hives

Question
Hi Emily~I got my adorable piggy about 2 months ago, everything was fine untill a few weaks ago, when I started to find myself breaking up into hives when I touch her, and some times even get a runny nose. My boyfriend doesn't seem to be affected at all, although he spends a lot less time with her to begin with. Could this be just that I'm allergic to her? if so, why was I fine for months before? If it really is allergy, is there any way to deal with this and still keep her? I adore her WAY TOO much to give her away...>< please, any advise would be most greatly appreciated~!!

Answer
Hi Lily,

It seems unusual that you were fine with her for a while, and then have developed an allergy. Think about your general guinea pig keeping duties ... have you changed her diet recently? her bedding? the type of hay you use? have you bathed her?

If you were unaware of an animal allergy before, unless she is long-haired, it is more likely to be you are allergic to do with something to do with her, rather than your actual piggy herself. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your guinea pig. Have a think about the questions I asked and get back to me.

You could always take anti-histamines before coming into contact with your piggy, but this could become quite inconvenient as presumably she lives with you!

I hope you work out the mystery ...

Jenny.