Managing Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) in Guinea Pigs

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) in guinea pigs are serious illnesses that can quickly become life-threatening if they are not treated in time. Many people think it is “just a little cold,” but for guinea pigs this condition is far more dangerous than a human cold and can worsen very fast. Guinea pigs are highly sensitive to respiratory infections, and even very mild symptoms can point to a serious problem that may become critical within 24-72 hours. This is why quick recognition and professional veterinary care are so important.

The disease develops when bacteria or viruses enter the respiratory tract and disturb its normal function. Guinea pigs are nose-breathers, meaning they can only breathe through their nose. If their nose is blocked, breathing becomes very hard, and their condition can deteriorate rapidly. A URI is not just uncomfortable; without timely and proper treatment it can progress to pneumonia, which can be fatal. Every guinea pig owner should know the symptoms, the causes and the ways to prevent URIs, so they can give their pet the best chance for a fast recovery.

What Is an Upper Respiratory Infection in Guinea Pigs?

An upper respiratory infection (URI) in guinea pigs is an illness that affects the upper parts of the respiratory system, including the nose, nasal passages, mouth, throat and larynx. It is a serious and potentially deadly disease if not treated quickly and effectively. Although the symptoms can look similar to a human cold, in guinea pigs the situation is much more serious, and the infection can soon turn into pneumonia.

URIs are caused by bacteria or viruses that enter the respiratory system and disturb its normal function. The guinea pig’s respiratory system is very sensitive, and infection can damage the tiny hair-like structures (cilia) that move mucus and dirt out of the airways. When these are damaged or die, breathing becomes harder and healing slows down. Because the disease can progress so fast, early recognition and immediate veterinary treatment are key.

Main Types of Upper Respiratory Infections in Guinea Pigs

URIs in guinea pigs are usually caused by bacteria, but viral infections can also occur. The most common bacterial agents are Bordetella bronchiseptica and Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bacteria can cause severe pneumonia and are especially dangerous for young or immune-compromised animals. Bordetella bronchiseptica is also one of the causes of kennel cough in dogs, and guinea pigs can become infected by symptom-free carrier dogs or rabbits.

Among viral infections, adenoviruses can cause serious respiratory disease. The guinea pig adenovirus is different from the adenoviruses that infect humans and targets guinea pigs specifically. Viral infections are particularly dangerous for young guinea pigs, and symptoms can appear 5-10 days after infection. Treating viral infections is more difficult than treating bacterial ones, because antibiotics do not work on viruses, so care focuses on supportive treatment.

Why Are Guinea Pigs Prone to Respiratory Problems?

Because of their anatomy and physiology, guinea pigs are especially prone to respiratory issues. Their jaw widens toward the back, which gives broader access to the upper respiratory structures and can make it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter the airways. Also, as mentioned, guinea pigs are obligate nose-breathers, so if the nasal passages become blocked, they immediately have serious trouble breathing.

Guinea pigs also have a sensitive immune system. Stress, poor diet (especially lack of vitamin C), dirty living conditions, sudden temperature changes, drafts and overcrowding all make them more likely to get infections. When the immune system is weakened, bacteria that may already be present in the body without causing symptoms (such as Bordetella or Streptococcus) can “wake up” and cause disease. Good prevention and proper daily care are the main tools to avoid respiratory infections.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Upper Respiratory Infections?

Many factors can lead to URIs in guinea pigs, but the most common ones are bacteria, viruses and environmental stress. These factors can act together or separately and can very quickly lead to a severe illness.

The guinea pig respiratory system is very sensitive and easily infected. Microbes can enter the body, multiply and damage the airways, which then leads to serious breathing problems. Good hygiene, reduced stress and a vitamin-C-rich diet all help reduce the risk, but once infection starts, fast and expert veterinary care is needed.

Bacterial Agents: Bordetella bronchiseptica and Streptococcus pneumoniae

The most common bacterial causes of URIs in guinea pigs are Bordetella bronchiseptica and Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bacteria can be very aggressive in guinea pigs and may cause severe, sometimes fatal pneumonia.

