What Are Guinea Pigs Allergic To?

Although they are becoming more popular as pets, not all vets or pet-sitters you will encounter will know what guinea pigs are allergic to. It is therefore up to you as guinea pig guardian to know what your pet is allergic to. Here are the main allergens:

Penicillin

This and the medicines listed below will kill guinea pigs, just as it would with a human who is allergic to penicillin, unless an antidote is administered in time. Death is usually by diarrhea, as all of the good bacteria in the digestive system is killed off. As most pet animals are NOT allergic to penicillin, it couldn't hurt to gently remind your vet.

Other Medications

amoxicillin (Clavamox)

ampicillin

bacitracin

cefadroxil

cephalexin * (derivative: Cefadroxil)

cephalosporins

cephazolin

chlortetracycline

clindamycin

dihydrostreptomycin

erythromycin

lincomycin

oxytetracycline

streptomycin

Aloe Vera

This popular antibacterial is natural and gentle enough for babies and puppies - but not guinea pigs. It makes them itch. Even products with a small percentage of aloe vera will irritate a piggy's skin so much they will scratch themselves open. This was discovered only a few years ago, so any older guinea pig care books that recommend aloe vera gel for guinea pigs are WRONG.

Cedar Shavings

This is a cheap and widely available bedding often touted for guinea pigs. However, guinea pigs are allergic to the oils in cedar bedding. Over time, they will develop health problems in their internal organs. Some will immediately get skin rashes from it.

Pine Bedding

This was considered the premium guinea pig bedding until the last few years, when it was proven that pine bedding not only can bring about liver damage with long term use, but is a home for mites. These mites only bother small animals, but can make you itch briefly.

Iceberg Lettuce

Guinea pigs will argue with you about this, as they do love the taste. However, this is the least nutritious of lettuces and can give painful digestive problems. It is also thought that iceberg lettuce may contribute to kidney problems.

Chocolate

This will get guinea pigs very sick, if not kill them. They just can't handle it. You probably already know this, but anyone visiting your guinea pig may not. Guinea pigs tend to explore the world with their mouths, so they will nibble on a proffered piece. If you want to give a guinea pig a treat, try something from this list instead.