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My guinea pig has dark orange pee. Is it serious? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Guinea Pig | Female | unspayed | 2.5 lbs

My Guinea pig is about 3 years old. She has a history of 1 minor UTI before. Recently I noticed she has dark orange pee and I don’t know what it is. Is it serious? What should I do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on May 26th, 2020

Guinea pig pee comes out clear, but can oxidize and turn orange when it's exposed to the air. You might not have anything to worry about, just try to catch her on the act, if it is clear she is likely fine.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 18th, 2019
Guinea pigs have porphyrinuria (orange/reddish colored by-products from plant components in the urine) is normal. The urine darkens to a red-brown after exposure to light. This is nothing to worry about. I would only worry if you see actual blood in the urine.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 18th, 2017
That could be due to an blood inside the urine and be commonly due to urinary tract (bladder most likely) inflammation/infection. Other differentials could be skin abscesses or blood in the feces. A check up would be ideally needed to confirm clinical suspicion and treat appropriately. Urine analysis may be very useful to detect presence of crystals inside urine.

Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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