Hay Poke to the Eye

It starts with a tiny piece of hay and a squint. A hay poke can look perfectly fine for a couple of days, but in the world of guinea pigs, things can go from "okay" to "emergency" in the blink of an eye.

If you notice a poke, start a care routine immediately. Keeping the eye moist is key—using GenTeal eye drops or a sterile saline solution can help soothe the irritation. I also recommend wiping under the eye twice daily. This isn't just about comfort; if that area gets crusty, the bacteria can travel, leading to a full-blown sinus infection.

A sinus infection is a serious turning point. It can cause a runny nose and, most dangerously, cause your piggie to stop eating. If that happens, you need to have Critical Care and syringes ready to go. Keeping their gut moving is their best chance at recovery.

If you reach the point where they are lethargic or refusing food, a vet visit is non-negotiable. They’ll likely need antibiotics and pain meds to get over the hump. For those of you nearby, I’ve had great experiences with Happy Tails in Renton for eye issues and CBEAM in Bothell for more complex concerns like bloat.

To reduce the risk of hay pokes avoid hard stiff hay. Long soft hay is best. I get mine from Small Pet Select. Recently I have not been happy with oxbow hay that hay tends to be stiff an pokey.

Don't wait for it to "look bad"—acting fast can save your guinea pig’s sight and their life!