1BA78B20-E125-43FB-8B1A-B08CEE25B6BF.jpeg, FD13B07B-A756-48A0-A6CA-1E5E694F388D.jpeg. ,fleece as beding. Allergies to Timothy grass hay are very common. There are very few known cases of severe allergic reactions to guinea pigs. I saw a vet but it seems that they are giving her only antibiotics which . Sources: Care of Guinea Pigs, Rhinitis or Sinusitis, Allergic conjunctivitis in guinea pigs, Asthma in guinea pigs, Allergic Contact Dermatitis in the Guinea Pig. Shall we? Although not all guinea pigs have a problem with pine shaving; however, with lots of better bedding options available in the market, it is best to avoid using it entirely. The allergy is caused by a protein in the animal's skin, fur, and saliva. Its not just an allergen, but it can irritate your piggies respiratory system and make them more susceptible to infection. Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre. Much like humans, guinea pigs are sensitive to certain kinds of food ingredients & common environmental allergens. According to the humane society these allergies are a reaction to proteins in the animal's saliva and urine. Often when guinea pig owners see certain signs like watery eyes, red skin, sneezing or discharge from the nose, etc. Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal membrane, and sinusitis is the inflammation of the air-filled spaces surrounding of the sinus cavity of your guinea pigs. Its also essential to continue monitoring your guinea pigs behavior and symptoms and consult with your veterinarian if you notice any changes. You are using an out of date browser. It would be best if you got a new pellet for your guinea pigs. The best and safest option for guinea pig bedding would be to utilize bedding made of cloth so that you are able to clean and launder them and keep them sanitary. Can Guinea Pigs Cause Allergies? - Online Guinea Pig Care recommendation of the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention. If youre trying to use scented products in your home to get rid of things like odor, we recommend using air purifiers instead. JavaScript is disabled. fresh grass from the lawn, garden, or backyard. Clean your air ducts and cover regularly to remove dust. I am a qualified Animal Nutrition. You need to offer hay that will be ingested and chewed on throughout the day. Wipe clean after cleaning or handling activities. Lightly mist the hay with a spray bottle to keep the dust level low. Certain kinds of fruits can lead to mouth sore and diarrhea as well. Also, be careful while getting pellets as you dont want the ingredients, as mentioned earlier, in high quantities in your guinea pigs food. It is often thought that hair or dander is the cause of allergies, however this is not the cause . If you have recently got a new bag of hay and you notice specific allergies symptoms in your guinea pigs, then there are a few ways to deal with it without wasting the hay. Did you introduce a new food in the past few weeks that is causing allergies recently? They can help you identify the root cause of the problem and provide the necessary care and treatment to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'tinypettales_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_3',143,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinypettales_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); In conclusion, allergies in guinea pigs can cause a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, itching, difficulty breathing, bald patches, and watery eyes. Alfalfa grass is a delicious and wonderful choice for guinea pig owners. See you next time! It makes an excellent occasional treat but shouldnt be the main hay unless advised by a veterinarian. Sometimes a guinea pig can also be allergic to a particular brand of pellets that includes some elements that dont suit your guinea pigs. Once I puted back hay, in two hours he was misserable. #1 We took our cat and two guinea pigs to the vets. Your vet may prescribe some medicine and treatment according to the cause discovered. There are many ways to see an allergy in guinea pigs. How to keep life interesting for your guinea pig! When holding your guinea pig, wear cotton gloves if necessary. And what can we do to keep them Shetland sheepdogs do very well with cats and other household pets. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Grass Instead Of Hay. Two years ago we got 2 guinea pigs, mostly as a gift to my daughter. Foxgloves, Poppies, Bindweed are the type of plants that are poisonous to guinea pigs. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Guinea pigs can get allergic to a certain kind of food ingredients, cleaning products, strong scent, fumes, mites, and fleas. I think the doctor told me to get lucerne hay because its higher in nutrients and my piggy lost weight, he barely eats vegetables. Recognizing the symptoms of allergies in guinea pigs and seeking veterinary care is essential to ensure your pets health and well-being. I tried also cotton as bedding, i thought it might be fleece but nothing changed. Reducing the surfaces in the room will reduce the dust collectors -- shelving and such. Why Is My Guinea Pig Always Hungry? Allergic to Guinea Pigs (How to Find Out, Treatment & FAQs) The same with dust or . Try coating the inside of your nostrils with Coconut Oil to stop airborne particles from attacking the sensitive lining of your nose. Pine bedding and aspen bedding are notoriously dusty bedding options for guinea pigs. There are various signs of food allergies