What Are The Symptoms Of Being Allergic To Guinea Pigs? When guinea pigs are new to the family, the typical assumption is that it's the guinea pigs. So if you use wood shavings as bedding for your guinea pigs cage, you may find that it causes you to sneeze, cough or wheeze, develop runny, itchy eyes or even skin problems such as rashes, blisters and itchiness. Blood testscan also be used to detect guinea pig allergies. and have allergies in the family, here are some tips on symptoms to look out for and how to minimise them. I hope you found this helpful. Given that saliva is one of the Guinea pigs primary allergens and that they groom themselves with spit, touching them will result in severe allergic reactions. Yes! To rule out anything else or to look for internal issues, an annual physical examination with your exotics vet is always recommended. #2 My mum is seriously allergic to guinea pigs. Pet allergy is an allergic reaction to proteins found in an animal's skin cells, saliva or urine. Symptoms in laboratory animal allergy range from mild skin rashes to severe asthma. Our C&C cages, fleece liners, and accessories are designed by small pet experts with the pets needs in mind, and we only use the best materials - thats our Kavee quality promise. Guinea pigs are popular pets and its easy to see why. To help both you and your guinea pig you can also consider changing your set up - by putting your guinea pig in a. Sarah Holloway 0 Use good quality, dust extracted hay, keep it in a closed container to reduce air pollution, open windows during cage cleans, and use an air purifier to remove tiny irritants from the air such as dust and hay particles, like @heidi_adele_piggies who says: Air Purifier with HEPA filter is .. The use of immunotherapy is often reserved for situations in which less invasive approaches have failed. There are a number of reasons why you may have started sniffling and sneezing around your piggy - and some arent as straightforward as youd think. You can also consult a local cavy savvy vet for further assistance on how to rehome your pet. July 30, 2012 It can be very irritating to the respiratory tract in these animals. We both have read how to do the tape thing and take a scratch thing and look under the microscope but I can honestly tell you That when we look under the microscope at what weve seen it is not lice because theyre not kind of shines and they are definately not wrapped around the hairshaft. Spaying your female guinea pig is definitely recommended. Me_julie02; Total: 165 (members: 1, guests: 164) Contact us; Do you get red rashes after having your guinea pig nosing under your chin? Rhinitis, which is characterized by a stuffy, runny nose. You may also experience an allergic reaction when you come into contact with their food or bedding. Your neck and face skin is more delicate and sensitive than the skin on your hands and arms. customercare@kaveecage.net, The chances are that you know someone with an allergy. I do. 1) Aoyama K, Ueda A, Manda F, Matsushita T, Ueda T, Yamauchi C. Allergy to laboratory animals: an epidemiological study. One or two days will cure your reaction. However, for such tiny little creatures, theyre also very allergenic! In fact, allergies are so common, you may well have one yourself. Are you a new pet owner and wondering how to identify whether the guinea pig is, Read More Is My Guinea Pig Dead or Hibernating?Continue, Experiencing affection from animals is quite a lovely gesture. Keep your piggies in one room to avoid spreading your allergy triggers, such as dust or dander, around your home. are highly absorbent, super soft for delicate piggy feet and reusable because theyre machine washable - and most importantly for allergy sufferers, theyre hypoallergenic. Ringworm Campylobacteriosis This is a disease transmitted by some Campylobacter bacteria and it spreads through contaminated food such as eggs and meat, as well as through water or direct contact with the stool (feces) of infected animals. If you are concerned about the severity of your own symptoms - or your guinea pigs symptoms - you should seek medical advice for further assessment and support. Common Mites of Your Rabbit and Small Animal Part I: Fur Mites. However they both itch really bad all the time. If you are still experiencing allergy symptoms, you may need to manage them with antihistamines or other medications. Preferably get someone else to clean out your guinea pigs cage. store the hay outside of your home, in a garage or under cover in a storage bag or box; use a hay rack in the guinea pigs home. Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. Your own safety and wellbeing should always come first. Fri Dec 13 (2019). I never thought about the hay being an allergen, but I know Im allergic to pretty much all grasses. Signs of pet allergy include those common to hay fever, such as sneezing and runny nose. I also recommend treating the environment every four days by removing and replacing the substrate and spraying with a spray containing the same ingredient as the medication used to treat the guinea pig. Thats because allergy tests should always be carried out by a trained medical professional. She is blonde with pink eyes so shes light enough to see any bugs I would think. To minimize dust, fluff up the hay pile before you put it in your guinea pigs cage. (2) More commonly referred to as bladder stones, uroliths often form in the bladder of pet guinea pigs. Ever since the beginning of spring, my little boy has been constantly scratching himself. Guinea pigs can give these parasites to each other and can also get them