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What could be wrong with my Guinea Pig / What are signs of sawdust allergy?

S

_Shadow_

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Hello,
Ok so, um, where do I start?

My guinea has been squeaking weirdly, like a wheek, but with a wheezy side. She keeps sneezing, but I haven’t noticed her nose running, or anything coming from her eyes, and I’ve checked her cage and there’s no diarrhoea from what I can see. It’s quite unusual for my guinea pig to be acting like this.

She has sawdust bedding, and meadow hay, and eats PetsAtHome Guinea pig nuggets, if that’s of any use.

We’ve been wondering whether it could be a sawdust allergy, and I’ve been searching all over the web trying to find signs of sawdust allergy, but there’s nothing, only articles on how to deal with their allergies.

I don’t want her to pass right now, as we’ve just lost one, and she’s only a baby (I’m not saying you’d ever want them to die, but you get what I’m saying)

If anyone could give me some advice, it would be much appreciated.

PS: I am British, if that helps.
 
I have never been a fan of sawdust bedding as it is a wee dusty. I like fleece the best. But other beddings can be a paper based bedding or hay bedding. If the sneezing is new and constant you should bring your piggy to the vet. Better safe than sorry! There will probably be more experienced owners coming to help soon but thought just would post some of my input anyway. Hope all turns out okay!
 
Do you mean sawdust, or is it actually woodshavings that you are using? Sawdust should not be used for guinea pigs; opinions are divided on shavings, I used to use them without any problems, but some people don't think they are good for Piggies either.
 
_Shadow_ said:
Hello,
Ok so, um, where do I start?

My guinea has been squeaking weirdly, like a wheek, but with a wheezy side. She keeps sneezing, but I haven’t noticed her nose running, or anything coming from her eyes, and I’ve checked her cage and there’s no diarrhoea from what I can see. It’s quite unusual for my guinea pig to be acting like this.

She has sawdust bedding, and meadow hay, and eats PetsAtHome Guinea pig nuggets, if that’s of any use.

We’ve been wondering whether it could be a sawdust allergy, and I’ve been searching all over the web trying to find signs of sawdust allergy, but there’s nothing, only articles on how to deal with their allergies.

I don’t want her to pass right now, as we’ve just lost one, and she’s only a baby (I’m not saying you’d ever want them to die, but you get what I’m saying)

If anyone could give me some advice, it would be much appreciated.

PS: I am British, if that helps.
Click to expand...

Hi!

Is the wheezing constant, on and off or has it just happened now?

Please have a look at our bedding guide for other bedding options such as fleece. You will also have to consider a hay dust sensitivity, which is much more common than saw dust (which is not the same as the commonly sold wood chippings you get in chain pet shops, by the way).
There is dust extracted hay, but the quality can vary enormously, so you may want to ask for recommendations in the housing or food section.
You may also have to consider cigarette/vaping smoke, air fresheners, scent sticks and dry radiator or air conditioning air that can cause symptoms like you are mentioning.

Bedding For Guinea Pigs - Overview

Please add your country/UK county to your account details (accessed via clicking on your username on the top bar), as we have members from all over the world - which means lots of different brands and very easily confusing advice, not to mentions different climates, backgrounds, access to vets and rescues etc. By having your general area appearing with every post, you allow us tailor any advice and recommendations to what is relevant and available where you are straight away and save everybody time. Thank you!
 
Lots of us use fleece for the floor, also a matteress protector for under the fleece, so no dust. Others towels under the fleece. I think to be safe than sorry pop him along to the vet. To make sure it's nothing more sinister.
Are they indoor piggies.
 
Just to check, have you got any air fresheners or strong scents in the room that could be triggering it? Mine used to sneeze a bit with wood shavings and once i swapped them to fleece it really improved.
 
My Jessie seems to be allergic to wood shavings too, was the only thing that helped when I changed stuff years ago. Went to vet and nothing seemed wrong but she had watery eyes and lots sneezing etc.
They have half fleece/half Finacard and hay and she's been great for five years since I changed it.

Definitely worth a vet trip first but then maybe changing stuff up to see what helps :)
 
I use wood shavings and have never had any problems with it.
Hay dust is a possibility.
Occasionally a piggy will sneeze if it eats too fast. Some are so greedy they seem to inhale their food.
A vet check is always a good idea with any concern.
Welcome to the forum and please can we have pictures
 
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