My female guinea pig has soft poop. Should I worry about impaction?

Thanks for reaching out about Miss Piggy. Yes, soft stool can be a result of stress, but stress also lowers the immune system that can lead to bacterial overgrowth or parasitic overgrowth. Since she is still eating well and acting well, try limiting her diet to hay only for 1-2 days, to see if that will firm the stool. Vegetables and fruit can be too rich for the diet and lead to soft stool also. If the clinical signs does not improve, seek an appointment with a veterinarian with experience in companion exotic mammals.

As long as she is a eating, drinking and acting normally I wouldn’t be too concerned. Also, make sure she is pooping daily and not becoming constipated. If she goes without pooping or her behavior changes, then I would have your vet take a look at her to make sure she isn’t constipated. I hope this helps!

Mushy stools is not a good sign in guinea pigs, it usually indicates a gastrointestinal condition and it needs to be treated ASAP so it doesn't get any worse. i would strongly recommend taking him to the vet a soon as you can in order to get treated.

Thanks for reaching out about Squish and including a photo. Soft stool or diarrhea in guinea pigs have many causes other than bacterial or dietary. Metabolic problems such as liver or kidney disease, bladder stones, urinary tract infections, bacterial or parasitic enteritis, dental disease, just to name a few. A veterinary visit and examination could really help you with diagnostic and treatment plans. Maintaining hydration and nutrition are very important, as you are already working on. Good luck.

If the stools are watery then Bob is suffering from a gastrointestinal infection, which can be quite severe in guinea pigs and requires antibiotic treatment. the only supplement you can get in the meantime that may help is a fiber supplement called "fibreflex" you may be able to find it in pet stores.

It's possible Sally could be a bit constipated, ill, or have irritation/infection that is causing some swelling or discomfort. If she can't go potty at all, there is swelling/oozing of debris, or she seems in distress, it is a good idea to bring her to your vet for an exam. Otherwise, keeping everything clean and dry and making sure she is eating and drinking may help her stay comfortable.

This can be caused by parasites, dietary indiscretion or poor diet. Submit a stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. Treat if indicated. Discontinue feeding any fruits or vegetables for now. Feed only timothy hay and a small amount of pellets daily. Once the stool is normal, you can gradually offer tiny bits of vegetables. Limit fruit though to prevent diarrhea or obesity.