can guinea pigs catch colds from humans

Can Guinea Pigs Catch Colds From Humans?

As an owner it is always a bit of a concern when a virus or cold is had by a person in the same vicinity and you have to handle your guinea pig.

The risk of passing on your cold or virus from guinea pigs can be worrying, as who wants to actually pass on their cold to a piggy?

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So can guinea pigs catch colds from humans?

Fortunately, guinea pigs are not prone to get viral infections.

However, this doesn’t mean that they are immune to illness.

Unfortunately, they can get bacterial infections.

This means that you do not have to worry about passing on your cold to your guinea pig.

However, do be careful about passing on bacterial infections as they can cause a lot of problems for your piggy.

They are very common in pet store purchased piggies and they can go downhill very quickly. A URI (Upper Respiratory Infection) will kill a guinea pig quickly if it is not addressed.

Symptoms of a URI

  • Sneezing or coughing
  • Lethargy
  • Rough or puffed up coat
  • Dull or receding eyes
  • Discharge from nose or eyes
  • Crusty eyes or sealed up eyes
  • No faeces
  • Not eating or drinking

If you have any concerns about your piggy, please seek out a good veterinary surgeon in your area who is guinea pig friendly.

They will be able to properly diagnose and give treatment to any issues that your piggy may be facing.

There is no substitute for good veterinary care.

Further reading 

Salmonella with guinea pigs- Pet MD

Yersina infection with guinea pigs- Pet MD

Upper Respiratory Infection with guinea pigs – Guinea Lynx

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