Can I Give My Piggie My Head Cold?

[Potatoez]

I spent the morning snuggling my guinea pig before going off to class. By the time I got home I was sniffling and sneezing. I was wondering how likely it is that he could catch my cold? I will obviously wash my hands and be careful, but should I avoid lap time until I am recovered?

 

[Veggies Galore]

This thread answers your question ....


https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...ld-should-i-avoid-handling-my-piggies.101554/

 

[Potatoez]

Thank you! That is reassuring

 

[GPTV]

Hi there. I have just read the thread linked in above.
However I would try not to handle your guineas unless needed whilst you have the cold.

I had a piggy that every time I had a cold she would get all clogged up &nasal'y with the odd extra sneezes for good measure!

They were in a shed, in their own hutch-so didnt share my household atmosphere. But I usually had to put some olbas oil on a cloth near their hutch to help her breathing.

I also remember reading in the guinea pig magazine -2or 3 editions ago that one of the specialists (Dave I think) had a friend who had a bad cold had stayed in the same room as his piggies &a number of them got serious respiratory infections.

Generally I would try &keep contact to a minimum &wash your hands &be cautious with hygiene until your symptoms have cleared.
Especially if you have young,old, poorly, pregnant or piggies with a low immune system.

Hope u recover quickly &your cold is soon a distant memory!

Get well soon from the girls &I xx

 

[Veggies Galore]

....

another link .....

https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/can-guinea-pigs-catch-a-humans-common-cold.124536/


I agree it is a good idea o that keep handling to a minimum and being extra careful with washing your hands when you have a cold.

 

[Wiebke]

It is rare that viruses transmit, even more so with devastating results, but we do recommend to please use good hygiene, common sense and keep handling and interaction with your guinea pigs to a minimum while you have a cold, flu or a tummy upset, especially norovirus.

 

[Potatoez]

Thank you everyone. I have been good about washing hands and trying not to snuggle him with my face, although it's tempting hehe