How Often Is Too Much Sneezing?

[BrieBB]

1 week ago I got 2 guinea pigs Skunk and Calico. Both she's and Calico is sneezing a lot lately. I looked it up and saw that it could be the timothy hay that I am using but Calico is sneezing when I hold her and when she is away from the hay. For around 10-30 minutes she is okay then she starts slowly starts sneezing again. It has happened where she sneezed once every minute. I listened to her breath and she seemed like she was breathing funny but when I listened to it again a little later it was what I am guessing is normal. Am I just over worrying about everything or are there other symptoms of sickness I could look for?

 

[7squeakers.]

Hello and to the forum! I am not an expert on piggie health, but I would say that that sounds like too much sneezing. Where did you get your two piggies from? I would get them (both of them) to a Vet as soon as you can. They may have a respiratory infection. I would change the brand of hay that you are feeding too. Try some from DustFreeHay.co.uk.
Tagging @helen105281 , @Wiebke , @Abi_nurse who will be able to give you more detailed advice.

 

[BrieBB]

Thanks for responding. I got them from PetSmart and they seemed all healthy. I also liked the idea that they get them on Friday and then wait over the weekend for a symptoms of sickness. I will see what I can do about getting them to the vet and new hay

 

[Alex2016]

Hi! Welcome ! To be honest that sounds like too much g pigs are prone to upper respiratory tract infections and a rattle sound when breathing is very concerning, because they are new arrives they will have compromise immune systems due to stress so I'd get them to the vet for a check ASAP, I have has health issues with my new piggys too it's frustrating but stick with it it gets better !

 

[BrieBB]

I wouldn't say her breath sounded ratlley. It was more stopped up sounding? It sounded somewhat chunky but not like she was having any trouble breathing. I could just be over reacting to her sneezing (I haven't heard her sneeze for a little while) and it could have been a noise she was making or something from the room making noise. Thanks for responding though! I appreciate it

 

[Wiebke]

1 week ago I got 2 guinea pigs Skunk and Calico. Both she's and Calico is sneezing a lot lately. I looked it up and saw that it could be the timothy hay that I am using but Calico is sneezing when I hold her and when she is away from the hay. For around 10-30 minutes she is okay then she starts slowly starts sneezing again. It has happened where she sneezed once every minute. I listened to her breath and she seemed like she was breathing funny but when I listened to it again a little later it was what I am guessing is normal. Am I just over worrying about everything or are there other symptoms of sickness I could look for?

It can well be that she has issues with dust etc. and off and on a bit of a blocked nose. Guinea pigs can't breathe through the mouth. However, the frequency is higher than normal, so you may want to try and see whether another dust-free hay brand works better. If pollen is lodged in the nose, then just taking her out of cage for a cuddle won't bring any instant relief.

Dry indoors air from/air conditioning can also influence breathing. If your measures don't work, then see a vet - also see one if the breathing gets noticeably worse and you see crusty eyes.

 

[my4piggies]

if your concerned it could be worth getting a vet to look at her, could be a URI.

 

[Abi_nurse]

I agree with the others, could just be a bit of an allergy but I would suggest a vet visit of there is no improvement soon. Unfortunately most big pet chains often breed on a huge scale and often predispose the little piggies to all sorts of diseases such as concurrent respiratory problems.

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