Guinea pigs are very popular for first-time pet owners, especially if there are children at home. They are adorable, intelligent, small, and adaptable in most situations. However, like other rodents, they have a survival instinct to conceal their diseases. You may believe your guinea pig is fine because it is acting normally, but it could be sick, and you are unaware of it. In this article, we’ll look at what to do if your guinea pig is wheezing but acting normally.
In guinea pigs, respiratory infections are very common. They can begin as colds in the nose and progress to pneumonia as they reach the lungs. Because guinea pigs are such delicate animals, a simple cough or sneeze can quickly become a major illness. Because they are fragile creatures, it is critical for owners to detect and treat any illness as soon as possible.
What to do if your guinea pig is wheezing but acting normal?
If your guinea pig is wheezing, first listen closely to their breath. Next examine their eyes and nose, and closely monitor their behavior.
Step 1: Listen to your guinea pig breathe.
The first step is to listen to your guinea pig breathe. Your guinea pig may have difficulty breathing if it has a respiratory infection. Wheezing and clicking noises are common symptoms of respiratory issues, as normal guinea pig breathing should be easy and quiet. If your guinea pig has allergies, it may breathe more loudly, but it will most likely not have difficulty breathing.
If you suspect your guinea pig has a respiratory illness, I suggest you give them some of this immune support medicine.
Step 2: Examine your guinea pig’s eyes and nose.
Examine your guinea pig’s eyes and nose next. Respiratory issues, such as allergies or infections, can impact your guinea pig’s eyes and nose. If it has an infection, you may notice a yellow or green discharge from its eyes. The discharge may cause it to appear crusty and red. When your guinea pig sneezes, you may see yellow or green discharge from its nose if it has an infection.
Allergies can also cause a sore nose if the nose becomes itchy and becomes red from rubbing or scratching. It can also cause your guinea pig to develop a clogged nose.
Related: What to do if your guinea pig is choking?
Step 3: Monitor your guinea pig’s behavior.
Finally, monitor your guinea pig’s behavior. Because guinea pigs are prey animals, signs of illness may initially be subtle. A guinea pig may conceal their illness in the early stages of illness. This is why you must be vigilant and closely monitor your guinea pig’s behavior. Are they eating less, or are they not eating at all? Are they acting differently than usual? Is your guinea pig twitching? Are they less social and playful when confined? When determining what is wrong with your pet, it is critical to consider all possible causes.
Respiratory infections in guinea pigs
In general, guinea pigs can contract an infection that causes wheezing in other animals such as dogs. It is frequently caused by bacteria spread by other animals, specifically Bordetella bronchiseptica. As a result, it is always preferable to limit guinea pig interaction with other animals.
You can also give your guinea pig this vitamin supplement to help fight off illness in the future.
I also advise you to wash your hands after handling other animals, such as guinea pigs at pet stores, dogs or cats, and even rabbits. If you or a member of your family is sick, it is best to keep your germs to yourself.
You should also examine the location of your guinea pig’s cage and keep it away from any drafts, open doors, and windows. Wheezing can also be caused by an allergic reaction to wood shavings or bedding, different foods, or other environmental factors. Wheezing can also cause your guinea pig to get puffed up.
What to do if your guinea pig doesn’t stop wheezing
If the wheezing continues, it is best to take your guinea pig to the vet before it causes serious harm. An allergy can also cause wheezing to environmental changes or after undergoing surgery. These should be addressed case-by-case by determining the root cause and initiating treatment as soon as possible.
An appointment with a veterinarian is the best way to treat wheezing in guinea pigs. Respiratory illnesses like wheezing can quickly become fatal for these tiny creatures. Provide your veterinarian with complete information about your guinea pig, such as any recent surgery, changes in food, bedding, environmental conditions, etc.
To determine the cause of the respiratory issue, have an X-Ray or an MRI scan performed, as this will help determine whether you have a respiratory problem or a chest infection. It is also advised that you get a blood test for your guinea pig to see if there are bacteria present and if there are, it can help you identify what kind. Doing so will aid in providing precise medication and eradicating the source of the problem.
Home remedies for a wheezing guinea pig
If a veterinarian is unavailable in your area and emergency treatment is required, look for antibacterial medications such as Baytril or doxycycline. In addition to antibacterial medication, you can give probiotic supplements and curd, increase vitamin C intake, and use a nebulizer if you have one at home.
Conclusion
Wheezing in a guinea pig can be dangerous and annoying for pet parents. However, it is usually treatable if detected and diagnosed early. Even if your guinea pig appears to act normally, it is safer to take it to the vet if you notice it wheezing. Closely monitoring your guinea pig is the best way to keep it healthy. Check that it is eating and defecating, wash your hands before and after handling it, freeze your pet’s bedding and food before using it, and keep it out of drafts. Hopefully, this article helped address the question, “what to do if your guinea pig is wheezing but acting normally.” Good luck!