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My guinea pig has a clicking sound when breathing. Is it an URI?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Female

Hi Dr this evening I have noticed that my guinea pig has a clicking sound when she is breathing and I know this is a sign of an URI but this is the only sign she has what do you think

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 11th, 2018

I am sorry to hear about Biscuit. I would be concerned about an upper respiratory infection with this noise you describe. Sometimes we can have mild symptoms at first which then progress as infection worsens. I would recommend having her examined by a vet. In the meantime, you can give her a steam treatment by putting her in the bathroom while you run a steam shower for 10 minutes a few times a day or placing a humidifier in her room. You can also place her on paper bedding or fleece bedding to decrease respiratory irritants/dust and ensure the cage is staying very clean to decrease ammonia exposure which can irritate the respiratory tract.

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    Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 8th, 2018

    Hello, Yes, this is cause for concern for a URI. I would recommend taking them both in for vet checks, where they will likely recommend that each of them takes a course of antibiotics. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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