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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female | unspayed

What to do if my guinea pig is sneezing? And how do i keep their cage smelling good (i change their bedding frequently)

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 21st, 2017

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!
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 30th, 2019

    Congratulations on adding Mocha to your family. Your ideas are very good and I recommend to use a bedding called Carefresh. Guinea pigs are very sensitive to dust in the bedding. I do recommend to call the pet store. Most small pets have warrantees and they may recommend to have her seen by the veterinarian if she is still under warranty. Certainly if she gets worse, she definitely needs to be seen. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
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 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
Vet Q & A
My guinea pig is sneezing with a crusty nose but acts normal. Vet?
If the crust has any yellowish or green color to it then I would definitely recommend that she see a veterinarian. If it is only clear I would be less concerned. Keeping a very clean cage is important as the ammonia in the urine can be very irritating to the nasal and respiratory tract. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
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
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
Vet Q & A
My new guinea pig is sneezing. Is this a sign of illness or normal?
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.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why is my guinea pig sneezing and has a runny nose for months?
Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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