Guinea pig allergies?

[Roie]

So my daughter has a little piggy, Rue. We got her from a pet store (before we knew better!) about 2 months ago. She had paper bedding and was fine. When we ran out of that, we got the same brand but a different color, and noticed she started sneezing and coughing. She had a slight whistle in her nose. Eyes were good, no nasal discharge. I took her to the vet to get ahead of any potential URI, which the vet confirmed and prescribed antibiotics for 10 days. I also ordered an expensive fleece cage liner. Three days in and she was back to normal, breathing fine, popcorning, etc. But I could NOT deal with the fleece. The only room we have for her is near the dining table in an open concept dining/living room. The smell was unbearable. For $60 I expected better. So after 4 days, I went back to paper. I got kaytee clean and cozy white paper. Two days into that, I went back to the store to get more, and they didnt have the white, they had extreme odor control white and blue. It smelled like it was scented even though it says nothing on the package about scent. Today, 24 hours after using the new "scented unscented" paper she appears to be breathing hard and I can hear her breathing. She is still on antibiotics. She has 2 more days. (5 more doses) and it sounds like we are back where we started. I went to a different pet store and got the plain white kaytee clean and cozy (which doesnt smell). What are the chances that the paper is the cause of her issues? Could it be a new URI if shes still on meds for th4 last one?

 

[Ritika]

How many times did u changed the fleece in a week when u used it?

 

[Ritika]

And please can I know do u just have only 1 piggy?

 

[Piggies&buns]

If the uri is not clearing up and you are nearing the end of her meds, then you need to take her back to the vet to review.
It could be that your piggy has a problem with the bedding but you need to ensure that the uri has gone as it has been formally diagnosed. Do mention to your vet about whether the bedding though.

 

[Minnieandpebbs]

I agree with the above, take her back to get her reviewed and check if more medication is needed. I also agree that you should mention to the vet about scented bedding as they could know something about that.

 

[Roie]

Just one piggy! And in the three days we had the fleece down I washed it three times. Once before using at all, then it was down for one day, I washed it the next morning, and then left it in for 2 days and took it out for good (and washed it again in order to return to seller.) I used hot water and vinegar, no soap or dryer sheets. The instructions said to use cold water to prevent shrinking but it was huge for her cage anyway so I used hot. I also noticed the top was wet instead of completely wicking urine away.
Also, we left for about 3 hours (to go see frozen 2) and came back and now her nose sounds clear again. I had changed her bedding AGAIN to the plain white kaytees before we left so shes had that for a few hours and maybe that was the issue?
I think this little piggy would do best on fleece but I just cant have that awful smell in my entire living/dining area.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Just one piggy! And in the three days we had the fleece down I washed it three times. Once before using at all, then it was down for one day, I washed it the next morning, and then left it in for 2 days and took it out for good (and washed it again in order to return to seller.) I used hot water and vinegar, no soap or dryer sheets. The instructions said to use cold water to prevent shrinking but it was huge for her cage anyway so I used hot. I also noticed the top was wet instead of completely wicking urine away.
Also, we left for about 3 hours (to go see frozen 2) and came back and now her nose sounds clear again. I had changed her bedding AGAIN to the plain white kaytees before we left so shes had that for a few hours and maybe that was the issue?
I think this little piggy would do best on fleece but I just cant have that awful smell in my entire living/dining area.

Maybe it is the bedding, but as I say speak to your vet first.

Fleece shouldn’t smell and if it isn’t wicking and remained wet, then that is likely to be your problem. It has to be the right type of fleece as some just don’t work. If often has to be washed more than once before using. Don’t rule out using fleece - it really doesn’t smell if it has a good absorbent layer underneath and wicks properly.

Once you have confirmed that she is no longer poorly, then do look into getting her a female friend. Guinea pigs are highly social and suffer with loneliness if kept by themselves.

 

[Ritika]

Just one piggy! And in the three days we had the fleece down I washed it three times. Once before using at all, then it was down for one day, I washed it the next morning, and then left it in for 2 days and took it out for good (and washed it again in order to return to seller.) I used hot water and vinegar, no soap or dryer sheets. The instructions said to use cold water to prevent shrinking but it was huge for her cage anyway so I used hot. I also noticed the top was wet instead of completely wicking urine away.
Also, we left for about 3 hours (to go see frozen 2) and came back and now her nose sounds clear again. I had changed her bedding AGAIN to the plain white kaytees before we left so shes had that for a few hours and maybe that was the issue?
I think this little piggy would do best on fleece but I just cant have that awful smell in my entire living/dining area.

Seems like u really need to see a vet and please know that a guinea pig can't live alone they are social animals and they need to be kept in pairs otherwise they go in depression and get sick please try to understand