People with allergies should not handle these small pets, but they may be able to live without complaint in the same house as one of these furry friends. This may be a good choice for homes in which one person wants a pet, but another person is allergic.
Are guinea pigs OK for allergies?
A guinea pig is a fairly safe bet for most people with allergies. If you find that a regular guinea pig causes some allergy symptoms, you might opt for a hairless guinea pig. Hairless guinea pigs actually do have hair that some people call peach fuzz.
Are guinea pigs bad for asthma?
Cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, horses, mice and rats can all trigger asthma and/or allergies in some people. But avoiding pet allergens can be difficult if the source is a much-loved furry family member. As allergens are stuck to the hair and skin of pets, the allergens become airborne when the pet sheds their hair.
What are the symptoms of being allergic to guinea pigs?
If you find yourself or one of your family or friends coughing and sneezing a lot around your guinea pig, then it’s likely they are allergic to them. Other symptoms could be a rash, itchy eyes or being out of breath.
Are cat and guinea pig allergies the same?
People prone to animal allergies will probably be allergic to guinea pigs, in the same way as they are allergic to cats and dogs. It’s a good idea to let the family spend time with a friend or neighbor’s guinea pigs, to see if allergies are going to be an issue.
Why you shouldn’t get a guinea pig?
In my opinion, these feral rodents come top of any worst pet chart. One: they die all the time. … Your fluffy pet will become bald and scabby overnight and become prone to seizures. Five: their teeth are another hazard – if they get too long, they can grow together and the guinea pig will starve to death.
Do guinea pigs stink?
Now we think it’s fair to say that guinea pigs are generally very clean animals (we’re not biased, honest!) and as long as they are cleaned out regularly, then no, they don’t smell! Guinea pigs groom themselves and there’s nothing cuter than watching them have a ‘wash’ with their paws!
Are guinea pigs high maintenance?
Guinea pigs need to be groomed regularly. Shorthaired breeds can be maintained with a once-a-week brushing while longhaired breeds require daily grooming. A guinea pig’s cage should be thoroughly cleaned on a weekly basis and spot-cleaned every few days.
Do guinea pigs bite?
Guinea pigs are docile animals, and rarely bite without cause. They tend to ‘mouth’ their owners while being held, just to see if you’re edible! These are not hard bites, though, and don’t hurt. … Guinea pigs only use their teeth aggressively if they feel under threat – they are their only means of defence.
What is a good pet for someone with allergies?
Some cat and dog breeds, such as poodles and sphynx cats, are often recommended for people with allergies.
What do I do if my guinea pig has allergies?
Keep an eye out for signs of an respiratory infection or allergy. If your guinea pig is sneezing, and has any of the following symptoms then they could have an upper respiratory infection, in which case they’ll need to see a vet as soon as possible: Wheezing. Coughing.
Can you get sick from your guinea pig?
Dutch researchers say the rodents may carry germs tied to serious pneumonia. The bacteria, Chlamydia caviae (C. caviae), normally causes pink eye in guinea pigs. But three adults in the Netherlands wound up hospitalized for pneumonia after contact with guinea pigs resulted in their infection with C.
Can guinea pigs cause respiratory problems in humans?
Sick guinea pigs caused severe community-acquired pneumonia in three Dutch patients. Two of the patients, a man and a woman, each owned multiple guinea pigs that had respiratory symptoms before their owners became ill. The patients were admitted to the ICU and placed on mechanical ventilation for several days.
What is lifespan of guinea pig?
4 – 8 yearsIn captivity
What are guinea pigs favorite food?
Each guinea pig is different, and most will have a specific favourite food or foods. Good bets are carrots and carrot tops, cucumber and dandelion leaves. If your guinea pigs don’t have regular access to grass then a big juicy handful will elicit excited squeaks from most guinea pigs, young or old.
Do guinea pigs need shots?
While guinea pigs do not require any vaccinations, it is recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs at least once each year for a routine checkup.