Is Sneezing Normal?

[piggy.talk]

The 3 piggies have been doing great these past few months! We finally built a larger cage and they are so much happier there.

Anyways, my mom and I have been observing Popcorn these past few months because she's always been a little sneezy since the beginning. I don't think it's URI since it's been so long and not any other symptoms have been detected, and she has a healthy and consistent weight, so I was wondering if there was the possibility of her just naturally being a little "sneezier" than some pigs.

But this evening, my dad and I took them all out for some grass time (it was Butterball's and Popcorn's 1st time in the outdoors, grazing on grass) and we noticed Popcorn was sneezing even more than she already was. They were only out for 10 minutes because it was only their first time and the sun was beginning to set. Could this be some sort of allergy that triggered her while she was outside?

I know I can't do this alone but I just need some opinions right now

 

[DM030819]

It could be an allergy but it's probably something getting up her nose causing it. I wouldn't worry too much about it but it's great that you're noticing it and have asked.

Keep an close eye on her nostrils to see if there is any discharge. And also listen to her breathing. If you see discharge or if her breathing sounds off then it could be the start of an infection and she'd need to see the vet.

 

[Wiebke]

The 3 piggies have been doing great these past few months! We finally built a larger cage and they are so much happier there.

Anyways, my mom and I have been observing Popcorn these past few months because she's always been a little sneezy since the beginning. I don't think it's URI since it's been so long and not any other symptoms have been detected, and she has a healthy and consistent weight, so I was wondering if there was the possibility of her just naturally being a little "sneezier" than some pigs.

But this evening, my dad and I took them all out for some grass time (it was Butterball's and Popcorn's 1st time in the outdoors, grazing on grass) and we noticed Popcorn was sneezing even more than she already was. They were only out for 10 minutes because it was only their first time and the sun was beginning to set. Could this be some sort of allergy that triggered her while she was outside?

I know I can't do this alone but I just need some opinions right now

I would test for a pollen allergy. Some guinea pigs are very sensitive to hay dust or pollen in the hay.

 

[piggy.talk]

It could be an allergy but it's probably something getting up her nose causing it. I wouldn't worry too much about it but it's great that you're noticing it and have asked.

Keep an close eye on her nostrils to see if there is any discharge. And also listen to her breathing. If you see discharge or if her breathing sounds off then it could be the start of an infection and she'd need to see the vet.

Thank you! I'm a bit paranoid because I can't lose another pig to URI or pneumonia again, so It's natural for me to constantly worry about their health. I guess I'll continue to do so then!

 

[piggy.talk]

I would test for a pollen allergy. Some guinea pigs are very sensitive to hay dust or pollen in the hay.

My mom suggested that it was really only an allergy from the pollen, just as you had said. Hopefully, it's only an allergy. But how would I test for it? And even if was a pollen allergy, what could be the cause of her sneezing before hand? Possibly just a dirty cage where she's just more sensitive to it that the other pigs? Sorry, too many questions that you probably won't know the answer to... Thanks for helping me though!