What Exactly Does A Sneeze Sound Like?

[BasicPiper]

Hello,

I’m new to this forum and to owning guinea pigs. Just yesterday I’ve acquired two females. I was wondering about some of the sounds they’ve made. One that worries me is this tiny hiss of air like: *ssstt.* To me it resembles a sneeze, but I’m not sure. *IS* it a sneeze or just one of their normal noises? I’ve looked up videos on YouTube, but all the guinea pig sneezes on there are much louder and none of them really match. Other than that they’re just beginning to run around and get used to me, eating, drinking, etc. I haven’t picked them up yet to get a close look at their nose, eyes, but from a short distance they look okay. This is really stressing me out so anything reassuring(ish) would be appreciated.

^-^

 

[BasicPiper]

Okay, I've done a little more (okay... alot more ^-^) research and I'm pretty sure they're not sneezing. It's more like a tiny tiny hiss of air. I read one place that they do that when they're annoyed. Is there any truth to that?

 

[Mother Hubbard]

They sometimes make a noise that could resemble a sneeze when they clean themselves. Milky fluid is leaked from their eyes which they then use to clean, when doing that it can sound like that.
They don't hiss when annoyed, they tend to chatter their teeth together when they are showing their dominance, together with rumble strutting (waggling their bums around)..there's more to it than that but gives you an idea.

 

[FalconStorm]

@ 'BasicPiper,'



I agree with ' Mother Hubbard', my guinea pig does that every time he is done grooming. It sounds like sneezing, but no.

 

[BasicPiper]

Okay, thank you so much! Sorry if that was a naïve question. I’m completely new to actually owning guinea pigs and I wasn’t sure. Thank you for the reassurance! ^-^

 

[VickiA]

Don't worry @BasicPiper. Guinea pig noises are new to us all at the start. Have you listened to the sound files on Jackies Guinea Pigs Guinea Pig Sounds or on Guniea Lynx. They can help you to learn the noises.
As you become familiar with your piggies you will learn their vocal sounds of approval, delight, terror, irritation and grumpiness, as well as the physical noises made when eating, grooming etc. have fun learning a whole new language!

 

[Wiebke]

Hello,

I’m new to this forum and to owning guinea pigs. Just yesterday I’ve acquired two females. I was wondering about some of the sounds they’ve made. One that worries me is this tiny hiss of air like: *ssstt.* To me it resembles a sneeze, but I’m not sure. *IS* it a sneeze or just one of their normal noises? I’ve looked up videos on YouTube, but all the guinea pig sneezes on there are much louder and none of them really match. Other than that they’re just beginning to run around and get used to me, eating, drinking, etc. I haven’t picked them up yet to get a close look at their nose, eyes, but from a short distance they look okay. This is really stressing me out so anything reassuring(ish) would be appreciated.

^-^

It is more likely that you are hearing mild teeth chatter, which is is not quite unusual with new guinea pigs sorting out their hierarchy and getting to know each other.

You may find our information bundle for new guinea pig owners helpful in settling them in:
" Starter Kit" Of Information Threads For New Owners

 

[BasicPiper]

@Everyone~ Thank you so much! I was wondering if anyone happens to know a video or sound file of a guinea pig doing that sound so I can compare it to mine. Also they do it pretty frequently, is that normal too?