• Bordetella bronchiseptica: This bacterium is highly contagious and is often carried without symptoms by dogs (causing kennel cough there) and rabbits. While rabbits may carry it without getting sick, guinea pigs are far more vulnerable. The bacteria spread through sneezing, coughing and contaminated objects. In guinea pigs, Bordetella causes inflammation of the lungs and airways, with a build-up of mucus. More severe cases can involve fluid in the middle ear, leading to head tilt, and it may even cause uterine infection. Young guinea pigs are especially at risk, and stress increases the chance of illness.
• Streptococcus pneumoniae: This bacterium is also very contagious and can be carried without symptoms by guinea pigs. The infection may flare up due to stress, weather changes, moving to a new home, poor vitamin C intake or generally poor care. Streptococcus pneumoniae spreads in a similar way to Bordetella and can infect the lungs, the outer layer of the heart and the neck area. In guinea pigs with vitamin C deficiency, it can also cause severe joint infections. It can pass from humans to guinea pigs, so hygiene is very important.

Both bacteria can attach to the respiratory tissues, enter the cells and multiply while avoiding the immune response. During infection, the cilia in the airways die off, which greatly worsens breathing and stops mucus and debris from being cleared toward the lungs.

Viral Infections (Adenovirus and Others)

Although bacterial infections are more common, viruses can also cause URIs in guinea pigs. One important example is the guinea pig-specific adenovirus, which targets the respiratory system and can lead to viral pneumonia. This virus is different from human adenoviruses and affects only guinea pigs.

Signs of adenovirus infection usually appear 5-10 days after exposure. Affected guinea pigs can become critically ill and may even die suddenly. Newborn guinea pigs are especially sensitive, and viral pneumonia in them is often fatal. Since antibiotics do not work on viruses, treatment is focused on supportive care and symptom relief, which shows how important prevention and early recognition are.

Environmental Factors and the Role of Stress

Environmental conditions and stress strongly influence how URIs start and worsen. Even if a guinea pig already carries bacteria such as Bordetella or Streptococcus, illness often appears only after the immune system is weakened. Stress is one of the main factors that weaken immunity and make infections more likely.

Common stressors include:

• Sudden temperature changes and drafts: Guinea pigs react badly to sudden changes and drafts can easily make them sick.
• High humidity: Humid air helps bacteria grow and increases the risk of URIs.
• Dusty or scented bedding: Bedding does not directly “cause” infection, but irritating materials (for example oils in pine or cedar shavings) can irritate the airways and make the animal more open to disease. Strong air fresheners and smoke are also harmful.
• Overcrowding and poor hygiene: Dirty, crowded cages lead to ammonia build-up from urine, which irritates the mucous membranes and helps bacteria multiply and spread.
• Changes in routine or new cage mates: Moving to a new place, getting a new companion or having their daily routine changed can all be stressful.
• Pregnancy and other illnesses: Pregnancy and any condition that weakens the immune system also raise the risk of URIs.

Reducing stress, keeping the environment clean and stable, using suitable bedding and avoiding drafts are all important to protect the guinea pig’s respiratory health.

How Common Are Upper Respiratory Infections and What Are the Chances of Recovery?

URIs are relatively common in guinea pigs and can be very dangerous. Because their respiratory system is so sensitive, even a mild sneeze or small amount of nasal discharge can be an early sign of a serious infection that becomes life-threatening within 24-72 hours. URIs are especially frequent in guinea pigs bought from pet shops, which is one more reason to adopt from rescues or shelters instead.

The chance of recovery depends mainly on how early the disease is noticed and how quickly and correctly it is treated. If signs are spotted in time and treatment starts right away, many guinea pigs recover well. Untreated URIs are almost always fatal. Even with good treatment, full recovery is not guaranteed, and some animals die despite best efforts for reasons that are not always clear.

