Water No water for 12+ hours!

[CavyEngineer]

Last night, after floor time I forgot to return the water bottle to the girls cage. (I know, I should have 2 bottles set up.) I noticed this morning. As soon as the water was available, Hocus drank immediately. Pocus wasn't interested, so I filled a syringe with water and she drank a little while sitting on my lap. Later, she did drink from the water bottle. My son is FURIOUS with me. He began to Google symptoms of dehydration and demanded that we visit the exotic vet. And, of course, I feel terrible! I should mention I attempted nail trimming last night and contacted the quick in one of Pocus' nails, poor little girl. What do I do now? They are both in the playpen for cage cleaning. Their behavior is totally normal for them, quietly eating hay.

 

[sallyvh]

I definitely wouldn't panic, they will be 100% fine! it would take a lot longer than 12 hours for them to need vet intervention from not having water. As long as they have their bottle now they should be fine, or if you are really worried offer them some extra lettuce or cucumbers because they have a high water content!

 

[caitlinbenosky]

they should be fine. it shouldn't happen often that they go that long without water, but if they're acting normal now...i think it's safe to say they're alright. just be more careful next time

 

[PiggieWigglies]

Do the show any signs of dehydration? Even if my pigs have water they dont wanna drink and they wont drink it. Its only 12 hours they should be okay.

 

[ClemmyOddieIndy]

As long as neither are on a medication that causes excessive water intake/urination, I'm sure they'll both be completely fine.

 

[bpatters]

They'll likely be fine. I've done that once, to no lasting damage to the pigs. No need for a trip to the vet for that unless you see symptoms of something going wrong. Their poop may look a little dry today.

 

[CavyEngineer]

I fell relieved now. My son (aka, the drama queen), went to swim practice. The guinea pigs must be napping/resting in a cardboard hidey, as they are very quiet.