death in the garden

[lobelia321]

It is very hot here. The air is like outback air. The guinea pigs had lots of water and fresh food and hay. I thought it would be cooler for them in their hutch than in the run.

When I went to get them out into the run just now, Polly was dead. We revived Truffle by holding her under the garden tap but she is sitting very still and breathing fast and not hopping about nor drinking.

I am disturbed by this. T'sons will be home from school soon. They are the owners of the guinea pigs.

Comments

[junalele.livejournal.com]

Ay, ay, ay, hope Truffle is better now? Poor Polly though. Who would have thought that these cute little things are so very sensitive? Not me. *thinks about the guinea pig of her best friend who sits in the garden quite often*

[giglet.livejournal.com]

Oh. I'm so sorry to hear that!

I'm sure you already know this, but... I found a webpage that says:
"Guinea pigs re very susceptible to heat stroke, particularly those that are overweight and/ or heavily furred. Temperatures above 85 F, humidity above 70%, poor ventilation, lack of shade, and overcrowding can all cause heat stress. Signs of heat stroke include panting, slobbering, weakness, reluctance to move, convulsions, and death. Heat stressed guinea pigs should be misted with cool water, bathed in cool water, or have rubbing alcohol applied to the foot pads."

[wanderlost.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's so sad. I'm sorry to hear that.

[lazulus]

Oh no. :(

That's really sad. It's hard sometimes to remember that these small animals don't cope with heat as easily as we do.

I saw your other post and hope that T'Other son tales the news with such equanimity.