Guinea pigs can burp, and most of the time, it’s absolutely normal.
You should be concerned if your guinea pig begins to burp suddenly. If it’s just once or twice, it might be because of the food they had.
However, if the burping continues, it could be a sign of a gastrointestinal problem.
You should watch your guinea pig closely for further issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
There can be several reasons for burps; some are natural, while others can be a sign of health problems.
Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
What Is A Burp?
A burp is a loud release of gas from the upper digestive tract. The burp occurs in the esophagus and stomach, and the trapped air comes out through the mouth.
The most probable reason for burping is by drinking or eating food too quickly or when the air is swallowed along with the food.
However, there are other reasons too.
For example, drinking carbonated beverages such as soft drinks, energy drinks, beer, juices, carbonated water, lemonade, and soda can cause burping in humans.
But this won’t be the case with your pets.
Occasional burping is considered healthy, and it doesn’t require any medicine or therapy; however, excessive burping or belching may be a matter of concern, and in this case, you should take expert advice.
Do Guinea Pigs Burp?
Yes, guinea pigs do burp but not like the way we do. They do it to release the gas produced during the digestive process or when they eat food.
Guinea pigs make a little burp-like sound when they gulp a certain amount of air while eating their food.
However, most of the time, these burps are harmless, but excessive burping could be an indication of health problems.
Why Do Guinea Pigs Burp?
There are several reasons why a guinea pig might burp. For example, a guinea pig might burp when they swallow up the air while eating, or it could simply be a sound of their digesting process.
Most of the time, burping is safe, and there is no need to worry. However, sometimes it could be an indication of some serious health issue.
And most of the time, it’s not even burping; other similar sounds often get mistaken for burps.
Hiccups
A similar sound that guinea pig’s parents often mistake for burps is more likely to be hiccups. This usually occurs when a guinea pig gulps their food or overeats.
Guinea pigs can have hiccups when they are excited about playing or getting their favorite meal, or even it can be a sign of emotional stress.
Guinea pigs hiccup when they are excited, such as when playing or when they realize they are getting a meal.
Besides, if your guinea pig is pregnant and has frequent hiccups, it could be a sign of labor.
Typically, hiccups are no cause for concern and will stop naturally; you do not have to worry about that.
Digestion Process
Gases are produced during the digestion of food.
These gases are mainly produced in the large intestine (colon) when bacteria ferment carbohydrates, fiber, starches, and some sugars that aren’t digested in your small intestine.
Most stomach gas is released when you burp, while others are released with fart and other body sounds.
Purring
Guinea pigs can purr just like any other animal. However, their reason could be different.
A low purring sound means your guinea pig is happy and satisfied, while a high-pitched purr could be a sign of an annoying piggy.
So, you’ll need to look at the context of the situation carefully to understand the meaning of the purr.
A short purr may also indicate fear, and guinea pig often purrs when they sense or are in danger. Your piggy may become motionless with a clipped purr; this is a way of reacting when they hear or see something unsettled.
Growling
It might surprise you, but guinea pigs can actually growl; not often, but they occasionally do it out of fear.
When a guinea pig is anxious because it feels cornered, it may start growling.
Occasionally, growling is accompanied by teeth grinding. The guinea pig is then very stressed. You should leave it alone until it calms down. It may also attack you and scratch or bite if you try to pick it up.
You won’t often hear a guinea pig growl, but it occasionally happens. It’s usually a reaction to fear that occurs in a situation they can’t escape from – a bit like a dog might growl when they hear something suspicious.
Upper Respiratory Infection
Burping is usually harmless, and you shouldn’t worry about it. However, if your guinea pig is having coughs while burping, this could be a sign of upper respiratory infection (URI).
Some of the signs may include:
- Difficulties in breathing
- Loss of appetites
- Sneezing
- Crusty eyes and nostrils
- Watery eyes and nose
- Coughing
- Throat pain
If your pet has any of the above signs, you shouldn’t take this lightly.
You should immediately take your pet to a vet, and he will investigate the infection and may prescribe antibiotics to cure the condition.
How To Prevent Excessive Burping?
Burping is considered normal, and if your guinea pig burps once or twice, especially after a meal, then it’s most likely because of the food.
However, you can always try to reduce the burping by slowing down their eating speed.
For example, you can use a ball feeder to engage them while eating or get a food bowl specially designed for pets to slow down their eating.
Eating slowly will reduce the frequency of burping and provides mental stimulation to your pet.
If your pet keeps burping after having a meal but is fine otherwise, then the problem could be in their diet.
It is worth considering changing their diet and if the burping problem continues, consult with your veterinarian.
Other Guinea Pig Noises And Their Meanings
Guinea pigs make various noises, and figuring out what they mean can take some time.
As a parent, it’s important to understand the noises; by using sounds and postures, guinea pigs actually say a lot of things.
Some have a clear meaning, while others could be hard to figure out, but learning them can help you understand your guinea pigs.
Here’s our guide to understanding your guinea pig’s language!
Teeth chattering
Guinea pigs do this teeth chattering sound while fighting with other animals. It’s a warning sign to other guinea pigs to stay away.
If you see your guinea pig chattering their teeth, you should try calming your guinea pig at a safe distance.
They might be anxious and stressed and could attack you, so stay away from your guinea pig for a while.
However, your guinea pig may chatter their teeth when they are in the cold.
Cooing
Cooing is another noise that guinea pigs make to show affection or calm their babies.
Most of the time, mother guinea pig coos at their babies to calm them; however, guinea pig also coo at their owner to show love and affection.
Sneezing
Sneezing is a high-pitched sound; there is usually nothing to worry about. However, if your guinea pig is sneezing more often, it could be a sign of a cold.
Your pet may experience watery eyes, runny nose, breathing difficulty, and coughing. In this case, you should take your pet checked by a vet.
Sneezing can also occur due to allergies, so if you have recently changed their beddings or any room scents or deodorants near your piggy, both can cause allergies.
Hissing
Guinea pigs often make this sound as a sign of warning, so if you notice that your guinea pig is hissing at another animal or human.
It means they don’t like or want them near them and telling them to back off!
Shrieking
If your guinea pig is shrieking in high-pitched noise, don’t ignore it. This could be a sign that your piggy is frightened, scared, or upset.
In this case, you should check and try to figure out the reason why your guinea pig is scared; there might be something that has frightened your pet.
Also, check for physical injury, something your piggy will make a high-pitched noise to indicate when they are in pain.
Moaning
Moaning is a low-pitched sound they make when they are in physical or emotional suffering.
Or they just want to tell you or other piggy pet around them to stay to back off.
Final Thought
Guinea pigs do burp sometimes, and it’s completely normal, and they usually burp to let out the excess air from their stomach.
Burping is safe, and there is no need to worry. However, if your guinea pig is burping more often with an unpleasant odor, it could indicate some serious health issues.
In this case, you should consult with a vet and seek professional advice.
A similar sound comes from the esophagus and is often mistaken for burping.
To solve the problem, include fiber in their diet to keep their digestive system working without an issue.
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