Jan
2013
Allergy Mischief. I’m Pretty Sure I’m Allergic To The Guinea Pig
We’ve had Gibby for about 8 months now and and while he is technically ”Bobby’s pet”, I have fallen for his adorable little face and little guinea pig antics.
He is quite the opposite of having 2 giant breed dogs as pets and I have really enjoyed cuddling with him, porting him around in my arms and putting him in fun and crazy photo props.
Which brings me to a very sad and upsetting confession.
I’m 99.8% sure that I’m allergic to him.
I’ve been keeping this realization to myself for the past few months and testing my suspicions.
I play with the pig and my eye swells to the size of an egg and I look like an alien.
I don’t play with the pig and I’m normal.
It couldn’t be any more obvious and believe me I have tried to prove myself wrong many times.
The first time it happened a few months ago I tried to blame it on shellfish. Out of the blue my left eye started to get all red and itchy and my sclera started to swell to the point that it was covering up my retina. I have to admit I freaked out a bit because this has never happened to me before.
My husband was a little freaked out to and told me, “That doesn’t look right.”
“Um, no. It does not. My eye looks like a boiled egg that could of been boiled for 5 more minutes. It’s a tumor.” I said. (because I always look at things in a rational way.)
“It’s not a tumor! Maybe your having an allergic reaction.” He said.
Which was what I was also thinking, after the tumor theory of course.
Maybe I was allergic to the crab legs I ate that night for dinner. I’ve never been allergic to shellfish before, but I am getting older and crazy stuff happens as you get older, or so I have been told.
Anyway the swelling and redness went down after I put a cold compress on my eye and didn’t happen again for another few days.
Same thing, big red, itchy swollen eye.
This time I blamed it on peanuts.
Oh great. Now I have a peanut allergy. Never had it before.
The third time it happened my husband said, “It happens every time you hold the guinea pig.”
Of which of course I let out an over dramatic gasp, ” No it does NOT! You are such a liar!”
“Whatever. Your allergic to the guinea pig.” he said.
Of course I refused to believe his insane theory for a few weeks, but as it kept happening, I started to give it some thought.
I looked up “guinea pig” allergies on Dr. Google and sure enough, this is what happens to some people when they are allergic to guinea pigs.
I still found it hard to believe. I mean after-all I have 2 of the furriest dogs there are and I have no allergies to them, so how can I be allergic to this little, mildly furry creature?
Well it just so happens that when people are allergic to guinea pigs they are allergic to proteins in the animal’s saliva and urine and/or their dander, not to their hair.
**SIGH**
Now it makes sense.
I have tested this theory over and over again.
I have no problems when I handle his hay, bedding or pellets just him.
Now, don’t worry. Gibby is not relocating. He will of course, continue to call our home his. I just have to take precautions when I handle him and handle him less. This is going to be hard for me because I am they type of person who, if I have it mentally in my mind, not to touch my face when I am holding him or after I am holding him, I will always give in and touch my face.
Always.
XOXO,
Jen-newly allergic to guinea pigs and hating it.
The Monday Mischief Pet Bloghop
Welcome to Monday Mischief – The pet blog hop that wraps up the weekend! This Blog Hop is brought to you by Alfie’s Blog, Snoopy’s Dog Blog, My Brown Newfies and Luna, A Dog’s Life
Elizabeth
January 28, 2013 at 1:38 am (143 days ago)Well at least the mystery is solved, but sorry that its at the expense of your little fuzzy friend.
Jen
January 29, 2013 at 11:09 pm (141 days ago)I know, It stinks.
SUGAR: Golden Woofs
January 28, 2013 at 1:52 am (143 days ago)Woof! Woof! Probably, most likely. Their fur are different form dogs. Mom experienced it when she taught and there were guinea pigs in her classroom. Also, their home (bedding) generate a certain odor in the air. Mmmm what’s going to happen now … Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
Jen
January 29, 2013 at 11:10 pm (141 days ago)I’m pretty sure it’s not the bedding but your right, it does have an odor to it. Gibby stays, I just have to be more careful!
myfurryplace
January 28, 2013 at 2:31 am (143 days ago)So far I have 6 lovely guineas are so far I have no reaction. But 4 years ago i rescued a civit cat and hse grow up with us like really a big cat tamed and sweet and she blend in well with our dogs and cats.
I though whay I am having same reactions like your swollen eyes my throad are clogged and i snease like real sick people.
