Piggy sneezing

[dgchick29]

I am a new guinea pig owner. I made my first mistake, of buying 2 from my local Petco. When I decided I wanted one, for some reason, that's the first thing that popped into my mind. The 2 I bought seem to be in great condition. Both have wonderful, healthy coats,clear eyes, nice weight. But the smallest of the 2 has been doing this weird sneezing thing. I don't know if it's actually sneezing, moreso like it sounds like she's clearing her nose. She does this all day long. She's very vivacious and energetic and appears to be healthy. Has anyone had any problems with their piggies doing this? I thought maybe she was allergic to the bedding petco used, but she does it with the Kaytee Clean N Cozy soft paperish brand I bought.

[Teebers]

It could be an early sign of an upper respiratory infection - any discharge from the eyes or nose seen? I would advise a vet visit if any other signs of illness develop or you are concerned at all.

[3piggles]

I totally agree with Teebers about the vet visit. A regular office visit isn't usually too expensive, and especially since they are pet store pigs, it's great to have them both checked. Use an 'exotics' vet, as vets specializing in dogs and cats know little about guinea pigs.

If the vet finds nothing, the sneezing could be any number of things, from allergy to something stuck in her nasal passage, to an idiosyncrasy. I had a pig who popper her nasal membranes. Took the vet forever to figure out what she was doing, and we figure she liked the sound! Please let us know what the vet says!

[jolovespiggies]

A very warm welcome love, I hope little one gets better soon. Please keep us posted.

Hugs

JO xx

[dgchick29]

Hi guys. Update here. I took both pigs to the vet last week. Both have upper respitory infections the vet said it was probablt from them being kept in unventilated/unsanitary cages at petco. I have beaten myself up over choosing pigs from such a place. But have gained some comfort in knowing I did these guys a favor by getting them out of there. So theyve been on antibiotics and seem to be coming along just fine. I was told I bought 2 females. Not the case! One is one isnt! And if that isnt bad enough... the vet confirmed Furby very well could be pregnant. We are just waiting to see now. My first piggy exxperience hasnt been exactly ideal...but I feel good about having them in our lives. They really bring tons of joy

[3piggles]

Sorry you had to get the full Petco treatment. I hope you get some healthy babies so you can get a herd. You can get one of the boars neutered as the herd boar, and have quite a great herd.

If the pigs are taking Baytril, it is a heavy duty drug that kills all the bacteria, good and bad. Get them some Bene bac from the small pet aisle at Petco. It's a probiotic, and will provide some good bacteria to help the pigs digest food. Different probiotics for different animals, so buy the one for small furries.

Good luck!

[jolovespiggies]

I am so sorry to hear this sweetie and yes, you have indeed given a gorgeous home to piggies in need.

I hope they get better soon, please keep us up to date.

Hugs

JO xx

[dd]

Hope they get better!

[margaret6]

Hi my piggies never sneeze so sorry no advice. Worth getting vet to check, because you don,t know how they were cared for before you brought them home. Is Petco like a pet shop? We don't have a Petco in Scotland. Hope she's better soon.