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I used to post here quite a lot, having been a guinea pig owner for 6 years, but I haven't been on for a while. I have always suffered from allergies, but I thought that it was a minor inconvenience because I was very fond of my piggies.
My allergy problems eased a bit last summer when my 9 year old daughter took over a lot of the day to day care and cleaning out for the two boys we had at the time, Ruffle and Magnum. I had to do a bit of supervision and helping but she did most of it herself. I thought everything was fine.
Just before Christmas it was an ordinary Saturday afternoon. My daughter decided to clean out the boys and asked me to find somewhere to put them whilst she cleaned. I decided that they could come and sit on my lap and watch final score, which I had done before with no problems.
Within minutes I was in the grip of a major asthma attack. I dumped the guinea pigs on the floor and grabbed my inhaler but it didn't help. I was struggling to breathe and the only other people in the house were my daughter (who grabbed the pigs and put them away) and my son aged 12. Before I collapsed I shouted at my son to dial 999.
An ambulance arrived within 12 minutes, shortly followed by my in-laws who took the traumatised children to their house. I ended up in intensive care, and I was only minutes from death. Obviously I survived and made a full recovery but by the time I was released from hospital my husband had taken matters into his own hands and rehomed the boys. Luckily they have been adopted by my sister in law and are living happily in her summer house.
So please be aware, even if you think your allergies are under control, everything can change in minutes. It is not exaggerating to say that my fondness for guinea pigs could have cost my life. Don't take any chances, if you or your family have allergies, get rid of those piggies NOW!
My allergy problems eased a bit last summer when my 9 year old daughter took over a lot of the day to day care and cleaning out for the two boys we had at the time, Ruffle and Magnum. I had to do a bit of supervision and helping but she did most of it herself. I thought everything was fine.
Just before Christmas it was an ordinary Saturday afternoon. My daughter decided to clean out the boys and asked me to find somewhere to put them whilst she cleaned. I decided that they could come and sit on my lap and watch final score, which I had done before with no problems.
Within minutes I was in the grip of a major asthma attack. I dumped the guinea pigs on the floor and grabbed my inhaler but it didn't help. I was struggling to breathe and the only other people in the house were my daughter (who grabbed the pigs and put them away) and my son aged 12. Before I collapsed I shouted at my son to dial 999.
An ambulance arrived within 12 minutes, shortly followed by my in-laws who took the traumatised children to their house. I ended up in intensive care, and I was only minutes from death. Obviously I survived and made a full recovery but by the time I was released from hospital my husband had taken matters into his own hands and rehomed the boys. Luckily they have been adopted by my sister in law and are living happily in her summer house.
So please be aware, even if you think your allergies are under control, everything can change in minutes. It is not exaggerating to say that my fondness for guinea pigs could have cost my life. Don't take any chances, if you or your family have allergies, get rid of those piggies NOW!