Recent Feedback
I have a guinea pig that sounded like a cough or a sneeze on sunday. he really hasn't been as active or eating as much as he ususally does. Should I keep an eye on him or should I bring him in to get checked out?
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Guinea PigGender: maleAge: 1 yrs Already Tried: giving a new fresh bedding and water and food.
Hi,
Hopefully I can help. Guinea pigs are prone to several diseases of the respiratory system including bordetella or strep infections. Anytime a pig stops eating or shows other signs of illness they should see a vet. They are very sensitive creatures and the sooner they receive vet care and potentially antibiotics the better chance they have of recovering. In the mean time try feeding fresh fruit such as berries or melon to entice him to eat and take in some water from the fruit. Also, I recommend a paper based bedding such as care fresh, not wood chips. Wood chips can make respiratory problems worse for pigs. Good luck with your little guy.
I just had strep throat should i still bring him in to get checked out for it? I am using the carefresh bedding for him now. I read some place that they can't have peanuts. Now is that all types of nuts and peanuts or is just certain kinds? If he did have something with any type of nuts could that be the cause of the coughing or sneezing?
I'm not aware of a major problem with guinea pigs eating nuts. The big problem is too much calcium, so no spinach or alfalfa hay (they are high in calcium). Veggies high in vitamin c are good for them such as red peppers, parsley, and carrots. Respiratory infections can turn into pneumonia very quickly for pigs so I would recommend taking him to see your vet. He probably didn't catch anything from you, there are lots of species of strep.
Experience: Purina Pet Nutrition Award, Member of the AVMA, MVMA and AAHA