in guinea pigs. It is important to always keep bedding clean and never allow guinea pigs to exist in a filthy environment. (well more like very large zucchinis). The basic allergy symptoms include sneezing, coughing, runny nose, irritated eyes, and wheezing. Lets dive into whether or not your guinea pig can be allergic to Timothy Hay and what to do if they are. Every type of hay has a point of origin or a name specific to it. This time I will not listen my vet., I will mix it for a few weeks only, then put him on oat hay. Can Your Guinea Pig Be Allergic to Hay? (What You Need to Know) Making sure that your guinea pigs have a safe, sanitary cage is one the best and easiest ways to extend their lifespan. This comment was from a different forum many What are the signs? I have been reading this group since I got my 2 guinea pigs. I just decided to make an account here because I'm desperate to save my piggy. Is green oat well or is it too short? What kind of bugs does my pig have? I use to vacuum clean the hay, there is no dust anymore. Some of the illnesses transmitted by guinea pigs and other rodents are entirely preventable by maintaining proper hygiene but it is hard to do that with very young kids. There are a few things to look out for when trying to understand your guinea pig's symptoms and finding what their bodies are reacting to. It is important to note that hay allergies in guinea pigs are not always immediate. Else ask the vet to suggest a well-balanced diet and then slowly transitioning towards that. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. (I personally use Levoit Air Purifier). Now, let us learn more about all the different types of allergies in detail. This year though got worse and the lung doctor said lungs look fine, just inflamed. It helps by containing all the hay, and thus less of dust gets spread around your guinea pigs. Can My Guinea Pig Be Allergic To Timothy Hay? {What Are - HomePetHelp Change in skin, rashes and labored breathing. But how true is it? a bacterial or viral infection mostly causes the infectious ones. Most sneezing from cavies is due to dust from feed or other guinea pig supplies like bedding. Hello, I am Mohini, the founder of this blog. In some cases, your guinea pig may show discomfort or a distaste to timothy hay. What are Guinea Pigs Allergic to? - PetHelpful The drawbacks are that it does not control odors, and it will mold when wet. However, since meadow hay is a mix, it is difficult to determine a consistent nutritional profile. The allergenic potential of guinea pigs is rather high, which is becoming more evident as these pets are gaining popularity in many countries, especially among families with young children. It's more common for guinea pigs to be allergic to the dust found in hay. Preventing allergies in guinea pigs is also crucial, and following some simple steps such as using safe bedding, maintaining proper ventilation, and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the risk of allergies in your pet. Dust from litter or . Hay and wood shavings can also cause allergies. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Can guinea-pigs be allergic to hay/sawdust? Manage Settings You never have to worry about refilling, and if you are allergic to hay, youll never have to touch it directly and suffer from allergies yourself. The same applies to guinea pigs as well. However, guinea pig allergies are rare, especially when it comes to hay, as this is their primary food source. Why shouldnt you replace hay with other alternatives? Hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors are easier to keep clean. It is also good to bring them to a vet to get a professional opinion and advice. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Conjunctivitis is another common health issue that is caused by an allergic reaction in guinea pigs. Allergies occur when a guinea pigs immune system reacts abnormally to a substance that is harmless to most other animals. How to own guinea pigs even if you're allergic - GuineaDad What Are Common Things Guinea Pigs Are Allergic To? Use lint rollers for any cushioned surfaces your guinea pig spends time on. You may not realize it, but guinea pig allergies are actually quite common. I bought an air filter but it doesn't seem to do much, I'm currently on antihistamines and cortisol sprays but this can't last forever. Its important for you as a piggy parent to stay observant and vigilant when taking care of your guinea pigs because you dont want to keep exposing them to things that can jeopardize their health or make them uncomfortable! Recommended For You Mama Orangutan Breaks Into Guy's House in . While they are fantastic for dental health, they shouldnt be the main food source. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 1. can be terrible for our guinea pigs. In most cases, the guinea pig owners are unaware of the diet and environment their guinea pigs have come from. PDF Care of Guinea Pigs - Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine I have been reading this group since I got my 2 guinea pigs. Rhinitis, which is characterized by a stuffy, runny nose. Ill order better oat hay. (Causes, Signs & Remedies), Why Is My Guinea Pig Coughing? This is a good enough reason to reconsider the kind of bedding that you use. Guinea pigs health can go from good to worse in a matter of a day. Meadow hay is a mix of blades of grass, flowers, and plants. Dealing with hay allergies For hay allergies, we recommend trying not to handle the hay yourself and to have someone else do it if possible. Keep objects that could accumulate animal dander and fur, such as toys or books, in a container or covered. