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My guinea pig has a clicking sound when breathing. Is it an URI?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Female

Hi Dr this evening I have noticed that my guinea pig has a clicking sound when she is breathing and I know this is a sign of an URI but this is the only sign she has what do you think

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 11th, 2018

I am sorry to hear about Biscuit. I would be concerned about an upper respiratory infection with this noise you describe. Sometimes we can have mild symptoms at first which then progress as infection worsens. I would recommend having her examined by a vet. In the meantime, you can give her a steam treatment by putting her in the bathroom while you run a steam shower for 10 minutes a few times a day or placing a humidifier in her room. You can also place her on paper bedding or fleece bedding to decrease respiratory irritants/dust and ensure the cage is staying very clean to decrease ammonia exposure which can irritate the respiratory tract.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 8th, 2018
Hello,

Yes, this is cause for concern for a URI. I would recommend taking them both in for vet checks, where they will likely recommend that each of them takes a course of antibiotics.

I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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