Guinea pig Sneezing

[Mummybean]

My guinea pig Norbert just sneezed about 5 or 6 times in a row. It’s the first time I’ve seen him in a few hours so don’t know if he was doing it before. He ate fine earlier and everything else looks ok. Eyes are clear and breathing looks normal. Should I be worried? Does sneezing alone warrant a trip to the vet? I know they are susceptible to respiratory infections so it’s making me a bit anxious. Nothing has changed, no new bedding or hay. Except that I just started giving them the little hay bales but can’t imagine it is that.

 

[Joannajars]

Could it be bedding? Mine are on dust extracted sawdust but it seems very occasionally I will get a ‘bad batch’ that will make them sneeze a little when it’s fresh still. This could also be the same for hay if it’s bitty rather than long strands. If eyes and nose are clear I personally wouldn’t be too concerned about some sneezing alone. Keep a close eye either way

 

[Piggies&buns]

Sneezing is the way of clearing the airways. As an isolated event it isn’t terribly concerning.
If things escalate, other symptoms show then do see a vet.

 

[Viennese Furbabies]

Sometimes a piggy sneezes to clear the nose. Maybe he inhaled too much hay dust. But the sneezing fit should be a singular event in this case.
If the sneezing continues or you see a wet and/or runny nose or other symptoms of a respiratory infection, your piggy needs to see a vet.

 

[Wiebke]

My guinea pig Norbert just sneezed about 5 or 6 times in a row. It’s the first time I’ve seen him in a few hours so don’t know if he was doing it before. He ate fine earlier and everything else looks ok. Eyes are clear and breathing looks normal. Should I be worried? Does sneezing alone warrant a trip to the vet? I know they are susceptible to respiratory infections so it’s making me a bit anxious. Nothing has changed, no new bedding or hay. Except that I just started giving them the little hay bales but can’t imagine it is that.

Hi!

A one-off sneezing fit means just that some kind of irritant has entered the nasal passages and is being removed by sneezing. You only need to see a vet if the sneezing is persistent as that means that whatever is causing the problem is still stuck.

Please also be aware that piggies can end their regular several times daily 'piggy washes' with a sneeze to clear their nose. This is just part of their daily hygiene.