some health effects that pet owners should note. The risk of infection. It also pointed out, though, that even minor skin injuries could be potentially dangerous if they are not properly managed.
Thus, even guinea pigs, like other animals, must also carry several different strains of bacteria within them: their mouths. If the bite punctures skin, these germs may get into the wounded area and lead to inflammation. Evidence of infection includes increased redness, swelling, heat, and discharge at the bite part. In some people, fever may also be raised.
Allergic Reactions:
Some people are known to have an allergy to guinea pig saliva, but this is rather uncommon. An allergic reaction might appear as a red, swollen, or itchy area on the skin around the bite. More extreme allergic reactions are improbable, but if you feel faint, short of breath, or develop other unusual symptoms, see your healthcare professional right away.
Tetanus Risk:
Tetanus is a type of bacterial infection that comes through open skin, and cuts, or is contracted by animal bites. Although guinea pigs are not themselves carriers of tetanus, any irregular puncture that involved the skin will invite tetanus germs into the body, more so if the infection occurs in a dirty region. There is a necessity in making sure it is reasonably scheduled that your tetanus vaccinations are updated.
Zoonotic Diseases:
There are specific diseases in guinea pigs that may be infectious to humans, though they are rather infrequent. One such pathogen is, which is likely to cause flu-like manifestations in persons infected with it. However, it is very rarely the case that people contract this disease, let alone other diseases through guinea pigs. You might also reduce the risk of this further by making sure your guinea pig is healthy with regular check-ups at the vet.
How to Take Precautions after Having Been Bitten By a Guinea Pig
When it comes to biting, guinea pigs should not be treated as sweet-smelling animals. It is essential that you are treated with composure and proper care is given to the injury if your cute little guinea pig bites you. It is critical to follow these procedures:
Clean the Wound Immediately:
- Rinse the bite under warm, running water for several minutes.
- Make sure to mildly cleanse the area using a very mild soap to wash off all the contaminants.
- Do not apply alcohol or hydrogen peroxide since they will postpone the healing.
Apply an Antibiotic Ointment:
Immediately after cleaning the wound, medicine should be put on the wound in order to help in fighting against any infection. Place a new clean dressing over the bite.
Monitor for Signs of Infection:
Observe the bite site for the next day or two for any changes. If swelling, redness, warmth or pus occurs, ‘call a doctor’. If the bite is very deep or the resultant wound is very bad, rush to the hospital.
Seek Medical Help if Necessary:
For deep bites: For wounds that are very deep or wounds that did not stop dating and discharging, visit a doctor or an urgent care clinic.
For signs of infection: If the wound gets infected, treatment with antibiotics may be required.
If you haven t had a tetanus shot recently: Tetanus shots should only be given if it has been more than ten years since the last injection, whose last injection was used in serious cases, cuts or wounds after five years?
Avoiding Guinea Pig Bites
The only way that these bites can be prevented is by knowing how your pet behaves and ensuring that that particular pet is relaxed and comfortable in his or her environment. The following are some guidelines to minimize the chance of getting bitten:
Be Kind When Handling Your Guinea Pig:
Whenever you are to pick your guinea pig and carry it, you first have to sneak up to it. Do not make sudden movements or sounds which may scare them. When carrying them, offer them support for their body to ease and feel comfortable.
Know Their Mood Based on Their Actions:
Once a guinea pig does not feel comfortable or is nervous, it will begin looking for ways to show this. A guinea pig that is squeaking, showing its teeth or trying to drown itself in a corner, is telling you to back off.
Allow For Adjustment Period:
When your guinea pig has only been brought to the house recently, you have to give him or her time for him or her to within the new environment without being handled often. Building a circle of trust is gradual and as such very important in ensuring that the guinea pig is comfortable.
Create an Untoward and Relaxed Setting:
Ensure to provide a suitable and hygienic environment for the Guinea pig. Guinea pigs are less likely to bite if they have hiding spots, fresh food, or plenty of activities.
Conclusion
A guinea pigs bite usually does not prejudice its owner since it is more of an act of communication; infrequent as it may be, than aggression. Although there are some potential hazards such as infection on the wound, this is easily combated by the correct handling of the wounds and proper care of the injuries themselves.
Having said that as concerns about how and why do guinea pigs bite are brought forward, your interaction with the adorable little pet can turn out to be enjoyable and safe.
Take into consideration that in most cases their bites are not that dangerous and even when they do bite, its danger is slight, and as such pets are generally tamed and well handled. Spend time with your pet guinea pig because it is rare for them to bite without provocation, and if they do, it is not usually that serious.
