Hi, one of my Guinea pigs appears to be allergic to something outdoors and I don’t know what to do

[Milena]

Whenever we put coco outside it will take a few seconds to a few hours for her to start snuffing and getting a runny nose. This happens almost every time we put her out and at first I though she might have gotten a cold but I don’t think so. We took her to the vet first time it happened and she was given antibiotics and got better within a day or two. Now we just wait for it to go away and limit her outdoors time. Does anyone know how I can prevent this or help my piggie because it’s very frustrating to not be able to put her out with Cookie more often

 

[sport_billy]

Whenever we put coco outside it will take a few seconds to a few hours for her to start snuffing and getting a runny nose. This happens almost every time we put her out and at first I though she might have gotten a cold but I don’t think so. We took her to the vet first time it happened and she was given antibiotics and got better within a day or two. Now we just wait for it to go away and limit her outdoors time. Does anyone know how I can prevent this or help my piggie because it’s very frustrating to not be able to put her out with Cookie more often

Sorry to hear this.

If she is allergic to something then i would just knock outside time on the head.... and leave it. While it is nice to be able to do it is not essential as such for their wellbeing.

 

[sport_billy]

you cant really treat allergies to my knowledge in piggies, lets face it, it is hard to do in hoomans!

You sound like a very caring thoughtful owner. Coco is lucky to have you thinking of her

 

[Wiebke]

Whenever we put coco outside it will take a few seconds to a few hours for her to start snuffing and getting a runny nose. This happens almost every time we put her out and at first I though she might have gotten a cold but I don’t think so. We took her to the vet first time it happened and she was given antibiotics and got better within a day or two. Now we just wait for it to go away and limit her outdoors time. Does anyone know how I can prevent this or help my piggie because it’s very frustrating to not be able to put her out with Cookie more often

Hi

Allergies in guinea pigs are thankfully very rare. However, this means unfortunately that if you have got a guinea pig with a real allergy, there isn't really any esptablished medical treatment available. Anything is only happening on a by case improvised level and depends on your vet's assessment and advice.

Unless it is necessary for their survival/major quality of life, I would recommend to just avoid exposing your piggies to the outdoors and rather bring fresh grass and forage indoors and make them work for it. Lawn time is a valuable enrichment but only if it is safe and not detrimental to the health of your piggies.
Fresh Grass and Lawn Time - Tips for Avoiding Spring Time Deaths

Being a hayfever sufferer myself I know just how miserable it can make you.

 

[Milena]

Thanks everyone for your advice

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks everyone for your advice

I wish we had better advice but what you are experiencing is actually very, very rare. We have seen less than a handful of proper allergies in the nearly 20 years this forum has been going and never one like yours.