Allergy To Guinea Pigs Advice Please

[jude_deadman]

Hi I was just wondering if anyone could offer any advice or have experienced this? We've had our pigs for about a year and this morning my son had a really bad allergic reaction, this has never happened before, he's really upset because he loves his pig and still really wants to hold her :-(

 

[Kerrie74]

What happened to to your son? I would take him to the Dr's if you are concerned.

I suffer with allergies, I'm actually considering getting an air purifier because I sometimes choke when I'm sleeping. I'm on a nasal spray and tablets which I got from the Dr's.

See if this link is of any use to you

https://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/small-and-furry-care/living-guinea-pig-allergies/

 

[Glynis]

Firstly

Hi have you just changed hay?
Try to think what may have changed. I used to react to different season hays.
I'd try cleaning out piggies house again.
All the best tho for your son.
Would love to see pigtures of your piggie we love them on here

 

[Kerrie74]

That's a good point about the hay.

 

[jude_deadman]

Hi he's fine now it was mainly his eyes that were bad the swellings gone down and he's back to himself, I haven't changed anything I always use the same bedding and hay from the same shop I always have, he held them while it was cage cleaning time when they normally go in there run, wether she may of had a bit of cage mess on her feet which he then got on his face as he rubbed his eyes? Thanks guys I really appreciate all your help :-)

 

[Glynis]

Does your son show allergies to anything else?
Poor kid
Hope all will be ok x

 

[jude_deadman]

Nope never had a reaction to anything before I think maybe I'm gonna keep him away from the cage when it's being cleaned and put him in overalls and gloves and see if it helps :-)

 

[Glynis]

Great idea! Have a cool washer handy to put on his face that eases the swelling a bit. He may need antihistamines?
Maybe let him snuggle his piggie on the couch away from cage on a clean towel and see how he goes?

Ps don't forget pigtures

 

[jude_deadman]

Yep that's what I'm thinking to, iv just gone and got some piriton, il put some pics up soon and let you know how he is tomorrow after piggy holding time :-)

 

[Kerrie74]

Ahh bless him. I hope feels better

I would suggest taking him to the Dr's if it happens again though, they can prescribe something for him, over the counter meds are ok but the ones from the Dr's are obviously stronger.

My allergies are terrible at this time of the year (yes it is partly hay fever) I have Rhinitis unfortunately and a lot of things flare mine up, I don't get swollen eyes though, just very itchy and watery.

 

[karonus]

We have a couple of hayfever sufferers in the house and we notice reduced reactions to Timothy hay when compared with Meadow Hay. Very important in the close confines of a caravan on holiday.

 

[artcasper]

i am allergic to dogs and was worried about the piggies but i am fine but if i don't wash my hands after touching the hay i get itchy !

 

[Freela]

If it was eye swelling, he may have gotten some bedding or hay on his hand and then touched his eyes. I'm not allergic to the animals themselves, but I'm extremely allergic to wood-based shavings, particularly with eyes swelling/tearing and nasal stuffiness. I'm much better with paper shavings, but still have to scrub my hands before touching my face when I clean the cage. What kind of shavings are you using? Even if they're what you've always had, people can develop allergies after repeated exposure.