Problem? Maybe?

[joyceyang09]

My guinea pig keeps making high pitched sniffing noises. He's sniffing but in a really high pitched way. Is that okay? Is there a problem?
Also if it helps he is also shedding a lot(it's about the beginning of summer where I live).
Can anyone help me?
Thanks!

 

[Siikibam]

It’s difficult to go off your observations. If you’re worried, there’s no harm in getting him seen by the vet?

 

[joyceyang09]

Yeah, that's what I'm going to do, but I just wanted to see if anyone knew beforehand

 

[Wiebke]

My guinea pig keeps making high pitched sniffing noises. He's sniffing but in a really high pitched way. Is that okay? Is there a problem?
Also if it helps he is also shedding a lot(it's about the beginning of summer where I live).
Can anyone help me?
Thanks!

Hi!

Airways in guinea pigs are very narrow and small. Guinea pigs are also not much in the mouth breathers so every little obstruction is instantly very dramatically audible. Please accept that we cannot tell you what is the matter just from your description unless you are keen on playing wild guessing games.

See a vet if any nasal sound doesn't go away on its own in a few hours (a minor obstruction being breathed or sneezed out) or if it recurs on a daily basis (could be a sensitivity or dusty hay) or comes in combination with more worrying symptoms like increasing loss of appetite or lethargy.
See a vet promptly if you notice any raspy or crackly breathing (typical for a URI) or breathing with heaving sides or clicking coming from the chest (could be pneumonia and should be seen as soon as possible). I hope that this helps you as a rough guide?

If the shedding is all over the body and there are no new bald patches, then it is most likely seasonal moulting. Some piggies do it more noticeably than others.

Please make sure that your piggies are safe in the summer heat; they can suffer heat exhaustion or stroke. We are trying to each as many owners because we have seen far too many piggies suffering or dying unnecessarily in previous summers. If you have good protection in place, then good on you!
Here is the link to the largest collection of tried and tested tips as well as information for emergencies: Hot Weather Management, Heat Strokes and Fly Strike

 

[joyceyang09]

Thank you! Yes, the sniffing went away and there are no bald patches. I think he's alright for now. But I will call the vet if I think I see anything else.