Mortality Rates and Outlook

The death rate from untreated URIs in guinea pigs is very high. As mentioned, if the disease is left without treatment, it nearly always ends in death. This is due to how fast the infection progresses to pneumonia and to the guinea pig’s natural tendency to hide signs of illness. By the time symptoms are obvious, the disease is often already advanced.

However, early diagnosis and fast, intensive treatment can greatly improve the outlook. Appropriate antibiotics, supportive care (fluids, syringe-feeding, vitamin C supplementation) and careful home nursing are all very important. Owners must work closely with the vet and follow all instructions. Recovery can be slow and may take weeks. Stopping antibiotics too soon can cause a relapse, so treatment must continue for the full course set by the vet.

Risk of Long-Term Complications

Even after successful treatment, long-term problems can remain. One common issue is chronic respiratory sensitivity, meaning the guinea pig will be more likely to develop breathing problems later. Scarring or damage in the lungs or airways can reduce breathing capacity and make the animal more reactive to dust and other irritants.

Severe infections, especially those caused by Streptococcus, can lead to middle ear infections, which may cause permanent head tilt. This can be very hard to treat and may never fully resolve. In some cases, repeated URIs can be linked to heart disease, especially in older guinea pigs, which are more prone to heart and dental problems. For these reasons, even after apparent recovery, regular monitoring and periodic vet check-ups are important for long-term health.

What Symptoms Suggest an Upper Respiratory Infection in Guinea Pigs?

Guinea pigs are very good at hiding illness, which makes early detection of URIs difficult. But because the disease can worsen so quickly, owners must be alert to even the smallest changes. A mild sneeze or a little nasal discharge can signal a serious problem and should lead to a vet visit.

The type and severity of symptoms depend on the specific germ, but there are general signs that should always raise concern. Since guinea pigs are nose-breathers, any blockage of the nose has a strong effect on their breathing. Any sign of trouble breathing is a serious warning and needs quick action.

Early, Mild Warning Signs

In the early stage, signs are often mild and easy to overlook, but they are the best chance to catch the disease early and treat it successfully. Owners need to watch closely for any change in behaviour or appearance.

• Mild sneezing or coughing: Frequent sneezing or occasional coughing can be the first warning sign. It may not look serious at first, but the condition can decline rapidly.
• Mild nasal or eye discharge: Clear or slightly cloudy discharge from the nose, or dampness around the eyes, can be an early sign of infection.
• Reduced appetite or thirst: If the guinea pig eats or drinks less, or ignores favourite treats, this is a concern.
• Weight loss: Even a small drop in weight is important in such a small animal and may show an early illness.
• Lethargy or hiding: If the guinea pig is more tired, less active, hides more or seems less playful than usual, this can be a sign of sickness.
• Fluffed-up or dull coat: A healthy guinea pig has a smooth, shiny coat. Rough, puffed-up or untidy fur often points to an illness.

Any of these signs are enough reason to see a vet, because in guinea pigs “just a little cold” can very quickly turn into pneumonia and may be fatal within days.

Typical Signs: Sneezing, Nasal Discharge, Coughing

As the infection advances, the initial mild symptoms become stronger and more typical of a URI. At this stage, the guinea pig clearly needs urgent veterinary help.

• Frequent, strong sneezing and coughing: Loud sneezing and coughing show that the airways are irritated and inflamed.
• Heavy nasal and eye discharge: Thick, purulent (pus-like) discharge from the nose and eyes may appear, and the eyes can become sticky or pus-filled (conjunctivitis).
• Louder breathing sounds: Rattling, wheezing or clicking sounds when the guinea pig breathes suggest narrowed airways and mucus build-up.
• Hard or laboured breathing: The guinea pig may breathe with visible effort, using its abdomen rather than the chest. This can indicate pneumonia.
• Drooling: Excess saliva or mucus coming from the mouth can appear, especially if swallowing is difficult.
• Pale or bluish-grey lips and gums: Changes in colour of the lips and mucous membranes point to low oxygen levels, which is extremely serious.

These signs show a more advanced stage of disease and require immediate veterinary treatment.

