Sneezy pig!

[cwheeler]

Hello! I just adopted a brand new piggie (3mos male) yesterday afternoon. He’s very outgoing and he loves to chew on fingers! However, in the short time we’ve had him, we’ve noticed he’s been sneezing... a lot. He seems fine other than that, although we haven’t really had him long enough to notice a change in behavior. He certainly isn’t lethargic, and he’s been eating and pooping like a madman. One of my other pigs (who has been in the same room as him but has had no close contact for safety reasons) has also begun to sneeze more often. She doesn’t seem sick either, just sneezy. What could be causing this? Is there anything else I should look out for?

 

[Deleted member 131797]

It’s difficult to say, and if I’m doubt, always a vet visit. Could be a URI in which case he may have a wet nose or crusty nose and eyes, (but could also not have those symptoms, he could have a little hay up his nose, he could be struggling with dust from hay (try a different brand - hay season was bad last year due to the heatwave (talking about the UK here) and some hay is not great quality at the moment - that may also affect your other pig.

I would recommend seeing a vet, and if an illness is diagnosed you may be able to claim cost back from where you’ve adopted him from. Make sure to get a receipt.

Pet becomes ill or dies after buying

 

[Wiebke]

Hello! I just adopted a brand new piggie (3mos male) yesterday afternoon. He’s very outgoing and he loves to chew on fingers! However, in the short time we’ve had him, we’ve noticed he’s been sneezing... a lot. He seems fine other than that, although we haven’t really had him long enough to notice a change in behavior. He certainly isn’t lethargic, and he’s been eating and pooping like a madman. One of my other pigs (who has been in the same room as him but has had no close contact for safety reasons) has also begun to sneeze more often. She doesn’t seem sick either, just sneezy. What could be causing this? Is there anything else I should look out for?

Hi and welcome!

Please have a read of this guide here. Because respiratory infections (which are discussed in the link) can be fatal, they need to always be excluded by a vet first befor you can consider sensitivity to hay dust or pollen, dry air, air fresheners and other environmental angles.
What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)

The guide is part of our new owners information collection, which addresses the most asked about areas in practical detail. You will hopefully find it both helpful and very interesting! Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides