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My new guinea pig won't eat, is wheezing and sneezing. Is she sick?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

hi, i just got a guniea pig and we’ve only had her for a day and she hasn’t eaten and has no interest in eating, we’ve tried store bought guniea pig snacks, oranges, wood sticks. She has also been making maybe wheezing sounds? and sneezing. I’m scared she might be sick. What should we do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 2nd, 2018

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like your little guinea pig might be very sick. Guinea pigs should eat and poop continually, and this alone is concerning. Guinea pigs also often get respiratory infections and this could be the cause of her not eating. I recommend having her seen by a vet right away. If you got her from a pet store you might want to ask the pet store if the other guinea pigs have similar signs as this could help with a diagnosis. You should bring her to a vet right away though, as by the time guinea pigs show they are sick, they are very very sick. Prey animals will hide illness until they cannot anymore, so waiting is never a good idea. Best of luck with your little girl, I hope she feels better soon.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 5th, 2019

    Thanks for reaching out about Peanut. Stress can decrease appetite during periods of adaption. But the sneezing is a concern. If continues to sneeze or not eat by tomorrow, notify the vendor or see a veterinarian. Good luck.

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