Worsening Signs and Life-Threatening Conditions

If a URI is not treated early, or if treatment is not effective, symptoms can quickly grow into an emergency. The following signs mark a critical state and need urgent care.

• Severe breathing difficulty (dyspnoea): The guinea pig gasps for air and breathes with its mouth open. Mouth-breathing is very rare in guinea pigs and signals a severe crisis. This needs emergency vet care.
• Cyanosis: Bluish-grey colour of the gums, lips or other mucous membranes, showing serious lack of oxygen.
• Head tilt (torticollis): This may point to a middle ear infection, often linked to Streptococcus infections.
• Enlarged neck lymph nodes: Lumps in the neck area show that the infection is worsening.
• Complete loss of appetite and dehydration: If the guinea pig refuses all food and water, rapid weight loss and dehydration follow, which greatly worsen the outlook.
• Low body temperature: A drop in body temperature is a bad sign and needs urgent attention.
• Seizures or coma: These appear in the final stage of illness and often signal that death is near.

These symptoms mean the guinea pig is in very serious condition and needs immediate, intensive veterinary care. At the slightest suspicion of a URI, go to the vet right away-every minute counts.

How Are Upper Respiratory Infections Diagnosed in Guinea Pigs?

Accurate diagnosis of URIs in guinea pigs is a key step toward successful treatment because the illness can get worse very fast. Since guinea pigs tend to hide signs of sickness, the vet usually needs to carry out a full exam and several tests to find the exact cause.

The goal of diagnostic tests is not just to confirm that there is an infection, but also to identify the specific germ and measure how serious the situation is. This information helps the vet choose the best treatment plan and gives the guinea pig the highest chance of recovery.

What Tests Does the Veterinarian Perform?

When a guinea pig is taken to the vet with suspected URI, the vet examines the animal thoroughly and may use several diagnostic methods:

• Physical examination: The vet checks hydration status, listens to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope, looks for abnormal breathing patterns (such as laboured or noisy breathing) and examines eyes and nose for discharge, swelling or colour changes. Enlarged lymph nodes or head tilt may also be noticed.
• Blood or oral swab samples: These may be taken to detect bacteria or viruses and to look at the general health status.
• Bacterial culture and sensitivity test (antibiogram): This is one of the most important tests when a bacterial infection is suspected. Samples from the respiratory tract (for example nasal discharge) are grown in a lab to identify the bacteria. Then a sensitivity test is done to see which antibiotics work best against that strain. This guides the choice of antibiotic.
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test: PCR can detect the genetic material of bacteria or viruses in real time and confirms the presence of specific pathogens.
• ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay): This test looks for antibodies that the body makes after exposure to certain germs. It shows past exposure within the last few months rather than current infection.
• X-ray (radiography) or CT scan: In severe cases or when pneumonia is suspected, chest X-rays can show the condition of the lungs and any fluid build-up. A CT scan can provide even more detailed images.

Together, these tests give the vet the information needed for an accurate diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan.

Why Is Early Diagnosis So Important?

Early diagnosis of URIs in guinea pigs can literally save a life. As already mentioned, guinea pigs can deteriorate very quickly, and an illness that starts with mild symptoms can progress to pneumonia and death within 24-48 hours.

Early diagnosis allows:

• Immediate start of treatment: The sooner antibiotic therapy (for bacterial infections) and supportive care begin, the better the chances of full recovery.
• Prevention of serious complications: Treating early can stop the infection from spreading to the lungs and causing pneumonia or from causing chronic problems such as middle ear infection.
• Targeted treatment: With an antibiogram, the vet can choose the most effective antibiotic instead of guessing, which helps avoid unnecessary drugs and reduces the risk of resistance.
• Less pain and suffering: Early care relieves discomfort and breathing problems sooner, improving the animal’s quality of life during illness.

Because guinea pigs hide illness, owners must be very observant and contact a vet at the first sign of trouble, not when the disease is already advanced.

How Are Upper Respiratory Infections Treated in Guinea Pigs?

