Some advice would be fantastic!

[koneckt]

First off I would like to say hi! I'm glad that this forum exists actually. A number of times I've checked it out to learn more about Guinea Pigs but I've only now just registered.

By now onto why I am posting;

I got my very first Guinea Pig this past august! But before that i've been researching what it takes to keep a healthy and happy pig since maybe march. (If you're going to have the pet it's better to do the research beforehand!)

He's a Teddy pig if that information matters (I know about the dry skin problem, too!).

So here's the dilema: Yesterdary I took Little Winston into the vet, one because I think just getting a check up in general isn't a bad idea, and two: because I noticed he was sneezing! I read occasional sneezing isn't so bad, but I wasn't sure how often "occasional" is. So rather than risking it I took him into the vet. The veterinary clinic has four vets who are all experienced with guinea pigs, or at least exotic animals like guinea pigs, so I'm fairly comfortable with their assessment.

I took him into the vet and they couldn't find anything wrong! He didn't actually sneeze while he was there too. I'm very stumped.

But when I took him home he started to sneeze again.

So I was wondering if anyone had any ideas? I'm closely monitoring him to see if there is any changes in anything. Is it possible that he's sneezing because of his hay? Dust? He did have some clear discharge (snot?) around his nose earlier this morning after sneezing. That's the first time I've seen that. But his eating habits or normal and so are his pooping habits! His eyes are clear too and I don't think I hear anything irregular about his breathing.

Any ideas on what this is all about would be great! I don't want my Guinea pig to be uncomfortable or sick @)

Edit: and how do you guys feel about giving Guinea Pigs Vitamin C supplements?

 

[Shellza]

Firstly, welcome to the forum p

Now onto your problem...
Do you use dust extracted hay? This may be an idea if you don't already. Also, what is he bedded on, as shavings can sometimes cause allergies.

I know some members use childrens vitamin c tablets to supplement, but as long as your guy is getting enough veg and hard feed he shouldn't need it. It won't hurt to supplement though, especially if he's poorly.
Does he have a cage mate?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

Dusty hay or wood shavings as bedding can make a piggy sneeze without anything being wrong.

Good that you had him checked to be on the safe side, though.

PS: Would you consider getting Winston a companion at some point? Piggies are herd animals and not really wired to be on their own. Guinea pigs with companions are often healthier and less likely to develop annoying attention grabbing habits out of sheer boredom.
http://www.guinealynx.info/companionship.html
http://www.guinealynx.info/rescue_organizations_canada.html

 

[koneckt]

Thank you!

The hay I use is Oxbow Western Timothy Hay.

And goodness no, I would never use wood shavings for bedding.
Because I get the feeling it would irritate his already slightly dry skin and because I have read that that is generally horrible bedding for them. I use CareFresh, which I've been told is relatively good bedding? Atleast I have yet to hear anything bad about it. I generally try to clean it out regularly.

When I went to the vet I picked up some vitamin c tablets for just in case - although I give Winston veggies everyday. I just thought having them there would be good.

Right now he's a single piggie. My mother surprised me one day by getting him for me but I don't think she knew that they are best in pairs. Right now I'm working my way up to maybe getting him a cage mate. Although I want to make sure everything is stable and I have the resources before picking up another pet. I know that isn't so great for him but I try and compensate by taking him out a lot.

 

[Wiebke]

Some piggies struggle with dry indoors air now that the autumn is upon us, so perhaps you could try to moisturise the air a bit and see whether that makes a difference?

Teddies are a bit notorious for dry and flaky skin due to their dense fur. I have a couple of four sisters.

 

[tabelmabel]

that oxbow timothy is excellent quality but i (not my piggies!) am very allergic to it. It certainly makes me sneeze and my eyes itch. I got my current batch of timothy hay from the dust free hay company. I can.t claim to be cured but a huge improvement. Maybe worth just trying your pig on meadow hay for a few days and if he improves you'll know it.s timothy that causes a problem. I'm not allergic to meadow hay at all - i think it.s all the ears on the timothy that cause it and oxbow is all ears!

 

[Abi_nurse]

Others are right with the dust etc. He could have an allergy to many things though, right down to washing powder you may (if he has any fleecy beds/cosy's). Not much help. How often is he sneezing, eg how many times a day/hour etc?

x.

 

[koneckt]

I haven't tried counting exactly how many times a day he sneezes. It seems to be really irregular actually. Weirdly enough I think Winston sneezes more in the morning right when I get up, get him clean water, and check/clean the cage. Maybe it is the hay I'm using? He'll sneeze a couple or more times at that point but not much during the day.

The water bottle is right by where I keep the hay and maybe I'm disturbing it and causing him to sneeze more.

I will try and keep count of how many times he sneezes now! I hadn't thought of that before.