Despite their apparent similarity when compared, guinea pigs, mice, and rats have anatomical and physiological differences that can make some diseases more contagious, and this could become deadly. However, antibiotics can treat bacterial infections in guinea pigs or lower their risk of developing them when applied correctly, but the sooner you figure out what’s wrong and obtain assistance from a veterinarian if you suspect your guinea pig is ill, the better. Let’s begin discussing natural antibiotics for guinea pigs right away!
Natural Antibiotics For Guinea Pigs
Antibiotic use has side effects, especially when not used correctly or when used too often. These include allergic reactions, drooling, tiredness, and seizures. Therefore, antibiotics should only be taken temporarily, as too much intake can cause additional problems.
Natural antibiotics can be beneficial, but only when treating mild ailments, and if your dog’s health worsens after some antibiotic application, you must seek veterinarian care immediately. The most popular and recommended natural antibiotics that you can administer to your guinea pigs are listed below.
Honey:
We have different types of honey but most of them really produce a substantial amount of hydrogen peroxide, which is meant for cleaning any surface they come in contact with of any microorganisms. Honey is not just known for it’s sweetness, in addition to being sweet, honey has strong antibacterial properties that are very helpful in preventing infection in exposed wounds mainly.
Thyme:
Thyme is mostly used for cooking some delicacies, but it is also known for it’s medicinal values, it has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic, properties. It is also antibacterial, calming, hemostatic, disinfecting, fungicidal, and also possess some analgesic properties. Thyme requires regular feeding if possible for steady impact.
Garlic:
Allicin is mostly found in garlic, and it is known for it’s reactions with air molecules to make acidic chemicals, which gives both raw and cooked garlic its unique aroma. Garlic is also known for it’s medicinal values and that’s why it is frequently combined with herbs and different absorbent materials to create a poultice that is applied directly to the wound. It can also be taken orally depending on what you need it for. In the past, people have cleaned wounds that were susceptible to infection using garlic and that same act is still practiced today by some. Although this may work, but always keep in mind that taking too much garlic might be hazardous because of it’s high volume of acid.
Basil And Dill:
Basil is nutritious too, it is useful for worming, has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, yet stimulates the appetite more like vitamins, and is beneficial for digestion also. Dill, on the other hand, is an old name and is also well-liked by many, it has appetite-stimulating and anti-spasmodic properties just like basil.
Oregano Oil:
Oregano can be taken in different ways to produce different results. The plant leaves can be crushed to create an essential oil. This is a chemical that, when used as a supplement, can be extremely useful to both human and animal bodies. It will be able to kill bacteria most effectively when applied directly to the skin and that’s why some people choose to apply it in it’s raw state in a fresh wound. It is advised you maintain your dog’s paws and nails, keep them low and clean always as they are particularly vulnerable to germs invading the numerous folds of skin.
It is advised that you watch your pig when you provide your medication incase there is some kind of reaction, and don’t be afraid to seek the attention of a veterinarian when symptoms continue after some self medication because swallowing all these natural antibiotics stated above can be poisonous and harmful to guinea pigs if swallowed in high numbers especially when it’s being done without doctors prescription.
What Antibiotics Are Safe For Guinea Pigs?
In guinea pigs, some antibiotics are quite safe and effective when you adhere to the prescribed doses; nevertheless, unless the veterinarian specifically states otherwise, they can be harmful at 8 mg/kg, so be mindful of the percentage intake. Antibiotics sometimes is not always the best choice, because the most vulnerable gram-positive organisms will be destroyed by medications like penicillin, ampicillin, chlortetracycline, and erythromycin, thus they shouldn’t be given to guinea pigs.
How Do You Treat A Guinea Pig With An Infection?