Treating URIs in guinea pigs is a complex process that aims to fight the infection, relieve symptoms and support overall health. Home treatment without veterinary guidance or the use of over-the-counter products can be extremely dangerous and may even be fatal. Guinea pigs are sensitive to many drugs that are safe for other pets, so only an experienced vet should choose and prescribe medication.

The exact treatment plan depends on the guinea pig’s condition, how serious the infection is and what germ is responsible. In most cases, treatment involves a combination of antibiotics (for bacterial infections), supportive therapy and careful nursing at home.

Medications Used: Antibiotics and Other Products

For bacterial URIs, antibiotics are the main treatment. The vet chooses the drug based on the sensitivity test whenever possible, so it can work directly against the identified bacteria. Commonly used antibiotics include fluoroquinolones (such as Baytril), sulfonamides (such as Bactrim) and doxycycline.

Baytril (enrofloxacin) can cause joint problems in young guinea pigs, so the vet weighs the benefits and risks carefully. Some antibiotics, like amoxicillin, can be deadly for guinea pigs because they disrupt the delicate gut bacteria and can trigger fatal diarrhoea. Never give a guinea pig human antibiotics or drugs meant for other animals without a vet’s advice.

Alongside antibiotics, the vet may add other treatments to reduce symptoms and support recovery:

• Probiotics: Recommended during antibiotic therapy to help protect the gut flora.
• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs: To reduce pain, inflammation and fever.
• Vitamin C supplements: Guinea pigs do not make their own vitamin C. Ill animals need higher amounts, at least 50 mg per day.
• Fluid therapy: In case of dehydration, the vet may give fluids under the skin or by other routes.
• Oxygen therapy: If breathing is very difficult, oxygen support may be needed.
• Nebulisation: In some cases, antibiotics or other medications are given by inhalation with a nebuliser so they can act directly on the airways.

Treatment can last several weeks. Antibiotics must be given for the full time the vet prescribes, even if the guinea pig seems better earlier. Stopping too soon can cause relapse and antibiotic resistance.

Home Care and Improving Environmental Conditions

Alongside veterinary treatment, proper home care and improving environmental conditions are essential for recovery.

• Cage cleanliness and bedding: Clean the cage often, even several times a day if needed, to prevent ammonia build-up from urine, which irritates the airways. Use dust-free, unscented bedding such as paper-based bedding, fleece liners or felt. Avoid pine or cedar shavings because their oils can irritate the respiratory tract. Products like GuineaDad Liners are made to reduce the risk of bacterial disease.
• Temperature and humidity: Keep the environment stable and free of drafts, ideally between 18-24°C. Avoid sudden temperature changes and high humidity.
• Stress reduction: Place the sick guinea pig in a quiet, calm area away from noise and other pets. Limit handling to what is needed for medication and feeding.
• Syringe-feeding and fluids: If the guinea pig won’t eat or drink on its own, syringe-feeding is needed to keep the gut working and prevent dehydration. The vet will advise on suitable recovery foods and how to give them. Offer vitamin-C-rich foods like bell pepper.
• Air quality: A HEPA air purifier can help reduce dust in the room. Avoid air fresheners, strong scents, smoke and other irritants near the cage.

These steps help the sick guinea pig recover and also lower the risk of future respiratory infections.

When Should You See a Veterinarian?

For guinea pigs, the rule is simple: if you suspect any problem, contact a vet right away. Because URIs progress quickly and symptoms can be hard to notice early, delays can be deadly. Do not wait for clear, dramatic signs.

See an exotics or small-mammal vet immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Mild sneezing, nasal discharge or coughing.
• Reduced appetite or thirst.
• Lethargy, tiredness, hiding more than usual.
• Weight loss.
• Fluffed-up, messy coat.
• Hard or laboured breathing (belly moving more than the chest).
• Rattling or wheezing while breathing.
• Eye or nasal discharge.
• Pale or bluish-grey lips.
• Head tilt.
• Mouth breathing (this is an emergency!).
• Complete lack of appetite and signs of dehydration.

