Sneezing.
Yes, guinea pigs really DO sneeze
and it sounds pretty much like a human sneeze – just quieter, gentler and much, much cuter! When you first hear your piggy emit a tiny sneeze, you might be concerned that it’s a sign that they’re poorly.
What should you do if your guinea pig is sneezing?
If your guinea pig is sneezing, and has any of the following symptoms then they could have an upper respiratory infection, in which case they’ll need to
see a vet as soon as possible
: Wheezing. Coughing. Heavy or laboured breathing.
What can cause guinea pigs to sneeze?
- A change in the weather. Dry conditions could irritate your cavy’s nasal passage, causing it to sneeze more than usual.
- Allergies. An allergic reaction is another reason your piggy is sneezing a lot. …
- Stress. …
- Vitamin deficiency. …
- Dental issues. …
- Upper Respiratory Infection.
Is sneezing normal for guinea pigs?
An occasional sneeze from your piggy is not usually anything to worry about
. Just like us, guinea pigs can get particles up their nose and they may sneeze to shift the blockage.
What are the symptoms of being allergic to guinea pigs?
- Sneezing.
- Itching.
- Wheezing.
- Runny nose.
- Skin rashes.
- Shortness of breath.
What are guinea pigs sensitive to?
Guinea pigs are very sensitive to both
heat and cold
. Keep them in temperatures between 60 and 85 °F to avoid putting their health at risk.
What causes respiratory problems in guinea pigs?
Respiratory Infections
Pneumonia is one of the most significant diseases of pet guinea pigs and can be caused by
several bacteria, including Bordetella and Streptococcus
. Guinea pigs can naturally harbor these bacteria and may be asymptomatic (apparently healthy) carriers.
Can guinea pigs catch colds?
Colds in guinea pigs
It’s wise to keep a safe distance from your pet if you have the snuffles, as
guinea pigs can catch colds from humans
. If your guinea pig shows any signs of a cold, such as a runny nose or sneezing, keep him warm and provide plenty of water.
Why does my guinea pig keep sneezing and coughing?
Upper Respiratory Infection/Pneumonia
Symptoms include labored and/or rapid breathing, discharge from the eyes and nostrils, lethargy, inappetance, sneezing, and coughing. Upper respiratory infections are commonly seen in newly acquired guinea pigs. Pneumonia develops very quickly and can rapidly lead to death.
What does guinea pig sneezing sound like?
How much sneezing is normal?
Sneezing
more than once is very normal
. Sometimes it just takes more for you to clear an irritant from your nose. One study found that about 95% of people sneeze about four times a day. “Some people notice they sneeze the same number of times, every time,” says Dr.
Why does my guinea pig vibrate when I pet it?
Good vibrations
When petting your guinea pig, you may notice it start to vibrate. Much like when cats purr, these vibrations
show that they are at ease and are in a good mood
. This response is more commonly seen in younger guinea pigs, a characteristic that they grow out of as they get older.
How do I know if my guinea pig is cold?
- If you notice your cavy’s ears, nose, or feet are cold to the touch, then their body temperature is too low.
- If you have a thermometer, you can use it in their enclosure to see if they’re too cold. …
- They’ll also shiver and huddle together (if you have more than one).
How common is a guinea pig allergy?
Background. Allergic sensitization and reactions to guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) have been well documented in laboratory animal handlers, primarily manifesting as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma.
Severe allergic reactions, however, are rare
.
Are guinea pigs allergic to anything?
Make sure you do not feed your guinea pigs the following foods (this is not an exhaustive list): cereals; grains; nuts; seeds; dried beans, corn, and peas; buttercups; garden shrubs (such as hemlock or privet); lilies of any kind; sweet peas; nightshade; oak; avocado; onion grass; onions; potato tops; mushrooms; …
Are guinea pigs OK for allergies?
A guinea pig is a fairly safe bet for most people with allergies
. If you find that a regular guinea pig causes some allergy symptoms, you might opt for a hairless guinea pig.
What is the most common cause of death in guinea pigs?
Pneumonia
is actually the leading cause of death in Guinea pigs. It is generally caused by a bacterial infection. Some of the symptoms of pneumonia include wheezing, trouble breathing, discharge from the nose or mouth, weight loss, reddish eyes, and depression.
What noises do guinea pigs make when they are sick?
But Guinea Pig sized. Usually its nothing to worry about, however, if your piggy has signs of a cold you’ll need to get it checked by a vet. Symptoms can include runny eyes and nose, heavy breathing and coughing,
a crackling sound from its chest and half closed eyes
. Your piggy may also have other symptoms.
Do guinea pigs like to be in the dark?
Do Guinea Pigs Like the Dark? Yes, as your cavy’s nighttime antics would suggest,
guinea pigs do like the dark
. However, that doesn’t mean they’re nocturnal animals. In fact, guinea pigs are crepuscular, which means they’re most active at twilight.
How do I know if my guinea pig is having trouble breathing?
Increased respiratory rate or effort (notable, bellowing movements can be seen) Respiratory noise, crackling, wheezing or hooting
.
Lethargy, reduced movement
.
Cyanotic (blue) mucous membranes (gums)
.
What can I give my guinea pig for upper respiratory infection?
Vitamin C
is another treatment option together with antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides depending on the strain of bacteria that the guinea pig has. It is important to Vitamin C in your guinea pig’s diet, to boost immunity and avoid infections that guinea pigs are more likely to have.
Do guinea pigs get sick easily?
Guinea pigs are sensitive to cold air drafts and
can easily develop an upper respiratory infection or even pneumonia if you have a baby guinea pig
. They can even get Bordetella bronchiseptica from your dog, cat, or pet rabbit.
Can guinea pigs get sick from dirty cages?
A Dirty Cage Can Be Life-Threatening to a Guinea Pig
A guinea pig can become sick if it is forced to live in an unclean cage
. While a guinea pig won’t directly die from a dirty cage, an unclean living environment can lead to a guinea pig having health problems.
