In the “olden days” there are many stories of people coming down with the disease know as scurvy. The tales of scurvy are particularly common when pertaining to ships and sailors many years ago. Though very few people hear about scurvy today, it is a very real threat for some animals. Specifically, guinea pigs are very much at risk for developing scurvy.

Scurvy is a disease that affects mammals who do not get adequate amounts of vitamin C. Conveniently, most mammals actually produce their own vitamin C as a defensive measure against scurvy. Humans, unfortunately, are one of the few mammals who do not produce their own vitamin C, and therefore are at risk for scurvy if they do not take care to consume external sources of vitamin C. Oddly enough, guinea pigs also lack the capability to produce their own vitamin C, which also puts them at risk for scurvy.

Luckily, there are a number of different commercial guinea pig foods on the market that are supplemented with vitamin C to help protect your pet guinea pig from scurvy. This is why it is important to choose high quality feed specifically formulated for guinea pigs for your beloved pets. Not all foods are equal, so read the ingredients to be sure your guinea pig is getting vitamin C along with other vital nutrients. Additionally you can feed your pet guinea pig plenty of fresh foods to increase his vitamin C intake. Guinea pigs often enjoy fresh fruits and dark leafy vegetables, all of which provide vitamin C.

If your guinea pig has not been eating a nutritious diet, he may have the beginning signs of scurvy. Even if you think that you are feeding your guinea pig the right food, you should still watch him for signs of scurvy because guinea pigs are picky eaters and may avoid the very foods they need to stay healthy. Signs of scurvy include lethargy and a lack of appetite. Additionally, you may notice bleeding from the gums. Scurvy also causes inflammation in the joints and feelings of overall pain. Talk to your veterinarian at the first sign of any of these scurvy symptoms.