Can guinea pigs catch respiratory illness from humans? Or any other ilnesses for that matter?

Question

It makes my daughter very sad to not be able to play with the pig when she is sick b/c her Dad thinks it will get the pig sick.

Answer 1

Any bird, reptile, amphibian, or small animal can carry viral, parasitic, fungal, and bacterial diseases contagious to humans.

Zoonotic diseases are those that are transferable between human and animal. There are some mutations of viruses that are not contagious and are species specific, but it is not at all uncommon for illnesses to be mistaken for other things. For example, rodents are carries of salmonella and Giardia. When a human becomes infected with these bacteria, it presents as flu like symptoms that most people treat at home. It isn't until the infection becomes severe that most people see a doctor and are properly diagnosed.

So, yeah, I would keep her away from the G. Pig unless your doctor says that whatever she has is not Zoonotic and there is no chance of her having two things at once. Only your doctor can diagnose. You should always mention you have small pets to your doctor when being treated for illness.

Always wash your hand before and after handling a small pet or anything the pet has been in contact with. Peoples with compromised immune systems such as the very young, the elderly, peoples underoging chemotherapy, or those with HIV or AIDS should not handle small pets.

And this comes straight from the back of the PetSmart legally binding written by veterinarians sales contract. Also, last time I was at my vet I read pamphlets on Giardia, Salmonella, and Zoonotic diseases.

Things that are contagious to humans: Giardia, Salmonella, Chlymedia (psiiticosis), ring worm. E. Coli is present in us, but not on birds, so kissing them makes THEM sick from US.

Lice is an example of something that is species specific. Humans cannot get rat lice. That info courtesy of my vet when I saw them cuddling a rat with lice.

Hope that helps! Talk to your doctor and your vet!

Answer 2

Most viruses from humans are not contagious to other animals, but humans can be carriers. I imagine bacterial infections of some sorts can also be transferable back and forth between humans and pets such as guinea pigs.
I would side with Dad, to be on the safe side. As we do not know for sure when the child may have a mix of viral or bacterial opportunities on her hands.

If she wants to play with the pet, I would have her wear a mask, and wash her hands before and after. Keeping the mask on keeps her from touching her mouth and nose while playing with the pet. Then a close eye on the touching of the eyes or your daughter would be a necessary instruction and supervision.

Answer 3

Many rodents can contract things from us, regarding respiratory problems in particular. And when rodents get respiratory infections, it can be very serious if not fatal. Common colds are not contagious, but for instance, the strep virus and influenza are. And often it's not easy to know if you have a cold or strep or the flu. Your best bet is for anything who knows they are sick to stay away from your guinea pig. Hands should always be washed well. I also discourage people kissing their rodents, as often you can infect them before you know they are coming down with something, and at least in Chinchillas, the Herpes virus can and usually does, kill. Just things to think about when in contact with your rodents.

Answer 4

Human rhinoviruses (cold viruses) cannot infect guinea pigs, but I've been told that some forms of influenza and coronaviruses can affect both species. Best to play it safe because the symptoms tend to be similar.

Answer 5

I don't know if a human can transfer illness to a guinea pig. I do know that guinea pigs can get a form of pneumonia from breathing in ammonia fumes from their own urine if you don't keep the cage very, very clean.

Answer 6

YES! Guinea pigs are VERY prone to respiratory infections so please, even if it makes your daughter sad don't let her come in contact with the pig until she is fully recovered. Just explain to her what could happen if she did play with the piggy and I think she would understand.

Answer 7

Contrary to popular belief, guinea pigs do not catch colds; the cold and flu in humans are caused by viruses.

Answer 8

They absolutely can but if it isn't serious I wouldn't worry about the GP catching anything life-threatening...

Good luck!

Answer 9

I don't know but i know dogs can get the flu if their owners have it

Answer 10

I am pretty sure they can not...