As humans, we sneeze pretty often. Sneezes usually occur when particles irritate our nose. We expel air out of our nose in an attempt to get the particles out.
Human sneezes can also be caused by changes in light or temperature as well as more serious issues like colds. From time to time, you may hear your guinea pig sneeze too.
If you are worried about your pet, there are a few things you should know about their sneezes.
Is it ok for a guinea pig to sneeze?
Most of the time, there is nothing wrong with your guinea pig if they sneeze. They sneeze for a lot of the same reasons that people do.
They may have something irritating their nose, or they are reacting to a sudden change in their environment. Sometimes dust particles rest on top of their hay, and they will try to expel the particles by sneezing.
However, if you notice your piggy sneezing a lot, it could be a sign of something more serious. They can have allergies, similar to humans, which cause frequent sneezing.
There are a variety of chemicals and particles that could be the source of their sneezing. If the frequent sneezes happen for extended periods of time, you should talk to your vet.
They can suggest ways to remove allergens from their environment.
If your pig’s sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms, it could be a sign of something more serious. They could have an upper respiratory infection and need veterinary attention as soon as possible, I wrote a step by step guide to help you decide when you should take your cavy to the vet.
If they have any of the following symptoms in addition to sneezing, you should do some more investigating.
- Crackling sounds in their lungs
- Heavier breathing than normal
- Runny eyes and nose
- Closed eyes
- Lethargic
- Wheezing
Most of the time, there is no reason for alarm if your pet is sneezing. The sneezing will stop once they remove the particles from their nose or they are returned to their normal environment, check out my „Before And After Getting Your Puppy” guide to have a better understanding of their likes/dislikes.
If the issue is more serious, your vet can provide medications or humidifying treatments to help them recover.
How many times a day should a guinea pig sneeze?
Guinea pigs can sneeze up to four or five times a day without a cause for concern. If you notice them sneezing on a daily basis, it is time to check their surroundings, including their hay.
They may also sneeze more often after you change out their hay or start using a new kind of hay.
It is also a good idea to check their bedding. If you have not changed their bedding in a while, it could be trapping bacteria or dust as well. The important thing is to understand what is normal for your pet.
If they sneeze a couple of times every day on a regular basis and suddenly start sneezing more frequently, it could be a sign of something more serious. Also, if your pet rarely sneezes and you notice them sneezing every day, you may need to investigate.
Do guinea pigs sneeze when nervous?
Guinea pigs do not typically sneeze when they are nervous. However, a lot of the things that cause them to sneeze can also stress them out and cause them to be nervous. They need a clean and comfortable environment in order to remain calm and healthy.
If you are worried that your piggy is nervous or stressed, you can follow these tips to calm them down.
- Replace their bedding or hay to ensure it is clean
- Make sure their cage is in a quiet place
- Give them some alone time – overstimulation can lead to anxiety
- Feed them at a regular time each day
- Check that they are eating and drinking like normal
- Talk to your piggy in a soothing voice
- Let them smell your hand to get used to your scent
- Hold them gently and pet them
There are a lot of ways to calm a nervous guinea pig. Learn about them and provide the best solution for your pet. They will often react to loud noises, bright lights, and new people with increased nerves.
Can guinea pigs sneeze without being sick?
Yes, guinea pigs can sneeze without being sick. They usually sneeze because of the allergens or dust in their environment. A few sneezes throughout the day are not usually an indication that they are sick or need medical attention.
There are a few common allergens that can cause your pet to sneeze, even if they are not sick. These allergens include the following.
- Air fresheners in your house
- Laundry detergent that you use for their blankets, towels, or play area
- Soap products used on their food bowl or water bottle
- Carpet cleaning products in your home
- Household cleaners that have strong smells
- Your perfume, cologne, or other scented products that come in contact with your pet
Try removing these things from their crate or environment to stop their sneezing. Test each item one at a time and see if it makes a difference. Once you find the source of their sneezing, you can get them back to normal.
How do I know if my guinea pig is cold?
We often associate human sneezes with cold weather or illnesses. While cold weather may not be the source of your piggy’s sneezing, it is still important to make sure they maintain proper body temperature.
A good rule to follow is that if it is too cold for you to be comfortable without a jacket, it is probably too cold for your pet.
Most pet owners do not let their pets be in temperatures less than 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are some ways to check if they are cold, including feeling their ears. If their ears seem unusually cold, they are likely too cold as well. Also, they will fluff up their fur or tuck their legs under their bodies if they are cold.
They sometimes try to bury themselves within their bedding when they are chilly. You may need to provide a warmer environment or cuddle with your pet in a blanket to help them warm up.
Conclusion
As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to take care of them. This includes monitoring your guinea pig’s health and ensuring they are not sick.
They may sneeze from time to time, but it is usually not a sign of a serious health problem. However, if you notice them sneezing more than usual, it may be time to talk to your vet.
Lydia King is a huge animal lover and has always been fascinated with learning about the animal kingdom. She enjoys writing about anything animal related from scientific information about rare species to animal references in pop culture.
