Whether they’re secretly plotting world domination or just trying to keep cool, your guinea pig always has something to sneeze about. They can’t help it; their little noses are constantly in action.
In addition to being warm and humid, a small cage like a guinea pig is a breeding ground for the viruses and bacteria that can cause an outbreak of conjunctivitis.
When you have a pet with sensitive eyes, frequent sneezing can be an early sign of a more serious issue. The good news? Most cases of conjunctivitis are mild and self-limiting. If you catch your pet at just the right time, you can often quickly resolve their problem with some home remedies.
What Does It Mean If My Guinea Pig Sneezes A Lot?
Conjunctivitis is the medical term for an eye infection caused by viruses or bacteria.
Guinea pigs are susceptible to conjunctivitis because they have tiny, delicate eyes that can easily be damaged by dust and other particles in the air.
They also have a moist environment at home that promotes the breeding of bacteria and viruses. These conditions together make guinea pigs prone to conjunctivitis, which usually manifests as excessive tearing or squinting of their eyes.
If your guinea pig is constantly sneezing and their eyes are red and watery, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet for a check-up.
Not only should you make sure that your little one doesn’t suffer any damage from their constant sneezing, but you should also monitor their weight to make sure that they’re not eating too much hay or munching on dusty surfaces.
Can Guinea Pigs Catch Colds?
Guinea pigs are susceptible to conjunctivitis, which is a frequent cause of sneezing.
Their eyes are also sensitive to chemicals and other environmental irritants. Guinea pigs can get sick from pet food ingredients like onion powder and garlic, which may be present in some types of pet foods.
When your guinea pig is sneezing, it may have conjunctivitis or an upper respiratory infection (URI). If the issue is URI, you should consider supplementing your guinea pig’s diet with vitamin C or zinc.
Another option is antibiotics, but it’s not advised to use them long-term because they may be harmful to your furry friend’s kidneys.
Is My Guinea Pig Sneezing Or Hissing?
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the eyelids. It can cause your guinea pig to be itchy, sneeze, and have watery eyes.
Guinea pigs are also susceptible to other conditions that can lead to these symptoms, such as bacterial infections or viral infections.
The two most common diseases that cause conjunctivitis in guinea pigs are herpes virus 1 (HHV1) and herpes virus 2 (HHV2). In healthy adults, HHV1 does not usually cause disease but it can lead to mild conjunctivitis in guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs with HHV1 usually exhibit a rash on their head and body, inflamed eyelids, poor appetite, lethargy, and small white bumps on the skin around the eyes. In contrast, HHV2 causes more severe conjunctivitis as well as ulceration of the eye and blindness.
If your guinea pig has signs of a bacterial infection such as an inflamed eye or discharge from the nose or eye, you should visit your veterinarian right away for treatment.
Can Guinea Pigs Get Sick From Dirty Cages?
Yes, your guinea pig can get sick from a dirty cage. The most common cause of a dirty cage is diet.
If your guinea pig has access to hay, they’ll likely eat it and get it all over the place.
Next on the list is regular cleaning. Guinea pigs are naturally clean and if you don’t clean their cage regularly, they’ll accumulate a lot of feces and urine in one place which can make for an unpleasant living environment for guinea pigs.
Be sure to change their water daily as well to prevent bacteria from getting into the water supply.
Guinea pigs are also sensitive to temperature changes, so be careful not to accidentally leave their cage door open when you’re not around or put too many toys in their activity area as this could lead to overheating.
If your pet starts sneezing more often or has discharge coming out of their eyes or nose, take them to see a vet immediately for further evaluation.
