Please Help! Occasional Sneezing?

[ArielAndAurora]

I got Ariel and Aurora almost two weeks ago from a pet shop. I gave them the wood shavings the workers at the shop suggested. I've only heard about 5 sneezes over the last few days, but there could have been more. I read that it could be a URI. Is this likely?

 

[piggyfan]

Shavings cause allergies. I would switch to vetbed or fleece as I imagine that is the culprit.

 

[theoretikos]

It could be an allergy to the wood shavings. I can't use them with my pigs. Are you able to use a few layered towels on the base of their cage to see if the sneezing stops? If you are really worried it is best to let a vet check them out just to make sure.

 

[AbiS]

My piggies sneeze occasionally as well and are absolutely fine. I was concerned at the time and did post on here but was told not to worry as they weren't doing it a huge amount a URI would involve 2 symptoms, not just sneezing.

I am sure it was @Wiebke who gave me that advice - am happy if anybody wants to tell me I misinterpreted!

 

[Wiebke]

The sneezing can be due to the hay or the bedding; that amount of sneezing is not often enough to be worrying. I'd rather look for allergy/dust irritation.

To be able to diagnose a URI (upper respiratory tract infection), you should see at least 2 of the symptoms listed. But if you do, please see a vet on the next day. After 2 weeks, they should be past the incubation period from the shop.
http://www.guinealynx.info/uti.html

 

[ArielAndAurora]

Thanks for your replies everyone. I've not yet changed to fleeces, but I'm planning on doing so soon. I've heard 5 sneezes in the last 10 minutes I'm really worried. There are no other symptoms of a URI however. Is it possible they can have it with just one symptom? Thanks.

 

[Jerrybelly]

Thanks for your replies everyone. I've not yet changed to fleeces, but I'm planning on doing so soon. I've heard 5 sneezes in the last 10 minutes I'm really worried. There are no other symptoms of a URI however. Is it possible they can have it with just one symptom? Thanks.

If you are worried then it is always best to visit a vet. It is far better to have your piggy checked out and be told that there's nothing wrong, then to spend your days worrying and your piggy is possibly going untreated. If it would put your mind at rest then it is definitely worth visiting a vet

 

[piglet_and_rogers_mama]

Podge sneezes frequently, but he is perfectly fine otherwise. I believe it is just allergies in his case. I think usually in the case of URIs more than one symptom is present, like crusty eyes, runny nose,and loud breathing. That said, it is better to go to the vet and them say he's healthy, than not go to the vet and have him get worse. If you are really concerned, definitely get him checked out.

 

[ArielAndAurora]

Thanks for your replies guys. I'm going to switch to fleeces asap and see if that stops the sneezing. I've checked them and they only have that one symptom so I think they're ok. I'm going to keep an eye on them and if they start sneezing more (they haven't sneezed at all today from what I heard), I'll take them to the vets.

 

[Mamaguineapig]

Occasionally my boys make a kind of sneeze noise if they are being too greedy eating too fast if it is something they love ! I agree with the others that saw dust can cause allergies or just aggravate the nose if a tiny bit gets up. If in doubt see a vet. Might be a good idea to get them a wee medical check up anyway after adopting them.