Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My new guinea pig is sneezing. Is this a sign of illness or normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Guinea Pig | Male

Why is my guinea pig sneezing? He lives in the basement because unfortunately that is my room. I just got him today he is ten weeks old and he keeps sneezing and I'm worried

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on February 29th, 2020

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 30th, 2017
Congratulations on your new pet! Sneezing in guinea pigs can be normal, but if you believe that he is having trouble breathing, he should be seen by a vet immediately. This symptom can be caused by infections or stress from the new environment. I recommend keeping a close eye on Atlas and having him seen by a vet if this continues.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM
Veterinarian
Published on August 1st, 2018
Thanks for your question about Boog. You are correct - this could be a respiratory infection, especially with it persisting for a while since you acquired him. Sometimes the stress of being in a new environment and home can be enough to bring on an infection. I would recommend having him evaluated by a veterinarian, and they can perform a thorough physical examination of Boog. Depending on what they find, they may recommend diagnostic testing or treatments for him.
I hope that helps to answer your question, and good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Todd Cecil
Veterinarian
Published on January 3rd, 2019
Thanks for reaching out about Fluff. A respiratory infection (possible pneumonia) can cause weakness and nasal discharge (sneezing). Heart and dental diseases are also fairly common in quinea pigs. If the clinical signs recur, a veterinary visit is recommended for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Good luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My guinea pig is sneezing. Is this normal or a sign of illness?

Your guinea pig should not sneeze at all.Sneezing is a sign that there is something in the upper respiratory system that does not belong there. This could be dust, a foreign body or excess mucus or pus. This could mean a broken through abscess or an upper respiratory infection. Make sure her bedding is dust free and observe her for a day or two after changing to dust free bedding and dust free hay (you can wash the hay and feed a small portion at a time....remove what is not eaten after a few hours). If she still keeps sneezing she will need to be seen by a veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My guinea pig is sighing often. Is this normal or a health concern?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My new baby guinea pig sneezes. Is it normal or needs a vet?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 2-month-old guinea pig sneezes a lot but seems healthy. Is he sick?

Change out the bedding to see if that decreases the sneezing. Avoid using cologne, perfume or scented soaps or lotions before handling. Monitor for discharge, difficulty breathing, rasping or cracking sounds while breathing, lethargy or a decrease in appetite. See your veterinarian if the sneezing worsens or if Duke develops any of the above symptoms.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My guinea pig is sneezing and acting strange after bath. Is it sick?

Thanks for reaching out about Jerry. Sneezing is often an indication of an upper respiratory infection/inflammation, but dental disease should also be considered. With this behavior, a veterinary visit is recommended as soon as possible. Possibly something stuck in its mouth. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My guinea pig is sneezing. How do I stop it and keep the cage fresh?

If your guinea pig is sneezing it could be an indication of an upper respiratory tract infection. These can lead to pneumonia fairly quickly which can be life threatening in guinea pigs. If she is sneezing consistently I would recommend taking her in to see the vet so she can be started on some antibiotics. If the sneezing is just occasional then keep an eye on her to make sure it does not get worse. As far as the smell, all you can do is keep the cage in a well ventilated area, change the bedding frequently like you are doing and bathe your guinea pigs if they start to become smelly. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My guinea pig is sneezing and wheezing. Is it a respiratory infection?

Hi there, I'm sure you are concerned about Bam. Thankfully it is good news that he is still eating well as often when seriously ill GPs will go off their food. If this does occur then treat the situation as an emergency. Sneezing and wheezing coukd be indicative of a respiratory infection. Such are fairly common but can be serious. I would get Bam to an experienced vet asap as infections require prompt treatment; they do tend to respond very well. Alternatively, sneezing could be due to dust in bedding, allergies or even nasal mites. Again a trip to the vet should help shed some light. Consider the housing and environment, for example, bedding materisl, draughts and similar. Best of luck with Bam.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share