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Copyright 2023 Little Pets Realm | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Top 5 alternative foods to hay for guinea pigs. Yes. There are routines that could reduce the amount of allergen in your home. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We at Guineapig101.com try to provide you with the most accurate and updated information. If you think your guinea pig is allergic to Timothy Hay, switch to an alternative and see if the health issues continue. We have a post on respiratory infections, which lists the dangers to your guinea pig if theyre infected, as well as treatment options and how to prevent it. It is possible for guinea pigs to be allergic to hay and sawdust. Are you thinkingCan My Guinea Pig Be Allergic To Timothy Hay? Your email address will not be published. Guinea pigs should eat mostly hay; about 70-80% of their diet should be hay. What symptoms did he have to show he was allergic to hay? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tinypettales_com-portrait-1','ezslot_24',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinypettales_com-portrait-1-0');By observing your guinea pigs behavior, ruling out other health issues, conducting allergy testing, using an elimination diet, and trying different approaches, you can identify the allergen and help your furry friend stay healthy and happy. They are easy to clean and reusable as well. The fur itself rarely causes allergies, so it does not matter if your guinea pig has long or short fur. If you have just brought your new guinea pig home, you must ask the previous owners regarding their past diet and start with the same. Most types of guinea pig hay and guinea pig bedding produce dust. Major guinea pig allergens include: dander urine saliva fur (In Pain, Hungry, Attention). One of the most enjoyable parts of owning a guinea pig is watching them munch down on vegetables. Your veterinarian may recommend a combination of these treatment options to provide the best possible care for your furry friend. As weird as it sounds, he's allergic to hay! Make sure your guinea pig receives plenty of vitamin C as they are known to be deficient in this vital source of nutrition. Can You Be Allergic to Guinea Pigs? - Nahf These are the primary factor that affects the amount of dust hay produces when being handled. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact an experienced veterinarian immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: Asthma, which is a respiratory reaction that causes difficulty in breathing. It's time-consuming and may not be 100% effective, but it can help. | Guinea Pig Cages My 6 month old abby has to be allergic to hay..she's not on saw dust,just fleece..I use free clear when washing her fleece.I took her hay out of her cage. Identifying the cause of food allergy can be a daunting process for most guinea pig owners. The dust in bedding causes bronchitis in guinea pigs or asthma symptoms in extreme circumstances. Top 5 alternative foods to hay for guinea pigs 1. HELP NEEDED! A URI or upper respiratory infection can take over quickly, leaving your guinea pig unable to breathe. Hay makes up 80% of your guinea pigs diet. It is more likely that someone may have an adverse reaction such as a rash or irritation when coming into contact with the fur or saliva of a guinea pig, or inhaling allergens from bedding or hay. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The studies that are available, however, suggest that allergies to these pet rodents are similar to those caused by cats and dogs. {What Are The Risks Involved? Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf if you do not have a mask available. Advice - Allergies! What can you do? | Guinea Pig Cages If you want to switch from Timothy Hay, there are many alternatives. As a responsible pet owner, it is essential to understand the signs and symptoms of hay allergies in guinea pigs to provide the necessary care and treatment. Understanding the root cause of the allergy can help you provide the best possible care and treatment for your furry friend. Yes, guinea pigs can be allergic to pine bedding for sure. October 27, 2022 Humans have allergies, cats have allergies, dogs have allergies, but do guinea pigs have allergies? I did this for a week but I got him very stressed and the vet told me to stop, he got shots instead. Soiled bedding often causes ammonia buildup due to stool and poop lying around the cage. Some guinea pig owners also compliant that their guinea pig is allergic to hay, but the actual culprit is the dust in the hay. Its more calcium and phosphorus rich than alfalfa hay and is recommended to most guinea pigs. This coincided with corona times, staying more in the house etc. Yes, guinea pigs can be allergic to pellets sometimes; however, in most cases, that is due to the fault of the owner itself. If this is the case, youll need to find alternative hay. Timothy hay is also known as cats tail. Can pigs be allergic to timothy hay? - Guinea Pig Cages Just like human beings, there can be many other factors or allergens that can lead to an allergic reaction in guinea pigs. You can have several on hand to rotate them out and ensure that your guinea pig has clean bedding at all times. Five of those are lipocalins and cav p5 serum albumin. Switch Hays 3. Try different brands or kinds of hay. I am Simona Pavlovic and I work with a fabulous group of professionals dedicated to animal welfare. Try to eliminate any newly added vegetable, fruit, or pellets to begin with. Rodent pets include mice, gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs. With proper care and attention, allergies in guinea pigs can be managed effectively, allowing your furry friend to live a happy and healthy life. