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My guinea pig died. Should I get another, and when is it safe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female | 1lb

We had two guinea pigs. One died today. I know they do better in pairs. Should we get another one? If so, how soon?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Julie Settlage, DVM, DACVS-LA, CVA

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon (large animal), Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 23rd, 2017

I am so sorry that you lost one of your guinea pigs! You are right that guinea pigs are social creatures and tend to like other guinea pig's company. However, you need to consider some things before getting another one. First - do you know why your guinea pig died? If it had an infectious disease, you would be putting a new guinea pig at risk too. In this case, I would recommend following your veterinarians advice. Also, do you have an adult male or an older female? Males tend to fight if you end up getting another male, but females can do well together - especially if they are relatively young. If you do get another guinea pig, try and introduce them in a way that they cannot fight - with a screen separating them or in cages that are close together for a while. Once they seem comfortable with each other, then you can try them together! There is no reason for you to wait to get another one, unless you think your guinea pig died from an infectious disease. Again, I am sorry you lost one of your pets.

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Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Julie Settlage, DVM, DACVS-LA, CVA

    Veterinarian, Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon (large animal), Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    I am so sorry that you lost one of your guinea pigs! You are right that guinea pigs are social creatures and tend to like other guinea pig's company. However, you need to consider some things before getting another one. First - do you know why your guinea pig died? If it had an infectious disease, you would be putting a new guinea pig at risk too. In this case, I would recommend following your veterinarians advice. Also, do you have an adult male or an older female? Males tend to fight if you end up getting another male, but females can do well together - especially if they are relatively young. If you do get another guinea pig, try and introduce them in a way that they cannot fight - with a screen separating them or in cages that are close together for a while. Once they seem comfortable with each other, then you can try them together! There is no reason for you to wait to get another one, unless you think your guinea pig died from an infectious disease. Again, I am sorry you lost one of your pets.

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