Why is My Guinea Pig Sneezing?
Have you heard the “ah-choo” voice coming from your Guinea pig’s cage for the first time and are worried about why your guinea pig is sneezing?
Oh, my friend, it’s not a matter of worry, as sneezing in guinea pigs is as common as that of humans. This little furry pet may sneeze to remove any stray particles of dust, hay, smoke, or even scents from their nose and respiratory tract, just as we do. The only thing that you need to do when you hear a Guinea pig sneeze is to say, “Gesundheit!” or “bless you!”
However, when sneezing is more frequent, followed by other symptoms, it might be a cause of concern as it may indicate respiratory infection and allergies. Let’s dig deep into Guinea pig sneezing so that you can learn when it’s normal and when you should take it seriously.
Is it Normal for My Guinea Pigs to Sneeze?
When guinea pigs sneeze between 2 to 4 times a day, it’s totally normal. But when the sneeze count increases from that number while showing other symptoms, too, you must take it seriously and take your pet to the vet to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Let me tell you that your pig can sneeze to expel unwanted particles from their respiratory tract. An amazing fact is that the guinea pig’s sneezing sound is much like we humans do, “ahh-choo,” but much cuter, gentler, and Before taking any action, we suggest you completely understand all the possible reasons why your little piggy sneezes.
Do Guinea Pigs LikWhy do Guinea Pigs Sneeze – 4 Reasons
As already mentioned, your little furry pig may sneeze to remove irritants from its nose, like dust particles, hay, wood shaving, traces of smoke, etc. Let’s discuss 5 other main culprits:
- Change in Weather
Just like some humans, Guinea pigs are sensitive to changing weather conditions. The dry weather conditions or a drastic climate change can irritate your pig’s nasal passage, which can result in more than usual sneezing.
- Stress
We all know that guinea pigs are quite anxious creatures, so stress is not a new thing for them. But when the stress condition prolongs, it can weaken your cavy’s immune system, making it susceptible to respiratory infections and allergies.
Some reasons for the stress that can result in more than usual sneezing in your guinea pigs are listed below:
- Shifting guinea pig from one place to the other
- Aggression from other companions in the group
- Addition of a new piggy in your Guinea pig family
- Overcrowded hutch and not enough physical activity(exercise)
- Allergies
Sometimes, the sneezing in guinea pigs might be the result of some allergic reactions of certain particles and chemicals (allergens) that may include:
- Scent from soap, perfume, or detergents
- Dusty hay bedding
- Pollens
- Air fresheners and room sprays
- Food particles
- Wood shavings, etc.
- Vitamin C Deficiency
Vitamin C not only prevents Guinea pigs from scurvy but also strengthens their immune system, helping them fight against infections. When they don’t get enough vitamin C in their diet, their immune system becomes weak and can’t fight against infection-causing bacteria. The infection in the upper respiratory tract can result in sneezing in guinea pigs, so make sure to add the correct amount of vitamins and nutrients to your baby’s everyday diet.
When Should I Worry About My Guinea Pig Sneezing?
When your guinea pig’s sneezing count exceeds 4 times a day, there could be a chance that your little piggy has developed an illness. Thankfully, when your pig is sneezing due to illness, there are also a few other related symptoms that are hard to miss. Look whether they’re displaying any of the below symptoms:
- Runny nose and eyes
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Difficult breathing
- Depression
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Half closed eyes
If you find any of these, your furry pig has developed a respiratory infection that is a health issue and, if not checked out properly, can lead to your pet’s death.
Guinea Pig Respiratory Infection
Gunia pigs are susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections (URIs), such as the common cold and pneumonia, which can prove fatal if not treated properly. But how do guinea pigs get respiratory infections?
Well, a bacterium named Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common cause of pneumonia in guinea pigs. Sometimes, other types of bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Streptococcus zooepidemicus and adenovirus specific to guinea pigs, can also be the main culprit. Are you thinking, how do I know if my guinea pig has a respiratory infection? Guinea pig sneezing, followed by rapid breathing, lethargy, discharge from nostrils and eyes, and inappetence are the main signs of URI. If you observe any of these, immediately take your guinea pigs to a veterinarian.
Guinea Pig Sneezing Treatment
If the guinea pig’s sneezing is due to a respiratory tract infection, then take it to a veterinarian, who will conduct a clinical exam and perform an x-ray of the guinea pig’s chest to check for pneumonia. They can also check a sample of discharge from your pet’s nose and eyes to identify the correct causative agent of the disease.
Treatment of URI may include antibiotics if it’s caused by bacteria, oxygen therapy, syringe feeding, and fluids for dehydration. Sick guinea pigs may need to be hospitalized for proper care.
How to Treat a Guinea Pig Cold at Home?
If your guinea pig is sneezing excessively over a period of 24 hours, there are a couple of things you can do at home to make your guinea pig feel better.
- Clean Guinea Pig’s Cage
Ensure that your piggy’s cage is clean and dry to stop the spread of infection-causing bacteria. To make cleaning a whole lot easier, you can train your piggy to pee and poop in a litter box.
- Use Proper Bedding
Your piggy’s bedding can be the worst culprit when it comes to allergies, respiratory infections, and sneezing. The bedding must be dust-free and comfortable as the oil in the wood shavings and dust in the hay can irritate your cavy’s nose, causing it to sneeze excessively.
Replace your piggy’s bedding with fleece guinea pig cage liners, as these are easy to clean and thus can lessen any allergic reactions.
- Feed your Guinea Pig the Good Quality Food
Your guinea pig needs good quality and dust-free hay to munch on. So try to provide parasites and allergen-free hay.
Further, your piggy needs vitamin C to prevent respiratory infections. This little creature can’t make its vitamin in its body and totally relies on its food to fulfill its vitamin C needs. Feed your furry pet vitamin C-rich foods like parsley, broccoli, and green peppers. Your vet might also prescribe some dietary supplements to ensure that your piggy gets all the required nutrients in enough quantities.
Wrap Up
Putting it in a nutshell, from time to time, an occasional guinea pig sneezing is totally normal. But when your little piggy is suffering from excessive sneezing followed by other symptoms, it might be a sign of a more serious issue. In this case, getting your guinea pig checked by a vet as soon as possible is a must.
