I have 2 guinea pigs, Mochi and Oreo, that were both on antibiotics and probiotics for possible uri (upper respiratory infection). They were instructed to have antibiotics twice a day, morning and night, and probiotics once a day, mid-day.The antibiotics for Oreo ran out the day before yesterday, and the antibiotics for Mochi ran out last night, however they both still have quite a bit of probiotics left. Should I continue to give them the rest of the probiotics once a day? I would call the vet but I don’t think they are open today.
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Should I continue the probiotics?
- Thread starter Kkin1128
- Start date
Hi!
You can continue the probiotic for 2-3 days if you wish to but if the poos and appetite are normal, they frankly don't need them.
Keep the probiotic for another emergency; it keeps for a few months. Store in a cool, dry place.
Ooh okay, thank you! Also, I’m not sure if you know about this kind of thing, but Mochi has been having this problem since we got her, she is probably around a year and we got her at around 3 months. The antibiotics didn’t seem to do much. She sneezes more than normal and the doctor said she can hear some raspiness, but when we let her run around outside of the cage she doesn’t really sneeze anymore. Do you think it’s something other than possible uri?Hi!
You can continue the probiotic for 2-3 days if you wish to but if the poos and appetite are normal, they frankly don't need them.
Keep the probiotic for another emergency; it keeps for a few months. Store in a cool, dry place.
Hi!
Some guinea pigs have a sensitivity to hay dust. I've have a piggy that developed those symptoms with not dust extracted hay.
Some piggies are even more sensitive.
You may want to try and see whether a different hay brand may bring a change. Please be aware that dust extracted hay quality can also vary quite a bit!
The important bit is that you have excluded a URI medically first and foremost. That may take a repeated or one longer course. Only then can you look for other environmental causes - you are now at that stage. As you notice the symptoms only in the cage, you can safely exclude some room-wide environmental factors. Hay is in my experience the most common cause, bedding (unless you are using pine shavings) much less likely.
Here are some guide links that you may find helpful:
A Comprehensive Hay Guide for Guinea Pigs (incl. providers in several countries)
Irritants to Avoid Around Guinea Pigs
See whether that is bringing some noticeable improvement. If yes, then you are on the right path.
Figuring out sensitivities is always a tedious process of elimination and trial and error.
amy104
Teenage Guinea Pig
Many years ago when I had a piggy with a hay dust sensitivity he did really well on hay by THE DUST FREE HAY COMPANY. I don't know if the quality is still the same but it might be one to try.