Health guinea pigs usually exhibit the following signs:

• Bright, clear eyes
  
• Shiny, thick coat
  
• Good appetite
  
• Alert and active
  
• Firm, moist stool
  

A sick guinea pig may show the following signs:

• Bloated abdomen
  
• Constipation or diarrhea
  
• Discharge from the eyes or nose
  
• Dull look in the eyes
  
• Labored breathing
  
• Lethargy
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Unexplained weight loss
  

If a guinea pig is showing any of these signs of illness, contact an exotics veterinarian immediately.