Ideally, the guinea pig should be seen within 24 hours of noticing symptoms. Even if it seems like “just a small cold,” in guinea pigs this can signal a much more serious disease.

Why Are Self-Treatment and Over-the-Counter Products Dangerous?

Trying to treat URIs at home with human medicines or products bought without a prescription is very dangerous for guinea pigs. Reasons include:

• Drug sensitivity: Guinea pigs react badly to many drugs that are safe for dogs, cats or even other rodents. Amoxicillin and other penicillin-type antibiotics can cause severe, sometimes fatal, gut problems in guinea pigs.
• Lack of proper diagnosis: At home you cannot know whether the infection is bacterial or viral, or which germs are involved. Without this information, it is impossible to choose the right treatment.
• Wrong dosing: Drug doses must be calculated very accurately based on the guinea pig’s weight. Too much can cause poisoning; too little may not work and encourages resistance.
• Worsening disease: Home treatment often delays proper veterinary care, during which time the illness can progress to pneumonia and death.
• Antibiotic resistance: Using the wrong antibiotics or stopping them too early helps create resistant bacteria, which are harder to treat in the future.
• Masked symptoms: Some over-the-counter products may hide serious signs, giving a false sense of security while the condition continues to worsen.

Always take a sick guinea pig to a vet who has experience with small mammals. Only they can provide safe, effective treatment.

What Should You Pay Attention to When Caring for a Sick Guinea Pig?

Caring for a sick guinea pig with a URI involves many steps. The goals are to support recovery, stop the infection from spreading to other animals and keep stress as low as possible. Good home nursing is an important part of the overall treatment.

Owners also need to recognise signs that require emergency care, because guinea pigs can decline very quickly. Constant observation and quick action can save a life.

How to Isolate the Infected Animal from Others

If a guinea pig shows signs of a URI, one of the first steps is to separate it from healthy guinea pigs. URIs are highly contagious and can spread by direct contact, droplets in the air and contaminated bedding or equipment.

• Separate cage: Place the sick guinea pig in a separate, easy-to-clean cage away from the others. Ideally, keep it in another room with no shared airflow toward the healthy animals.
• Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the sick animal and before touching healthy ones. Use separate bowls, bottles and cleaning tools or disinfect them between uses.
• No shared bedding or equipment: Avoid moving bedding, toys or other items between the sick and healthy guinea pigs’ cages.
• Low stress: Give the sick guinea pig a calm, quiet environment. Avoid loud noises, sudden movements and too much handling.
• Mask use: If you are sick yourself (e.g., have a cold), or whenever dealing with a sick guinea pig, wearing a mask near the cage can help reduce risk of spreading germs. Try not to sneeze or cough near the animals.

Keep the sick guinea pig isolated until the vet confirms that it has fully recovered and is no longer contagious.

Which Signs Make Veterinary Care an Emergency?

Some symptoms show that the guinea pig is in immediate danger and needs urgent veterinary treatment:

• Mouth breathing: Guinea pigs normally never breathe through their mouth. If one is breathing with an open mouth, this means severe breathing failure and low oxygen levels.
• Cyanosis (blue-grey mucous membranes): Bluish-grey colour of the lips, gums or other mucous membranes is a clear sign of serious oxygen shortage.
• Complete refusal of food and water: If the guinea pig stops eating and drinking, dehydration and gut shutdown can follow quickly.
• Low body temperature: A drop in body temperature is linked with poor survival chances.
• Seizures, loss of consciousness, coma: These are signs of very advanced illness.
• Severe lethargy and inability to move: If the guinea pig is too weak to move or respond normally to its surroundings.

With any of these signs, contact a vet immediately and take the animal to the nearest clinic or animal hospital. Do not rely on home care in such cases.

How Can Upper Respiratory Infections Be Prevented in Guinea Pigs?

