Sneezing GP

Question
Hi, Lorena! Thank you so much for your timely response--in answer to your questions:  The sneezes are occasional ( a few times/hr.) and usually right when we pick him up and hold him (so maybe some of the dust from the litter is the culprit?) When he was taken to the vet by Petco, they were told that he did have an upper respiratory infection and was treated there with the antibiotics.  At that time, he did not have much of an appetite and didn't seem very happy either...currently, he eats like a pig :) and is extremely content providing us with tons of entertainment as he "hops" around is cage.  Anyways, my gut and his actions tell me he's healthy...but since he was sick not that long ago, I though I would post the question.  Thanks for your help...Please let me know if you have anything else to add with this additional information!  

Thanks again,
Kristi
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Followup To
Question -
Hi!  We recently purchased a GP and had to bring him back to the pet store because he was sneezing.  He was treated with antibiotics and we've had him back home for a week--he still seems to be sneezing (we use CareFresh litter) but he has no other obvious symptoms of being ill.  We would appreciate any advice!  Thanks!

Answer -
Kristi --

Well, there are lots of reasons a guinea pig could be sneezing - anything from an allergy to a common respiratory illness to a serious disease.  Let me ask you this first - how often are the sneezes.  Are we talking about frequent sneezes or just the occasional (once or twice an hour) sneeze?  If they are just occasional, I would't worry about it, all guinea pigs sneeze several times a day.  Also, have you tried a litter besides CareFresh?  I know it seems silly, but he may be allergic to it.  It has been treated and may contain something he's allergic to.  Try pine, aspen, or even corn cob (available at your local feed mill).  Or, you could just try putting down a layer of newsprint or an old towel overnight to see if the sneezing reduces when he's not on the CareFresh.

One more thing - you mentioned that you took him to the pet store and that he's now on antibiotics?  I would presume that means he's been to a vet.  What did the vet say was wrong?  That would be your strongest hint about why he's sneezing.

Hope this is helpful.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me again.  Good luck!

Lorena

Answer
Kristi -

It may be that dust from the litter is causing him to sneeze.  My guess would be that you have to "chase" him around the cage a couple of times in order to pick him up?  That would kick up enough dust to bring on a sneeze.  If he seems to be back in full health again, eating, moving, etc., then I wouldn't worry too much about it.  

Hope you have a good time with your new pet, and feel free to contact me again if any more questions arise.  Good luck!

Lorena