Guinea Pig Allergies

[Tony9302]

Hi guys, so I was just wondering if it’s possible that my guinea pig could be allergic to guineadad fleece liner, because she is sneezing more than she is supposed to and there are no signs of a URI. Does anyone else have this same issue?

 

[Bradshaw Piggies]

Have you had her checked over by a vet if you are concerned?

It could possibly be the fleece (though I've not come across it before). Perhaps have a change to something else and see if she improves?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi guys, so I was just wondering if it’s possible that my guinea pig could be allergic to guineadad fleece liner, because she is sneezing more than she is supposed to and there are no signs of a URI. Does anyone else have this same issue?

Hi!

True allergies in guinea pigs are thankfully rare but they can be sensitive to a whole range of things, not just their bedding, hay or house dust or pollen. To my knowledge, fleece does not cause sensitivities in the airways.
Here are other possibilities: Irritants to Avoid Around Guinea Pigs
It is always a process of trial and elimination.

Please discuss with your vet if there is the least doubt that the sneezing could be due to URI.

 

[Tony9302]

Hi!

True allergies in guinea pigs are thankfully rare but they can be sensitive to a whole range of things, not just their bedding, hay or house dust or pollen. To my knowledge, fleece does not cause sensitivities in the airways.
Here are other possibilities: Irritants to Avoid Around Guinea Pigs
It is always a process of trial and elimination.

Please discuss with your vet if there is the least doubt that the sneezing could be due to URI.

Yeah I’ve set an appointment with the vet. But I highly doubt it’s a URI. Thanks for the help. I spent 100 dollars on two guinea dad liners I really don’t want to have to return them.

 

[Wiebke]

Yeah I’ve set an appointment with the vet. But I highly doubt it’s a URI. Thanks for the help. I spent 100 dollars on two guinea dad liners I really don’t want to have to return them.

We haven't come across any fleece related allergies in 15 years on this forum and quite literally tens of thousands of piggies passing through here.

Just sneezing is more likely an environmental issue but you need to close out the potentially fatal/permanently damaging URI angle first.

 

[rp1993]

Are you washing them in non bio laundry powder, I made the mistake of using scented when we first got fleece liners and that made them sneeze a lot!

 

[Tony9302]

Are you washing them in non bio laundry powder, I made the mistake of using scented when we first got fleece liners and that made them sneeze a lot!

No I make sure to use unscented detergent, and distilled vinegar as a fabric softener. I just got my two young guinea pigs about 2 weeks ago. But I’ve done a lot of research before I got them on what I should be doing. So I made sure I watched the tutorials on washing the liners. I also use western Timothy hay, and oxbow pellets. Idk what else could he causing it. Maybe an open window because it’s spring time and pollen is in the air?

 

[Wiebke]

No I make sure to use unscented detergent, and distilled vinegar as a fabric softener. I just got my two young guinea pigs about 2 weeks ago. But I’ve done a lot of research before I got them on what I should be doing. So I made sure I watched the tutorials on washing the liners. I also use western Timothy hay, and oxbow pellets. Idk what else could he causing it. Maybe an open window because it’s spring time and pollen is in the air?

Please be aware that most pet shop piggies in the USA come from commercial mass breeders in comparatively sterile conditions. We are getting lots of threads about sneezing new piggies from worried new owners (largely from the USA) because they are reacting to a much more complex new environment in a normal pet home which may take them a few weeks to adapt to.

 

[Tony9302]

Please be aware that most pet shop piggies in the USA come from commercial mass breeders in comparatively sterile conditions. We are getting lots of threads about sneezing new piggies from worried new owners (largely from the USA) because they are reacting to a much more complex new environment in a normal pet home which may take them a few weeks to adapt to.

Oh okay I understand. Thank you