Why is my guinea pig wheezing and coughing?
Upper Respiratory Infection/Pneumonia Symptoms include labored and/or rapid breathing, discharge from the eyes and nostrils, lethargy, inappetance, sneezing, and coughing. Upper respiratory infections are commonly seen in newly acquired guinea pigs.
How does a guinea pig get a respiratory infection?
The bacteria are spread by direct contact, aerosolized (airborne) particles, and on contaminated hands or other objects. Infected guinea pigs may be off food, have discharge from the eyes or nose, sneeze, or have trouble breathing.
What should I do if my guinea pig is having trouble breathing?
Listen to your guinea pig breathe. If your guinea pig has a respiratory infection, he may have trouble breathing. Sounds of troubled breathing include wheezing and clicking noises. Normal breathing in a guinea pig should be easy and quiet.
Why does my guinea pig wheeze all the time?
Wheezing is often caused by an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI). They are treatable in guinea pigs with certain antibiotics. This must be a “pig safe” medication, as some can be deadly and your vet should consult a list online if they’re not certain – ASK them to to be sure!
How can I keep my guinea pig from getting sick?
Adequate air circulation is important in preventing respiratory problems in guinea pigs. A wire cage would provide more ventilation than a solid glass cage. Make sure the cage is not in the direct path of a vent or draft — a constant draft of cool air could make your guinea pig sick. [14] Do not overcrowd your guinea pig’s cage.
What kind of respiratory problems does a guinea pig have?
Guinea pigs can get respiratory problems like allergies and respiratory infections. Respiratory infections are very common in guinea pigs. They can start as colds in the nose and turn into pneumonia as they travel down to the lungs.
Why is my guinea pig making a wheezing sound?
Fast or labored breathing can be a signal your guinea pig has an upper respiratory infection, a common ailment among guinea pigs. A clicking or crackling sound from the lungs often accompanies dyspnea, as well as sneezing, wheezing and discharge from the nose and/or eyes.
What to do if Guniea pig sneezes?
Treating guinea pig respiratory infections. If your guinea pig is sneezing and has one or more of the signs above, then get them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. With antibiotics your guinea pig has a fighting chance of making it through this infection. Without them, pneumonia can quickly develop and it can be fatal.
Why is my guinea pig breathing heavy?
Heavy breathing is not normal in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are prone to pneumonia–this is a likely cause of your guinea pig’s problems. Pain, discomfort, anxiety, respiratory disease, or cardiac diseases may also cause heavy breathing. Have your guinea pig examined by a veterinarian if the heavy breathing has continued.
What are signs that your guinea pig is dying?
Infestation of mice in and around the breeding area of guinea pigs can be one of the major causes of Guinea pig deaths. Some of the symptoms can be lack of movement, seizures, onset of lethargy, convulsions, lack of appetite, stroke, etc.