from toys and bedding. Free US Shipping > $50 Usually Delivered in 3-5 Working Days. if they suffered allergies to their piggies - and were overwhelmed with responses, such as these: asthma, wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath, skin reactions such as itchy skin, hives or a rash. Replies 26 Views 14K. If you have a guinea pig as a pet, youve probably never seen it close its eyes or blink. Signs you may have a guinea pig allergy include: Runny nose Itchy or irritated eyes Skin rashes Sneezing Shortness of breath Wheezing or tightness of the throat The treatments to Guinea Pig allergies include: Antihistamines Antihistamines reduce allergy symptoms quickly. The Humane Society explains: Some people are allergic to guinea pigs. clean cages you name it they got it free roam time etc. The list of possible causes for pruritus, or itchiness, in guinea pigs is long, however three causes make up the lions share of these cases. The Truth About Guinea Pigs and Sneezing helpful. You might also look intogetting a hypoallergenic breed of guinea pig, such as an Abyssinian or Peruvian. Symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose. That has happened to my guinea pig as well I took him outside one day and now all I ever see him do is itch. Allergies develop when your bodys immune system becomes sensitive to ordinarily harmless substances, such as pollen, dust, hay or fur. Maybe you have even started to feel congested or teary eyed after being in the same room as hay. Therefore, if you are one of those people who may be allergic to such things, keeping your guinea pigs in a different room may be a prudent choice. doesnt recommend the use of DIY home allergy test kits. By understanding the types of allergies and how to treat them, you can ensure that both you and your pet will have a happy and healthy relationship. By following these treatment options and lifestyle changes, you can minimize your allergy symptoms and enjoy the companionship of a guinea pig without worry. If you are allergic to guinea pigs, you might experience anything from mild to more serious symptoms, including: Severe allergies to guinea pigs have been reported, including swelling of the the airway and difficulty breathing (and potentially anaphylaxis).1. This includesavoiding direct contactwith guinea pigs and other animals that may trigger allergies, as well asregularly cleaning your hometo minimize allergens. *Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. University of Missouri. If youre still not sure whether or not you have the allergy, try spending some time with a guinea pig and see how you react. A hypoallergenic guinea pig does not exist. The other benefit of fleece liners over wood shavings is that you can style your guinea pigs cage to suit your own home dcoras Kavee fleece liners come in a wide range of snazzy colors and designs. AWAY Thats because allergy tests should always be carried out by a trained medical professional. 36 yakatya86 24 days ago It's probably just common pet allergies. Guinea pigs should always be eating and defecating. Make sure it is eating and defecating, wash your hands before and after handling, freeze your pet's bedding and food before use, and keep it away from drafts. These microscopic pieces of dead skin can cause allergic reactions in some people if they come into contact with them - which of course you will do during cuddles and playtime. If you're the one suffering from these symptoms, have had your guinea pigs for a while and these symptoms are a new problem, then it could still be an allergy - owners have been known to develop these reactions as a result of continued exposure to allergens . With, up to a quarter of the global population suffering from hayfever, Use good quality, dust extracted hay, keep it in a closed container to reduce air pollution, open windows during cage cleans, and use, You should also wear gloves and long-sleeved tops when handling hay to protect your skin from irritation from hay, as, As above, wear gloves and sunglasses or goggles when changing your guinea pigs bedding. Well anyway the pig I bought was abused. So I definitely have to rule that out. Just like hay, even wood shavings marked as dust extracted will contain an element of dust. Ileus is caused when gas builds up in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines). It is important to note any change in behavior, appetite, elimination (urination and defecation), or other daily habits. Both are found in urine, hair, and dander. A hanging. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a2930eed6a8f6cf78bbce7b4145a2deb" );document.getElementById("d3f361a93f").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Information on this website is for educational purposes only. Some people can see lice with their naked eye; I can not. Recently I'm having a reaction on my skin after picking my piggies and cuddles with them. Hay that has been stored when damp can easily start to get mouldy. Read our, Picking out a Healthy Guinea Pig to Be Your Pet, Signs and Symptoms of Common Guinea Pig Ailments, The 8 Essential Guinea Pig Supplies of 2023, Eye Infections and Problems in Guinea Pigs, What to Know Before Getting a Pet Guinea Pig, Common Mites of Your Rabbit and Small Animal Part I: Fur Mites. We have a humidifier in there also. See our Website Terms for more details. