Guinea pig scared by puppy

[pigsinmud]

I have 2 male guinea pigs. They are kept apart as they fight, however when outside I put their runs together so they chat through the fence!

We've now got a puppy. One of the guinea pigs was in the run and puppy was chasing wildly round the outside. He was perfectly safe in there and I was keeping an eye on proceedings. This went on for 5 mins and then I put him back in the cage.

Since then he has not eaten any fresh food - even cucumber. He has eaten the dried food. He stays in the bedroom compartment and won't come out at all. He seems scared.

Has the puppy terrified him? Surely if it was the puppy's fault, he'd not be eating anything. He is out now and puppy is indoors - he seems ok, but not really eating any grass. A friend found her 2 guinea pigs dead last year and she was sure the dog had scared them to death ?? Is that possible?

We had a budgie that had a heart attack when a cat got very close to it. I think it doesnt have to happen there and then but they can have a delayed attack - could be urban myths though I am quoting.

I heard of a case where a firm carrying out roadworks had to pay compensation to the owner of several show quality guinea pigs that died as the noise next to their garden fence had stressed them. I think it can happen, hope your piggie is all right. I had 3 piggies some years ago and the dogs never seemed to bother them, but maybe the puppy was more frightening as he was rushing about.

He just won't eat any fresh food - really odd as he loves cucumber. He seems slightly happier today. Luckily he has the upper apartment so puppy can not reach his cage. Other guinea doesn't seem remotely bothered by puppy looking in.

I'm hoping the puppy's unhealthy interest in the guineas will pass....eventually.