Charlie just died. He was 9 years old. Spike is 8 years old and now is alone. I don't want to get any more, but i don't Spike to die of lonliness or a broken heart. They were together since Spike was a month old. I am so sad for me and Spike. What is the best thing I can do for Spike?
Answers (2)
No that wasnt clear. Complete i formation makes answering possible.
The average life span for a guinea pig is 4 to 8 years. Yours is elderly and truthfully probably won't live all that much longer. I'd say your excellent care gave them a much longer life than they could have had normally so good job being a responsible owner!
I'd just step up the interaction petting, holding, brushing, talking to what ever makes your pig happy and comfortable to fill in any loneliness. A few new toys if its interested or a better bed if it just wants to sleep more.
Dear Liana, I understand your pain. I had two pet gerbils, sisters, named Smoky and Midnight. They both died within a very short time period. The typical Guinea Pig life span is about 4-8 years, so both of your pets, both the deceased one and Spike have lived a very long life. It would be a very good idea not to get another one. If Spike is a male as I presume, placing two males, or a male and female rodent can cause territory issues and fighting. Also, I know it's sad, but Spike doesn't have long left. (more than likely, I could be wrong) The best thing that you can do is to pay lots of attention to Spike. Give him treats (not too many if you want him to live a lot longer) and play with him. (even if he's fat and slow, idk). Not sure about Guinea pigs, but gerbils, and presumably other rodents, won't die just because they lost their friend, they will die because they are left in solitude, and aren't getting exercise and "social time". While a human can never replace another guinea pig, they are the next best thing.
Also, be prepared anyways for Spike's death. Just a warning, because both of my gerbils died rather suddenly. The thing with rodents (especially less domestic ones like ferrets and gerbils) is that they hide their pain very well, it's a survival thing. They may appear healthy and fit one day, and show up dead the next.
Also, if your Guinea pig gets really, really fat all of a sudden, be prepared to say goodbye. It's not gaining weight, it's bloated because of kidney failure. It happened for both of mine, so it's always a possibility.
Hope this helps,
-Mischief Goddess