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made by our readers with no extra cost added to you all! Signs of pet allergy include those common to hay fever, such as sneezing and runny nose. Can guinea pigs and hamsters live together. I am here to help everyone understand their pets better. Hay is the most important part of a guinea pigs diet and digestive health. Guinea Pig Rescue Shelters Throughout The World. So, do puppies get cold easily? It has high calcium levels, and most cavies love the taste. Allergies in guinea pigs are quite common, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including food, dust, and bedding materials. Avoid touching your hands to your eyes. Did you buy your guinea pig at a pet store? Household chemicals, strong smell, fumes, mites & fleas. So I started thinking maybe it's some allergies, I suspected the hay. Do guinea pigs have allergies? - GuineaDad This image helps one appreciate comparative sizes for Are you looking for that perfect bedding? As such, buying a hairless guinea pig won't lead to an absence of allergic reactions. Here is a breakdown of how much hay, pelleted food, and vegetables to give your guinea pig. If you trust the vet, I'd say it's probably hay fever/allergies. How to Reduce Guinea Pig Allergy: 14 Steps (with Pictures) By understanding the symptoms and causes of allergies in guinea pigs, you can help your furry friend stay healthy and happy. In addition to being a natural food source, guinea pigs enjoy tunneling through it, making nests in it and just playing with it. Most of the time, bedding allergy is due to the improper living environment. Yes, guinea pigs can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Pellet food and vegetables are great but should only make up 20-30% of their diet. for allergies, he also told me it lowers his immunity and if he gets an infection hell not survive. Bibi412. Both terms are interchangeably used when referring to guinea pig food. If you're considering getting a guinea pig, it's a good idea to check if you're allergic first by handling one at a pet store or animal adoption . Hay - Guinea pigs allergic to hay? | Guinea Pig Cages Yes they can cause allergies. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. Choosing A Guinea Pig | Guinea Pigs | Guide - Omlet Here are some tips for preventing allergies in guinea pigs: By following these tips, you can help reduce your guinea pigs risk of developing allergies and ensure that they live a healthy and happy life. Thank you very much ! if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'tinypettales_com-netboard-1','ezslot_18',146,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinypettales_com-netboard-1-0'); Remember, if you suspect your guinea pig is suffering from allergies, consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'tinypettales_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_2',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinypettales_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); If you suspect that your guinea pig may have allergies, it is essential to be aware of the symptoms so that you can provide the necessary care and treatment. Its not necessarily that your guinea pigs need to ingest the bedding, but even inhaling the fumes that comes from cedar shavings can be dangerous enough to cause damage. There are no medical tests that your vet can perform to confirm the allergy. When it comes to diseases and allergies, guinea pigs are resilient pets. I'm looking for your advices, what shall I feed him? Some adults and children who are allergic to cats and dogs may tolerate being around rodent pets much better. Fortunately, guinea pigs are NOT allergic to cuteness. The doctor told me to keep him without hay for a night. Hay particles will stick to their hair and can still be transferred to you. You can feed oat hay. Bluegrass hay can replace timothy hay for your guinea pig to enjoy. In fact there are some people who are allergic to piggies. Hay dust can come from your guinea pigs kicking around and running through the hay that is in their cage. This can make it difficult to identify the root cause of the problem. It is similar to human beings, as one human being can be allergic to peanuts while others can eat it with no problem at all. If youre someone that wears pretty strong perfumes or colognes, or if your hand and body lotion that you use is heavily scented, make sure youre keeping an eye on your guinea pigs to make sure that youre not causing any allergic reactions from them. I tried all hays , except oat and lucerne. Learn more about this on our affiliate disclosure. Wear a mask, gloves, and apron when cleaning the cage. Despite this, guinea pigs love . If your guinea pig has trouble breathing, please visit the vet for a diagnosis before the chances of survival are greatly reduced. Yes, it is possible to be allergic to guinea pigs. However, there are a few steps you can take to identify the root cause of your guinea pigs allergy. Wash the apron after each use or change your clothes. Some guinea pig owners notice their furry friends sneezing when they add hay to the cage. Not only are they safer, theyre more convenient for you and your piggy, with less mess as a result. