Also any general advice on caring for a new guinea pig?
2006-09-03 15:11:59 · 13 answers · asked by Rairia 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Does he sneeze constantly? Does he have discharge from his nose and eyes? If he is not doing those things then it is possibly just a change in environment. Keep an eye on him and if does develop discharge or you notice him wheezing when he breathes take him to the vet for antibiotics.
There was good and bad advice posted already. GPs do not get wet tail and are not prone to diarrhea. They DO need fresh fruits and veggies EVERY DAY! Dark greens like romaine lettuce, spinach, parsley, and fruits, like watermelon, apples, pretty much anything you eat, they will eat. Stay away from mushrooms, onions, iceberg lettuce, and potatoes!
Also don't bother with vitamin C supplements that you put in their water. The vitamin C degrades so quickly in the light that they receive no benefit from it and it creates a massive breeding ground for bacteria in their water bottle. It is a waste of money.
When you buy guinea pig pellets, make sure they are GREEN! When they are green they still have all their nutritional value. Also GPs need timothy hay every day to keep their guts moving. They are like horses and need the roughage to stay healthy. This also needs to be green. Just because the store sells it when it is brown does not mean it is ok!
Never use cedar shavings, it reacts with their urine and causes toxic fumes! This will in turn cause respiratory distress.
GPs are also very social animals which they should have told you in the pet store, but of course they don't really know anything at the stores. It is usually best to keep them in pairs, but if you can't, put them in a room where there is a lot of traffic so they can see what is going on and spend a lot of time with them.
Good luck with your new baby!!
Lisa and the Wheeks and Squeaks Guinea Pig Rescue
2006-09-03 19:06:24 · answer #1 · answered by gpiglady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's possible. They are very susceptible to drafts. They get diarrhea easily, and once they do...
Make sure he's out of drafts. Give him something to hide in/under. And make sure you give him guinea pig food, not rabbit food. There's a vitamin C supplement in the g.p. food he needs.
Give him lots of fresh green leafy vegetables, and fruits like apples. He needs his vitamins...C, especially.
Good luck. I love guinea pigs.
2006-09-03 15:15:38 · answer #2 · answered by koolbreeze 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they always sneeze! i wouldn't worry about it unless he's in your basement--then it just might be a little too cold. But my guinea pig sneezed all the time--for eight years.
2006-09-03 15:14:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should check to see if guinea pigs can get wet tail. I had a baby hamster die of that. If that's what it is, he needs to be treated immediately.
2006-09-03 15:17:53 · answer #4 · answered by amyashburn 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the sneezing could be nothing more than just change in environmant. Check the net for info on caring for your pet.
2006-09-03 15:14:38 · answer #5 · answered by whatelks67 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't use cedar shavings. Pine or aspen are better. That is probably why it is sneezing
2006-09-03 15:13:49 · answer #6 · answered by Bill 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have air conditioning on? It could be allergies, or a number of things
2006-09-03 15:15:08 · answer #7 · answered by froggy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably just the change in environment. it could be perfumes, air freshner, detergent u use or if u smoke. he's just sniffing things out.
2006-09-03 15:16:08 · answer #8 · answered by tina12879 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ill or allergic. Good luck.
2006-09-03 15:17:54 · answer #9 · answered by uncledad 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really should take him to the vet asap.
2006-09-03 15:13:08 · answer #10 · answered by Via 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