My husband actually accepted that i have that allergy reaction, I just ignor it. Tinka is the name of my civet and she is really a lovely one and truly adore her. 3 years ago for some reason she catch eumonia and suddenly she passed away so quickly. By then after few weeks i realised I have those huge allergy from her furr. Since Tinka is gone I never have that symtoms anymore. But I miss Tinka very much. Even she gives me allergy my love for her is nothing to compare and I missed a lot !
Jen
January 29, 2013 at 11:11 pm (141 days ago)I’m so sorry to hear that she passed away so suddenly, that is heartbreaking.
Sue at Talking Dogs
January 28, 2013 at 4:59 am (143 days ago)Well, that’s a heck of a thing!! I can just see Gibby now… swaddled in a bit of blanket with a wee surgical mask on: ready for cuddling by Jen…
Jen
January 29, 2013 at 11:12 pm (141 days ago)Haha! I have my ideas brewin!
dawn
January 28, 2013 at 5:41 am (143 days ago)That stinks. I’m allergic to some cats. Just some. Luckily none of my cats that I have now, but I was allergic to one I used to have. I know what you mean about trying to not touch your face. I didn’t notice it as much when I worked at the vet clinic, probably because I was very anal compulsive about washing my hands there.
You could try bathing Gibby to remove some of the allergens. Also since you have a peanut allergy, check to make sure his food and treats don’t have any peanuts in them. Not sure what affect they might have on the proteins in Gibby’s saliva, but it’s just a thought.
Jen
January 29, 2013 at 11:13 pm (141 days ago)I know, right? I was thinking about all the pigs I handle at the vets too, but like you said I always wash my hands right after handling them so I’ve never had it happen at work before.
I was going to give him a bath and see if that helping at all. Kind of nervous about that, he’s so small!
emma
January 28, 2013 at 7:37 am (143 days ago)Oh dear, that is a bummer. Mom is allergic to cats but has had cats her whole life. Seems like over the years the reactions have lessened but still sometimes when fur gets in her face her eyes turn into a mess but she will always live with cats and refuses to let her own body tell her what to do.
Jen
January 29, 2013 at 11:14 pm (141 days ago)Wow. Allergic to cats all her life and still has them?
Glad to hear that that the reactions have lessened a bit:)
2 brown dawgs
January 28, 2013 at 8:09 am (143 days ago)Oh no. That does not sound like fun. I have heard of that reaction in people allergic to guinea pigs. I think any rodent can cause that kind of allergic reaction.
Jen
January 29, 2013 at 11:15 pm (141 days ago)I know. I just thought I was immune to be allergic to any animal:)
houndstooth
January 28, 2013 at 8:31 am (143 days ago)Aww! I’m sorry! Is it possible to counteract it some way? If you had some of those shampoo wipes, could you wipe him off before you handle him, or maybe take some kind of medicine?
Jen
January 29, 2013 at 11:15 pm (141 days ago)The wipes are a good idea! I didn’t think about that one!
Roxy the traveling dog
January 28, 2013 at 8:52 am (143 days ago)Oh no….That’s too bad, he’s so cute!!
Jen
January 29, 2013 at 11:16 pm (141 days ago)Isn’t he the cutest?:)
Kristi
January 28, 2013 at 9:21 am (143 days ago)Good grief! I suppose you and Gracie will be allergic to the alpacas now too….seriously, what DNA did you pick up from the parents? Are you sure this is not some mental issue you are having? Change of life? You are signing a wavier/release form when you come to my house……
Jen
January 29, 2013 at 11:16 pm (141 days ago)We probably will be allergic to them and I can’t say for sure, but maybe it is mental:))
Carma Poodale
January 28, 2013 at 9:35 am (143 days ago)Oh no, not the guinea! That really bites a bone, i tell ya. Well there are ways around it like you said to wash your hands and arms really good after handling Gibby. Hopefully you will become immune to the fur after some time. My sissy Sarah was allergic to cats until we started at the Humane Society then with the help of benedryl and exposure to the cats it seems to have built up her immunity to them. Be careful though because today it could be your eye and tomorrow it could be your throat.
Wags
Jen
January 29, 2013 at 11:17 pm (141 days ago)I know Carma, it stinks!
Thank you for the advice, I will be careful!