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to the dander or urine of guinea pigs, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rash. We report two patients with severe allergic reactions following direct . We use cookies to give you a better experience on our website. All guinea pigs are different and even the five most common health ailments can present differently in different animals. Other symptoms of allergies are rashes, itchy eyes, and wheezy, asthmatic problems. Otherwise try these tips. Guinea Pigurine, feces, and even theirbeddingcan also be potential causes of allergic reactions. The scratching is now to the point of waking Allison up at night, and when Allison pets Poppy, she can feel scabbing along the cavas back. Bordetella Pneumonia. The more health benefits, Read More Can Guinea Pigs have Bamboo Sticks?Continue, Is my Guinea pig dead or hibernating? Speak with your veterinarian if you suspect any of these parasites to determine the best course of action. According to Guinea Pig Manual, the most common symptoms of guinea pig allergies are shortness of breath, itching, wheezing, runny nose, sneezing and skin rashes. I steer away from the metal spring loaded racks. You may experience a rash on your skin as well as anaphylactic shock, which is marked by itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose (a true medical emergency). Not only do air purifiers eliminate odors, but they can also remove dust from hay. If you are considering guinea pigs for pets (you should!) Itchy skin is often associated with external parasites, such as fleas, mites and lice. Rhinitis a condition that causes a runny, stuffy nose. Bladder stones are often found on radiographs being taken for a diagnosis of ileus and must be surgically removed. 4/28/2021 . Guinea pigs suffering from itchy skin may have species-specific lice, a mite infection called sarcoptic mange or the fungal infection known as ringworm, writes veterinarian Jeff Kahler, who notes that ringworm can be transmitted to people from their guinea pig. In this case, these particles may come from a guinea pig's fur or saliva. Dampen down dust by lightly spritzing your guinea pig hay with a water spray bottle. Giving up a beloved pet is a decision no one ever wants to make. We also have 2 guineas and cant afford a vet bill. [2] Yes, Guinea pig allergies are probable if youre allergic to cats. red bumps and rash!! We love this gorgeous soft cuddle cup with removable pee pad from Piggy Central. But 9 times out of 10, it's the hay. Brocks Copse RoadWootton Bridge EnglandPO33 4NP United Kingdom, Kavee C&C cages The best way to keep your guinea pig healthy is to keep a close watch on your pet. Allergies occur when a persons immune system overreacts to particles in the environment, such as pollen or animal dander. Laboratory animal allergy. Allergens: Cavia porcellus (Guinea pig) Rainbow the one with itching was taken to vet. Medical content developed and reviewed by the leading experts in allergy, asthma and immunology. If youre unable to manage the symptoms of a guinea pig allergy, there are other options. Three out of five of all households in the U.S. have pets, with over 161 million of these pets being cats and dogs. Its important to remember that evenif you dont have an allergy, you can still develop one over time. Were going to talk about if guinea pigs can trigger allergies and how to reduce them and many more, lets get the ball rolling before you sneeze or youre doing your homework about guinea pigs before you get one. At first I thought I was reacting to their hay. As a result, they are classified into different breeds. No matter how much you may love your piggies, nothing is more important than your health. 1 Zacharisen, M C, Levy, M B, Shaw, JL and Kurup, V P (2005), Severe allergic reactions to guinea pig, Clinical and Molecular Immunology, 3, 14. chicken farmer Aug 16, 2012; Medical & Veterinary; 2. Bathe all of your guinea pigs even if only one of them shows signs of lice or mites. Hopefully, you will never have to deal with mange mites. How To Find Out If You Are Allergic To Guinea Pigs? Store and wash your guinea pig fleece liners inside. Guinea Pig Finder; Guinea Pig Cages Store; Guinea Pig Market; Contact Us; Members online. Keepyour hands clean too, as @megthegpmom explains: I make sure to wash my hands immediately after handling them and cleaning/feeding.. Allergies to Timothy grass hay are very common. Symptoms can range from mild irritation of your eyes and skin to more severe reactions like swelling and itching. As above, wear gloves and sunglasses or goggles when changing your guinea pigs bedding. Many people suffer from allergies to guinea pigs and other pets. All mammal and bird pets produce these allergens. Do they sell stuff over the counter? Take notice of your guinea pig's cage location and be sure to keep them away from drafts, open doors, and open windows. Its time-consuming and may not be 100% effective, but it can still be useful! Get a prescription if you have high blood pressure, prostatic enlargement, or heart disease. It is caused by mites. They dont just enjoy munching on it either. Particularly where their cute little feet touch, which would be explained by the saliva/urine. Forty percent of the guinea pig allergen was found on particles less than 0.8 m in diameter, capable of depositing in small airways. While either of these three could be placed at the top of the list, I will start by focusing on sucking and/or chewing lice. But now she has new one on top and again losing hair. Generally, people are allergic to the hay or bedding obtained from guinea pigs. With quite a severe grass allergy, I am sure that the guinea pig hay causes my hay fever type symptoms. No matter what route you take, its important to make sure that youre being proactive about managing your allergies. Signs include itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, a skin rash, and anaphylactic shock (a true medical emergency). These mites can not be seen with the naked eye. Quick Answer: Yes, it is possible to be allergic to guinea pigs. This involves receiving injections of small doses of the allergen, or in this case, guinea pig dander over a period of time. A visit to her veterinarian for diagnostic tests will lead to a diagnosis and a cure. Whilst you might be allergic to your guinea pigs fur, dander, hay or bedding, such as wood shavings, your guinea pig may also develop allergies to certain cleaning liquids, food, such as their pellets, or even to dust in their hay or wood shavings. The piggies love the woodstove and the warmth however they keep itching and itching. The chances are that you know someone with an allergy. However, the best option when youre allergic to wood shavings is to convert to. Sometimes the uterus and ovaries can be removed even after the problem has been discovered but other times cancer has already spread to other parts of the body, rendering it untreatable. Guinea pigs can have allergic reactions triggered by: Sadly, guinea pigs are very susceptible to respiratory illnesses and if they are exposed to allergens for a long time, they may become ill. You can help your guinea pigs with their allergies in a number of ways: If you or your guinea pigs are struggling with allergies, we hope that our advice article has been helpful to identify different ways to help you both cope. Open windows during cage cleans and use an air purifier. However, they are allergic to the oils in cedar bedding. Overall, the most common symptom is allergic rhinoconjunctivitis with nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. Purchase a real HEPA air purifier and place it just next to the pigs cage. The most common symptoms of a guinea pig allergy includesneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and skin rashes. However, it is a highly complex situation if your guinea pig is hibernating, as it is more prone to be attacked by predators. Im sure he is fine, my piggy (daisy) scratches her belly sometimes when the cage needs to be cleaned. Cavy Slave. We do not diagnose or recommend solutions online. Keep your guinea pigs away from areas where you frequent. 1992 Jan;49(1):41-7. doi: 10.1136/oem.49.1.41. If you suffer from shortness of breath or suspect that you are going into. They can be found in many different species of animals from fish to birds to mammals, including humans. And unfortunately that is something I also have personal experience with. One of them had lost a lot of his hair on his back from scratching. Lice and Demodex mange mites are conditions that can both cause itching and hair loss. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. As well as all of the grasses they tested, so that means hay. Unlike allergies to some other animals, people who are allergic to guinea pigs dont react to the hair or dander. Then taking a decongestant after handling your guinea pig will help significantly. 20 million people in the UK suffer from allergies. This is not the case. Finally, have a family member who is not allergic clean the cage. Got 1 piggy then thought she was lonely. Talk to your pharmacist, doctor or allergy specialist about what is right for you. You may find that your allergic reactions intensify when you clean out your guinea pigs cage as you handle the wood shavings and inhale the dust. Air purifiers are capable of removing a wide variety of odors, even those found in cages. We just dont have the money and I have tried every place for any kind of veterinarian that would see them for a little less money but it seems like 200 bucks is a bottom line just to walk through the door. Other tips for reducing allergy symptoms include: Whilst severe reactions to guinea pigs are very rare, they can happen. Instead, allergic parents would most likely react to their pigs saliva, urine, and even dust or pollen particles in the wood shavings or hay. This test will help your doctor identify what is specifically triggering your allergy and help them to create a treatment plan for you. Guinea pigs groom as well, but not as thoroughly as cats. Have you ever gotten itchy after handling hay? Where she is scratching shes losing her hair behind her ears and in the creases of her legs, I also see a few tiny white bumps on her. Box 5256, Modesto CA 95352.). In addition to the tips provided above, if you know that your pet is causing your allergies, you should be able to ask a doctor or pharmacist for guidance on over-the-counter treatments to ease mild discomfort, such as: You could also try natural allergy remedies including: Fellow piggy parent and influencer, @nutsandchips, swears by Chamomile water as she says it helps calm down the allergies when she finds her skin gets itchy after handling her guinea pigs. Eye inflammation or infection is known as conjunctivitis. Some guinea pig owners also compliant that their guinea pig is allergic to hay, but the actual culprit is the dust in the hay. Guinea pigs shouldnt just be left in a cage, they need some love and attention! He also seems to lose a lot of hair. If the person is already allergic to certain animals, especially non-hypoallergenic ones, then the effects can be severe and dangerous. Helpful information for people living with environmental allergies like grass pollens, moulds and animals. When you use fleece liners for guinea pigs, you can take them out after a few days and stick them in the washing machine for a thorough clean.
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