25/06/2026
What does heatstroke in guinea pigs look like?
This shows a relatively early case of active heatstroke. The pig is breathing fast but shallow. Nostrils are visibly struggling, flaring rapidly and moist with evidence of fluid around the nostrils. Ears and feet felt burning hot to touch - not just warm; HOT. Laying down rather than standing - in and of itself not concerning, but paired with other symptoms very concerning.
Other symptoms include reluctance or refusal to eat, complete collapse, seizures and will be followed by death if not treated.
This pig came for a grooming appointment a few years ago and on arrival was symptomatic. He was not groomed and was instead given first aid for heatstroke while I attempted to contact the owner. I immediately wet a teatowel with cool water and lay it LIGHTLY on him, covering his ears and body. I applied cool, not cold, water by hand to his ears and feet. As his ears and feet began to feel less hot, I removed the towel and offered him fresh cool cucumber which he had a nibble of willingly. As his breathing calmed down, I stood him in cool water only shallow enough to cover his feet, and kept applying the water to his ears.
When his owner arrived I advised them of the situation and instructed them to take him to a vet immediately for subcutaneous fluids, and to watch him very closely until he was fully recovered.
Heatstroke is very real and very dangerous, and might look very subtle...until it's not. Please please take action to avoid heatstroke in your pigs, learn how to correctly treat them at home if you do need to, and have your vets on speed dial the moment you suspect heatstroke. It kills fast.