Preventing URIs is one of the best ways to protect a guinea pig’s health. Since these infections can become serious very quickly and may be fatal, good prevention is extremely valuable. It depends on proper housing, good nutrition and strict hygiene. These simple steps greatly lower the risk of disease and help guinea pigs live long, healthy lives.

Guinea pigs are sensitive animals. Stress, poor housing conditions and vitamin C deficiency all weaken their immune system and make them more likely to get sick. Effective prevention means both reducing exposure to germs and strengthening the animal’s natural defences.

Correct Cage and Environment Management

Good cage and environment management is one of the most important ways to prevent URIs. A clean, stable and low-stress environment is the foundation of good health.

• Cage cleanliness: Clean the cage regularly and thoroughly. Ammonia gas from urine irritates the respiratory tract and increases the risk of infection. Spot-clean soiled areas daily and fully clean and disinfect the cage at least once a week.
• Bedding choice: Avoid dusty or scented bedding such as pine or cedar shavings. These can irritate the airways. Use dust-free, paper-based bedding, fleece liners or felt instead. These are more comfortable and cleaner. GuineaDad Liners, for example, are made to help reduce the risk of bacterial illnesses.
• Temperature and drafts: Keep the room temperature stable (ideal is 18-24°C) and avoid drafts and sudden temperature swings. Do not place the cage near doors or windows where drafts are common.
• Humidity: Guinea pigs do not tolerate high humidity well because it encourages bacterial growth. Keep the environment dry.
• Ventilation and air quality: Provide good air circulation in the room. A HEPA air purifier can help reduce dust and allergens. Avoid strong scents, air fresheners, incense and candles near the guinea pigs.
• Stress reduction: Place the cage in a quiet area, away from constant noise, busy pathways and other pets. Avoid overcrowding; each guinea pig needs enough space and hiding areas.
• Do not house guinea pigs with rabbits or dogs: Rabbits and dogs can carry Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is very dangerous for guinea pigs. They should never share a cage or be kept in direct close contact.

The Role of Diet (Especially Vitamin C)

Proper nutrition, especially enough vitamin C, plays a big part in keeping the immune system strong and preventing URIs.

• Vitamin C: Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C on their own, so they must get it from food. Lack of vitamin C (scurvy) weakens the immune system and increases the risk of infections, including URIs. A healthy guinea pig needs about 15 mg of vitamin C per day; sick animals may need up to 50 mg per day.
• Sources of vitamin C:
  • Vegetables and fruits: Red bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower and parsley are excellent sources. Offer them fresh every day.
  • Pellets: Good-quality guinea pig pellets contain added vitamin C, but it breaks down over time. Use the pellets within 90 days of the production date.
  • Supplements: You can use vitamin C tablets made for small animals or liquid vitamin C given by mouth. Do not add vitamin C to the drinking water because it changes the taste and may reduce water intake, and the vitamin breaks down quickly in water.
• High-fibre diet: Unlimited fresh hay is crucial for digestion and dental health and supports overall wellbeing.
• Fresh water: Clean, fresh water must always be available.

Quarantine of New Animals and Disease Prevention

Introducing new guinea pigs to an existing group needs careful planning to reduce the risk of disease spread, especially URIs.

• Quarantine: Keep any new guinea pig in a separate room and cage for at least 2-3 weeks. Watch closely for any signs of illness or abnormal behaviour during this time.
• Veterinary check-up: Have new guinea pigs examined by a vet even if they look healthy. The vet can assess overall health and give advice on safe introduction.
• Responsible sourcing: Whenever possible, adopt from a reputable breeder or a rescue where the health history is better known and animals are checked regularly. Pet shop guinea pigs generally have a higher risk of carrying disease.
• Regular vet visits: Take healthy guinea pigs to the vet at least once a year, or better twice a year, for general check-ups. This helps catch potential problems early.
• Good hygiene practices: Always wash your hands before and after handling guinea pigs or cleaning their cage, especially if you keep more than one animal.

By following these preventive measures, you can greatly reduce the risk of upper respiratory infections and support a long, healthy life for your guinea pigs.