Why Is My Guinea Pig Coughing?
Just like humans, when a guinea pig coughs, owners should be concerned and alarmed.
The majority of owners frequently question why their guinea pig is coughing. Are they afflicted? Is it an allergic reaction? And it is entirely understandable for Guinea Pig owners to be anxious about this.
This article will provide you with important information regarding the health of your guinea pig. So let’s get this ball rolling!
Why Is Your Guinea Pig Coughing?
Coughing is triggered in guinea pigs by irritation in their windpipe. Strong odours, eating too quickly, foreign particles in the nasal canal, and upper respiratory infection–all of which can be fatal if not treated promptly–could all be possible reasons.
While an occasional cough might be overlooked, persistent coughing requires rapid medical attention.
Coughing from a guinea pig sounds like a brief choking noise. It sounds more like a person coughing but is much shorter.
Occasionally, coughs will be followed by a sneeze or wheezing sound, indicating strained breathing. If this happens, medical attention is immediately required.
Eating Too Fast
If your guinea pig coughs after eating or drinking, it is most likely because they attempted to consume too quickly. If they cough occasionally, especially when eating, don’t be frightened.
However, occasionally, guinea pigs find themselves in a difficult predicament when they gulp a large chunk of food and it becomes lodged in their throat.
Since guinea pigs are unable to vomit, they must eat their food, and as they try to force it down their throats, they produce a coughing sound.
Be aware and cautious of their coughs while eating as It’s best to take them to an urgent vet if they’re struggling to breathe and coughing nonstop after eating.
Something Has Irritated Airway
Coughing can occur as a result of irritation of the windpipe caused by dust, allergens, fumes, odour, and other factors. In Guinea Pigs, this is a protective system for the airway that protects them from predators.
These are most commonly caused by the use of dusty bedding or hay, scented floor cleaners, or fleece detergents, among other things.
If this occurs, the Guinea Pig’s bedding must be changed immediately so that it does not irritate the Guinea Pig’s respiratory tract. Because this source of coughing in guinea pigs isn’t life-threatening, owners shouldn’t be concerned.
Sign of Specific Allergies
Another possible reason for your pig’s excessive coughing is an allergic reaction. A variety of factors could be at blame, including dust in the bedding or air, pollen, or an element in its diet.
The fact that it is usually the result of dust means that it is not something to be concerned about. A lot of coughing in your guinea pig is a cause for concern because it could be an indication of an infection or an allergic reaction.
Consult with your local veterinarian to understand what is causing the allergic reaction and how to make the required adjustments to your diet.
Early Signs of Upper Respiratory Infection
Watch your guinea pig carefully for signs of guinea pig coughing, sniffing, or sneezing, since these could be early indicators of infection.
A little flush discharge from the nose and then a sneeze may occur the next day if an upper respiratory infection progresses fast, as is expected on the first day.
When breathing becomes difficult, pneumonia develops and can result in death within 48 hours.
Because the change from a normal to a serious condition is so swift, it is essential that you consult with a medical professional as soon as you notice symptoms of the disease.
Also read: 8 Disorders and Diseases of Guinea Pigs
Should I Worry If My Guinea Pig Constantly Coughs
If your guinea pigs cough once in a while, you should not be too concerned about it. It is possible that it is caused by an allergy or irritant, just as it is in humans.
If your guinea pig, on the other hand, is frequently coughing and displaying other signs of respiratory disease, you should be concerned about their health.
Tips to Prevent Cough
When it comes to how to get rid of cough in guinea pigs, the reason for it is important. In this case, if the cough is caused by eating or drinking, there isn’t much we can do about it.
- You shouldn’t be too worried about this. Then again, there are a few things you can do to keep coughs at bay and get rid of them.
- Clean the cage every day: Cleaning the cage every day can help keep waste such as ammonia from building up, which can cause guinea pigs to have respiratory problems.
- You need to use good-quality bedding and food to keep your health in check. If the bedding isn’t very absorbent, then guinea pigs might stay wet for a long time.
- Using scented floor cleansers or cleaning chemicals while cleaning your guinea pigs cage or cage accessories can cause irritation. So only use non-scented cleaning products.
- Large vegetable slices can become lodged in our guinea pigs’ windpipes. It can make guinea pigs choke and cough. So chopping the veggie is vital.
- Cage placement: Placing the cage near a window or door can cause temperature changes when air passes through them. Keep your guinea pig out of direct sunlight and at a constant temperature.
Also read: Complete Guinea Pig Care Guide
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Conclusion
Sneezing or coughing in your guinea pigs may be cause for alarm. The health of your guinea pig is entirely dependent on you, therefore pay close attention to your pet.
When identified early, upper respiratory infections are manageable, but once they have progressed to a critical stage, treatment becomes more difficult. Thus, early detection and treatment are critical, and prevention is always preferable to cure.
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