• Discussions taking place within this forum are intended for the purpose of assisting you in discussing options with your vet. Any other use of advice given here is done so at your risk, is solely your responsibility and not that of this forum or its owner. Before posting it is your responsibility you abide by this Statement

Guinea pig breathing problems advice

CaviaEkko

CaviaEkko

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Jun 17, 2026
Messages
43
Reaction score
40
Points
125
Location
Slovenia
I have a guinea pig who has been having breathing problems since he was a month old. The vet gave us a spray/inhaler that we put into a box with him for about a minute, kind of like an asthma treatment, and sometimes it seems to help, but other times it doesn’t. Some days he breathes completely normally, and then for a few days his breathing is loud and sounds more difficult again.

The vet said they could do some further testing/research to figure out what’s causing it, but it would cost around €500, which is really expensive for us. So I’m wondering if there’s anything else I can do at home to make things easier for him or reduce possible triggers? I already clean his cage every day and do a deeper clean about every 3 days. I’m also wondering if taking him outside onto the grass more often would help, or if that could actually make things worse because of pollen.

He’s in a room with turtles, and I worry whether the aquarium or smell from it could affect his breathing, although I clean the filter and aquarium whenever I notice it starting to smell. I also usually keep the window open or the door open for ventilation. Has anyone had a guinea pig with similar breathing problems, or noticed certain things in their environment that made their breathing better or worse? I’d really appreciate any advice!
 
Some guinea pigs can be very sensitive to hay dust. Their airways are narrow so the slightest obstruction can make it difficult for them to breathe.

Taking him outside if be isn’t used to outside may not help. If he is sensitive then yes pollen may make things worse.

Humidity can also play a part - if the air is too dry then that can cause breathing issues

What medication is the spray the vet gave you?

Is there anything else in the room which is a known irritant - such as perfumes, candles, air fresheners.
 
Piggies&buns said:
Some guinea pigs can be very sensitive to hay dust. Their airways are narrow so the slightest obstruction can make it difficult for them to breathe.

Taking him outside if be isn’t used to outside may not help. If he is sensitive then yes pollen may make things worse.

Humidity can also play a part - if the air is too dry then that can cause breathing issues

What medication is the spray the vet gave you?

Is there anything else in the room which is a known irritant - such as perfumes, candles, air fresheners.
Click to expand...
He gets Flixotide through the spray/box treatment.

I don’t use perfumes, candles, air fresheners or anything like that because I know they aren’t safe for guinea pigs.

I did notice that when he wasn’t in this room, his breathing was much better and he didn’t have the loud breathing at all.

Do you think an air purifier or something similar would be worth getting to help with the air quality?
 
Sorry to hear this. If he’s doing better in another room, is there a chance you can move him permanently? It may be something bothering him despite your best efforts. Others may know more about purifiers etc.
 
LucyP said:
Sorry to hear this. If he’s doing better in another room, is there a chance you can move him permanently? It may be something bothering him despite your best efforts. Others may know more about purifiers etc.
Click to expand...
I would if I could, but that would mean moving him permanently into the living room, and unfortunately I can’t really do that. They’re going to make the living room smell, so it wouldn’t really work.

That’s why I’m hoping there might be something I can do to improve the air quality in his current room instead.
 
I had allergies in my room till I got a purifier. It did wonders for me so definitely try it.
 
A dehumidifier might also work if the air is moist enough to increase the chance of small areas of mould forming, for instance in the carpet fibres or window areas of the room where condensation might build up. I am wondering if corticosteroids are safe for rodents as steroids can cause problems. Not all vets know what meds are OK for guinea pigs. Air purifiers work very well. I hope you can find a solution 🙏❤️
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top