Is my new guinea pig's huffing normal when held? Should I worry?

This sign might be compatible with a chronic respiratory tract inflammation/infection, even though is quite vague at this stage. My suggestion would be to just monitor him in case you notice any other sign (lethargy, inappetence, coughing, sneezing, any evident discharge from nose and so on). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

I wouldn't say normal. There could be a few conditions happening. I would make sure his teeth are even and there isn't an uneven surface causing discomfort. Oral and respiratory infections can happen which could cause a sore throat which could change the voice. If there are Cedar or Pine shavings for a bedding this can sometimes cause allergies with Guinea Pigs. Also a diet lacking in Vitamin C could be the cause. Always make sure you have the correct husbandry or it's easy for problems to occur. I would recommend keeping a close eye on him and if he is acting abnormal (not eating, drinking, abnormal feces or urinating) then he should visit a local veterinarian. Guinea pigs are very fragile and can look normal one instant then sick in another. Here is a link for proper husbandry of guinea pigs. Https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/guinea-pig-care

Thanks for reaching out about Gizmo. Sneezing can be due to infections, inflammation, dental disease, nasal foreign bodies and more. iI no discharge, try changing the substrate, especially if wood shavings or other dusty material. If discharge from the nostrils, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, Sneezing every once in a while may be normal. I always recommend taking a new pet to the vet for a "baseline" health check. However, if you prefer, you can just watch her for now and take her to the vet if the sneezing becomes more frequent or if she has secretions from eyes/nose. Please make sure that she is not on a powdery substrate. "Cats Best" or similar is ideal.

The sneezing may be due to an infection (bacterial or fungal) or possibly dusty bedding. Since Wilber is "new" to you, an exam with your veterinarian would be recommended to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any pre-existing conditions. Use aspen sgavings or a recycled paper bedding product. Do not use cedar or pine shavings as they can be irritating to Wilber's sensitive nose.

I think is perfectly normal for her to do that (vocalizing may be an actual good sign!) and, by your description of what you are doing, I think you are not doing anything wrong at all! Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like your little guinea pig might be very sick. Guinea pigs should eat and poop continually, and this alone is concerning. Guinea pigs also often get respiratory infections and this could be the cause of her not eating. I recommend having her seen by a vet right away. If you got her from a pet store you might want to ask the pet store if the other guinea pigs have similar signs as this could help with a diagnosis. You should bring her to a vet right away though, as by the time guinea pigs show they are sick, they are very very sick. Prey animals will hide illness until they cannot anymore, so waiting is never a good idea. Best of luck with your little girl, I hope she feels better soon.