Guinea Pig sneezing and shivering

Question
My guinea pig is always sneezing. I just bought him two days ago and since I had him he has always sneezed. He started shivering today. I don't know if that means it is to cold or not though. I don't know how old he is. They didn't tell us on the paper. I read the sneezing good be a respiratory problem.

Answer
Hi Lacey,

Guinea pigs sneeze regularly as they live in hay and woodshavings, so it's usually nothing to worry about.

However, they can suffer from respiratory problems (listen to his breathing; does it sound raspy?), allergies (do you use the same bedding as his previous owner?), and colds (have you noticed any fluid from his eyes or nose?).

As you say you've noticed your boy shivering, he probably has a cold. Treat him like a human with a cold; keep him warm and give him lots of vitamin c (as a supplement in his water, or in brocolii and carrots). Keep an eye on him; if he's off his food, looks puffed up, or develops any other symptoms take him to a specialist small animal or exotic pet vet. Guinea pig colds usually only last a couple of days.

Try changing his bedding to a different brand or type, in case he has an allergy if you don't think he has a cold.

Hope this helps and if you have any other questions - just ask!

Jenny.