Guinea pigs are very cute animals who often know how to make us happy with their actions, such as when they make popcorn or when they shout with joy when they see us.
One interesting thing I’ve noticed about my guinea pig is that he sometimes rolls over when I pet him. I immediately researched to see why this phenomenon is happening and what the meaning is.
Why do guinea pigs roll over when we pet them?
Guinea pigs roll over when we pet them because they like it and feel safe and comfortable. Although sometimes this behavior of guinea pigs can also mean that they are sick, afraid, or have a high temperature.
in today’s article, you will find out why guinea pigs roll over, all the reasons why they do this, and similar questions related to the topic.
Why do guinea pigs roll over when we pet them?
Guinea pigs roll over when we pet them to show us that they like it and that they trust us.
They know that we will not hurt them and that’s why they relax in such moments, but sometimes this kind of behavior can also have a bad meaning.
If the guinea pigs are sick or if they are scared of something in their environment then they roll over, so let’s find out about all the possible reasons.
When they are happy and satisfied
The main reason guinea pigs roll over when we pet them is because they are happy, they trust us, feel safe and therefore allow us to pet them, otherwise, they would run away from us.
In addition to rolling over on their backs when we pet them, the guinea pigs will also start making popcorn and making sounds of joy.
They may also rub their noses against you which is another additional sign that they like being with you.
When guinea pigs roll over when you pet them you need to know that you are raising your pet correctly, as some of them will not do this, or will never relax enough.
When they are sick
When guinea pigs are sick they may roll over when you pet them, but at the same time, they will show signs that something is wrong with them.
Here are some of the signs when they roll over when you pet them, but have an illness:
- lethargy
- they lose weight
- they breathe very hard
- they are hiding all the time
- they have no appetite to eat and drink water
If you notice any of these signs along with rolling over when you pet them then you should take them to the vet.
Some of the diseases that guinea pigs with these symptoms can get are not dangerous, but there are also those that are dangerous for their lives.
For example, if they have diarrhea or GI stasis, these are dangerous diseases that, if not noticed in time, can be fatal for guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs can have other diseases that are serious if not treated in time, such as scurvy, a disease that appears as a lack of vitamin C.
All these and other diseases can be the reason why guinea pigs roll over when we pet them.
The better you know your pet, the easier it will be to notice that something is wrong with him even if he rolls over when you pet him.
Guinea pigs roll over when you pet them and out of fear
Guinea pigs roll over when you pet them and when they are frightened by something in the environment.
They are very sensitive pets that take very little to be frightened.
They are afraid of:
- other pets in their vicinity
- from a loud noise
- unknown people
These and other factors affect their mood and may cause them to roll over when you pet them and you think they are happy, but that is not necessarily true.
Guinea pigs need a calm and quiet environment to be unafraid and happy.
When they are too hot
Guinea pigs do not like being too hot or cold, especially when they are hot they may roll over when you pet them.
The best temperature that suits guinea pigs is around 65-75 F, anything more than that will be intolerable for their organism.
When guinea pigs get too hot they may show some of the following symptoms:
- rapid breathing
- lethargy
- decrease in appetite
Therefore, pay attention to the temperature and maintain it at this level with the help of an air conditioner, and keep your pet away from direct sunlight.
When they want to exercise and stretch
Guinea pigs roll over when we pet them because that’s when they exercise and want to stretch.
Exercise for guinea pigs is important for their bodies and keeping them in shape.
It will take the opportunity when we pet them to roll over and exercise their body and muscles, helping them to be healthier and more flexible.
They can also stretch on their backs using their back and stomach muscles.
Read more: Can I Let My Guinea Pig Run Around the House? Let’s Discover
When they want to tell you who is dominant
When guinea pigs roll over when we pet them, they may want to show that you, the owner, are dominant.
Guinea pigs rarely roll over because they only do it with certain individuals.
Rolling over while petting shows that you are an authority figure for your pet and the guinea pig respects that.
Read more: How Warm do Guinea Pigs Need To Be? Let’s Discover
Is rolling over when petting them a good or bad sign?
When guinea pigs roll over while petting them, it can be both a good and a bad sign.
It’s fun to observe what the guinea pig does when it’s not rolling over.
That way you will know better and easier whether it is happy or sick, the accompanying signs and symptoms are the ones that will tell you what the guinea pigs want to show us with this behavior.
FAQs
Why does my guinea pig lie flat when I pet her?
When the guinea pigs lie flat and you pet them at the same time, it means that they are satisfied and happy, they feel safe next to you when they let you pet them lying down.
Why does my guinea pig roll on his side when I pet him?
Guinea pigs that roll sideways when you pet them want to show you that they love you and are safe with you. Sometimes their behavior like this can mean that something is wrong with them, that they are sick or under stress.
Why does my guinea pig keep flipping?
Guinea pigs are happy and content when flipping. This happens mostly in young guinea pigs although it can be seen in older ones as well.
Conclusion
Guinea pigs roll over when we pet them because they are comfortable because they are happy and satisfied. They feel safe enough when they roll over in our presence.
But sometimes this behavior and turning over can also mean that they have a health problem, such as illness, injury, fear, or if they are too hot.
Whenever you notice that they roll over while petting them you should also pay attention to other signs in their behavior to be able to conclude if they are happy or if they are sick and scared.