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. After you clean the cage, put the purifier on high for one hour. Managing with Males Loaded 0% - Auto (360p LQ) Hamster Essentials Thankfully, you can easily switch out timothy hay for substitutes like orchard, bluegrass and meadow hay. Thank you for visiting HomePetHelp.com for information regarding guinea pigs and plenty of other pets that we greatly enjoy caring for. Cav p I and Cav p II are two of the most common guinea pig allergies, respectively. Most guinea pig owners often do not understand the cause behind those apparent symptoms, and they believe that nothing is wrong with their guinea pigs. Specifically: 1. When do you need to find an alternative to hay? Orchard Hay differs from Timothy Hay in a few different ways. A Fosterer's Allergy Experience by Laurie Ansberry. Yes, it is a sad truth that guinea pig is not as popular as mainstream pets like dogs and cats. It is less likely to cause an allergic reaction in guinea pigs. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, it is important to seek veterinary care to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tinypettales_com-leader-2','ezslot_4',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinypettales_com-leader-2-0'); Allergies in guinea pigs can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from environmental allergens to certain types of food. There are a few things that are common allergens for guinea pigs! Red & inflamed eyes, Discharge from eyes. However, sometimes hay comes with a lot of dust in it, and that can cause an allergic reaction in guinea pigs. In extremely rare cases exposure can cause anaphylactic shock in people with severe allergic reactions. {Good or Bad Idea? Do guinea pigs have allergies to certain things? Anyway, the doctor agreed with me, hes allergic to hay. Do guinea pigs cause allergies? When guinea pigs are new to the family, the typical assumption is that it's the guinea pigs. I'm Allergic To My Guinea Pigs & Hay Watch on How do I know if I'm allergic to my guinea pig? and has anyone had any experiences with it? Appliances: Try a HEPA air-purifier near the guinea pig's cage. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for guinea pig allergies to help you ensure your furry friend is healthy and happy. Other times youll notice rashes or eczema in guinea pigs. There can be some other factors that can lead to eczema in guinea pigs as well. You might need to change or wash the bedding as per the debris buildup in the cage. Not sure what they found to put asthma diagnostic but I can attach the x ray if its not against the rules of the forum. Just like humans, guinea pigs can develop an allergic reaction to various substances in their environment, and hay is no exception.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'tinypettales_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_22',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinypettales_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'tinypettales_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_23',109,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinypettales_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-109{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. The dust or pollen content in this type of hay may be the reason why you are seeing your guinea pig sneezing, wheezing, scratching or avoiding it altogether. One that is cheap, healthy Where to Put the Cage? You dont want your adult guinea pig to become malnourished or experienced vitamin deficiency. Timothy, Orchard, Meadow and whatever mix. So are the ways to manage the issue. With proper care and treatment, your guinea pig can live a healthy and happy life, even with allergies.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'tinypettales_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_14',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinypettales_com-narrow-sky-1-0'); Preventing allergies in guinea pigs can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to minimize your pets risk. When allergens are released, they are present in the air and on the surfaces of everything in the room. The ammonia buildup can cause respiratory problems and other health issues in guinea pigs. Some of the most common household items or environmental allergen in guinea pigs include: These are some of the most common guinea pig allergens found in a household. Cat allergic to guinea pigs? | The Guinea Pig Forum But all I can find in my country is not that long fibre so it might not be well for his teeth. It is essential to find one capable of meeting your guinea pigs' nutritional needs while avoiding an allergic reaction. (Normal & Abnormal Poop). If your guinea pigs show some apparent signs like sneezing, watery eyes, etc. Here are some of the most common symptoms of allergies in guinea pigs:if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'tinypettales_com-netboard-2','ezslot_19',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tinypettales_com-netboard-2-0'); If you notice any of these symptoms in your guinea pig, it is essential to seek the help of a veterinarian right away. just after serving hay to them, then you should be suspicious towards the hay. The answer is yes. Most guinea pig beddings must be changed in 7-10 days without fail to avoid allergies in guinea pigs.