New Piggie concerns

[Planet_Piggies]

So I bought two baby girls (they're small and look pretty young) recently, and I'm a new time owner of guinea pigs so I'm extra anxious and worried! I've noticed that one of them, Jupiter, is sneezing and occasionally hooting. I hear her mostly when she eats hay but I've also heard her sneeze a couple times just running about. She also seems to move a bit more when breathing compared to my other one, Mars, but I don't know if it's normal because like I said, I'm a brand new owner. She's very active and loves to eat but I'm still worried. She doesn't have a runny nose either. I use fleece bedding and Mars doesn't seem like she's sneezing. Is it just the hay that's causing issues for Jupiter? Should I take her to a vet?

 

[Piggies&buns]

Piggies can sneeze if they eat too fast, they have narrow airways and dust can irritate and cause coughing and sneezing. However, if it happening in between eating as well and she sounds as if she is hooting, then you need to see a vet. It is never worth leaving a breathing issue unchecked. If there is the start of a respiratory infection then it is better to get it treated quickly. Let us know how you get on at the vet.

We’d love to see some pictures of your girls!

 

[Wiebke]

So I bought two baby girls (they're small and look pretty young) recently, and I'm a new time owner of guinea pigs so I'm extra anxious and worried! I've noticed that one of them, Jupiter, is sneezing and occasionally hooting. I hear her mostly when she eats hay but I've also heard her sneeze a couple times just running about. She also seems to move a bit more when breathing compared to my other one, Mars, but I don't know if it's normal because like I said, I'm a brand new owner. She's very active and loves to eat but I'm still worried. She doesn't have a runny nose either. I use fleece bedding and Mars doesn't seem like she's sneezing. Is it just the hay that's causing issues for Jupiter? Should I take her to a vet?

Hi and welcome!

In many cases sneezing in new guinea pigs is caused by the new home environment (bedding or hay dust, perfumed products, dry radiator/air conditioning air etc.) if there are no other symptoms. Hooting is in most cases a sign of a slightly blocked nasal passage. Symptoms become usually more noticeable and audible while eating in view of how small and narrow the cavy respiratory system is.

However, considering that an untreated respiratory infection can kill or permanently damage, please see a vet if you are in the least doubt!

This link here explains your customer rights and information on respiratory and other common new guinea pig problems: What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)