guinea pigs and colds?

[mtemm]

I'm so sad, but I think our guinea pig is sick. we just got him a week ago yesterday, and he was such a vibrant, vocal, and sweet little guy, but the last couple of days something has changed. he's still eating/drinking, but definitely not as active and doesn't seem to be vocalizing at all. no more bubbling noises.

he is making this strange sort of clicking sound that the guy at the pet store said might be resperatory, and has sneezed a couple of times. he couldn't offer me any suggestions other than to try up his vitamin C.

his eyes are clear, and can find nothing else wrong or off except for the noises and lack-thereof, the handful of sneezes, and the reduced activity. other than take him to a vet (can't get there today even if we could go), is there anything else anyone can think of?

he's probably about 2-3 months old, just a little guy, and so sweet.

 

[disney1990]

Did you try calling your vet for suggestions? Colds and respiratory infections are a big problem for Guinea Pigs. That is why we always have a heating pad on low under the cage during the winter months -- our house just isn't warm enough.

 

[glitterkittyy]

I'm so sad, but I think our guinea pig is sick. we just got him a week ago yesterday, and he was such a vibrant, vocal, and sweet little guy, but the last couple of days something has changed. he's still eating/drinking, but definitely not as active and doesn't seem to be vocalizing at all. no more bubbling noises.

he is making this strange sort of clicking sound that the guy at the pet store said might be resperatory, and has sneezed a couple of times. he couldn't offer me any suggestions other than to try up his vitamin C.

his eyes are clear, and can find nothing else wrong or off except for the noises and lack-thereof, the handful of sneezes, and the reduced activity. other than take him to a vet (can't get there today even if we could go), is there anything else anyone can think of?

he's probably about 2-3 months old, just a little guy, and so sweet.

The clicking noise could be respiratory issues or it could be it's teeth. Can you tell where the sound is coming from?

If your little guy has a cold, until you can get him to a vet, here's what I'd do:

*move him away from window, doors or anywhere there could be a draft
*put extra bedding to line his/her cage so he can burrow down
*Let your pet recover before you let him/her out of the cage to be handled/played with
*Try giving him some alfalfa. GPs love it, and it's good for him. He might just squeal in delight!

If it's a cold, he should be back to normal in around 3-5 days.
If it's a respiratory issue, though, he'll need to be seen by a vet ASAP for treatment!!