This can be done in several ways, but keeping your pigs together in one place may make it more difficult because infectious diseases brought on by specific viruses and bacteria typically only affect guinea pigs living in communal housing. One thing you should know is that health issues in guinea pigs living alone are typically brought on by aging, dental disease, reproductive disorders, injury, or inadequate care and not otherwise, and just like every other animal, guinea pigs are susceptible to certain issues and illnesses. They usually become upset when they are sick, so it is important to provide them with a healthy diet, clean water, frequent cleaning and disinfecting of their cages, a low-stress environment, and enough exercise to keep them well and give them a quick recovery.
If there is one thing guinea pigs are known for, it is the fact that they are highly susceptible to inner ear infections and pneumonia, one of the most serious diseases that affect pets, and this is because guinea pigs can be brought on by a number of bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Bordetella.
Along with skin protectants and antibiotics, autogenous vaccinations have also been successfully used to treat infections and prevent them from spreading to other guinea pigs in communal housing.
Can I Give My Guinea Pig Human Antibiotic?
The first thing to note is that guinea pigs body systems and those of humans are entirely different. You should avoid feeding your guinea pig any antibiotics unless specifically instructed by a physician experienced with these animals. Although it works sometimes because amoxicillin works for pets and is also a prescription drug for people, don’t forget that this must be recommended by a doctor for your pet as side effects may occur.
Although the dosage differs between humans and animals for the majority of antibiotics, sometimes the size of the animal is also considered a factor. Dogs, for instance, shouldn’t be given any human medication due to its potential negative effects. These antibiotics can always be administered to your guinea pigs once they have received your veterinarian’s approval, and that’s the best decision you will make. The ones recommended include Augmentin, Ampicillin, Azithromycin, and Doxycycline.
What Healing Herbs Can Guinea Pigs Have?
Unsurprisingly, just like other animals we have herbs that guinea pigs can take without any issues. You can opt to add a range of fresh fruits, vegetables, and any other herbs required for your guinea pig’s general wellbeing to its diet when ever it’s needed. Well here we will tell you those safe and healthy herbs that guinea pigs can eat and stay well.
Although the majority of herbs should only be used sparingly and as a supplement to a diet rich in hay, pellets, fresh produce, and vegetables which happens to be their main diet. People’s choice differs, some people would prefer eating herbs over others, and lastly everyone will have different preferences. So be sure to choose one before including herbs in their regular diets.
1. Dandelion:
Dandelions are here because of their abundance in calcium, Vitamin C and other minerals. But you must make sure the location where you collect the dandelions is safe, untreated, and free of chemicals or other potentially dangerous contaminants which can cause harm to your guinea pigs.
2. Parsley:
Parsley made our list because it has a lot of calcium, vitamin C, and oxalic acid which are all essential to the body. Parsley is more valued and recognized more than many other widely fed herbs, and as a result most guinea pigs appear to like the flavor of it. So, a good herb to give your guinea pig is just parsley, but remember you should only do this occasionally for the best results.
3. Cilantro:
Cilantro is nice but the downside to it is that it has a pungent smell that some guinea pigs find unpleasant, so you shouldn’t be surprised if your pet doesn’t consume much of it. It is medicinal and acceptable to periodically feed guinea pigs as a treat, but you must prevent giving them excessive amounts due to it’s high oxalic acid and calcium content which may cause problems.
4. Dill:
Dill on it’s own is a safe and healthful herb that you can give your guinea pig when necessary. It is a fantastic choice for guinea pigs because it contains a lot of calcium and Vitamin C which we all know are both important to their wellbeing. This is a strong sign that it is completely safe to give it to your guinea pig, but you must learn not to give them in excess.
5. Fennel:
Just like the other herbs listed here, fennel is also one of the best, but for best results use in combination with other vegetables and don’t make it a regular part of your pig’s diet. Absolutely safe and one of the very few secure bulbs you may give your guinea pig without fear. It contains a small quantity of fiber and vitamin C and you may present both the bulbs and the fronds together while serving it to them.
Final Words
Natural antibiotics can be helpful for treating minor illnesses, but you must visit a veterinarian if your dog’s condition worsens. Side effects of using antibiotics include allergic reactions, drooling, fatigue, and seizures. Antibiotics should therefore only be used intermittently.