Kimberly, The Fur Mom
January 28, 2013 at 9:42 am (143 days ago)Boooo, allergies. I’m sorry. I’m glad that your GP isn’t relocating
Jen
January 29, 2013 at 11:18 pm (141 days ago)Total bummer, but he’s not going anywhere:)
Jodi
January 28, 2013 at 9:59 am (143 days ago)Of course you made me laugh, but I do sympathize. I am allergic to cats and I try to avoid them at all costs which simply means…they climb all over me.
I’m also highly allergic to PINE. Christmas is a fake tree, BUT if I spend too much time at my daughter’s house (who has a real tree) my eye DR. gets the “I think I have pink eye” call.
Ask your dr for some allergy eye drops, they do help.
Jen
January 29, 2013 at 11:19 pm (141 days ago)Wow, pine? When I was little I they said I was allergic to the sap from the trees. I use to get HUGE hives all over! I grew out of it I guess.
snoopy@snoopysdogblog
January 28, 2013 at 10:14 am (143 days ago)Oh no!! I’m feeling bad for you and of course for Gibby!! Would it help to use gloves when you play with him? You know those disposable ones, my Mum uses them when she gives me a bath, so I don’t like them, but they may help?
Good luck,
Your pal Snoopy
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:30 pm (140 days ago)It would help, if only I could remember! I think I just need to keep a box of them by his cage:)
Bailey
January 28, 2013 at 10:18 am (143 days ago)That’s a bummer. I have no problem with the dogs, but long exposure to cats and my eyes are running. Never have lived with a cat, so it hasn’t been an issue, but I often wondered if there was a problem or it just happened to be my dust allergies kicking in at that point.
Hope you find a way to work around him, those eyes can melt your heart.
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:32 pm (140 days ago)Sorry to hear about your allergies. I have a mild allergy to certain cats, not all cats, it just depends.
Nichole
January 28, 2013 at 10:26 am (143 days ago)Well, pooey… that stinks! But at least you know and can make accomodations!
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:32 pm (140 days ago)I know! Go figure!
Sam
January 28, 2013 at 10:30 am (143 days ago)Growing up I had allergies to everything, including all my animals. I covered it up well – I wanted all my pets!
Sam
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:32 pm (140 days ago)How in the world did you cover that up?
Crystal
January 28, 2013 at 10:54 am (143 days ago)Just imagine it is like having just chopped up some jalapenos. Whatever you do, don’t touch your face, nose, or eyes, or you will regret it for the rest of the day!
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:33 pm (140 days ago)Lol! I know! I have to trick myself!
Two French Bulldogs
January 28, 2013 at 11:00 am (143 days ago)Cause they got Gibby Guinea Pug furs. No more playing with Gibby
Have a fun day
Benny & Lily
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:33 pm (140 days ago)I’ll still play with him for sure, he’s too darn cute not too!
Blueberry's human
January 28, 2013 at 11:08 am (143 days ago)A little tip: wear a surgical mask when handling him and wash your hands afterwards. I have the same reaction when I touch horses, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and cats. I even have difficulty breathing around these animals. But if I wear a surgical mask it is 80% better.
I would recommend only touching your eye after handling Gibby during Halloween – cause let’s face it – you can’t manufacture that kind of grossness with makeup.
You’d be the hit of the block if you gave out candy looking like that!
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:34 pm (140 days ago)That’s an awesome tip Blueberry, thank you! So sorry that you have allergies too so many animals, but happy that you find a way to make it safer for you!
Lol-now I know what I’m going to be for Halloween:)
jan
January 28, 2013 at 11:31 am (143 days ago)It could be worse. At least you know how to stop having egg eyes.
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:35 pm (140 days ago)Your right, it could defintley be worse!
Bebe
January 28, 2013 at 11:33 am (143 days ago)That stinks! I’m like that with cats. You can always wear gloves when you cuddle him.
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:37 pm (140 days ago)Gloves is defintley an option!
Elyse and Riley
January 28, 2013 at 12:02 pm (143 days ago)Well, dang! That sucks. At least it’s not a tumor though! Ha ha! I laughed when you said that of course, it was a tumor!! I’m like that too. I always think I’m dying over the least little thing.
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:38 pm (140 days ago)Ha-ha! I know! My husband just shook his head when I said that! It’s not a tu-MOR!
Missy@dawsondogs
January 28, 2013 at 1:04 pm (143 days ago)So sad for the little pig. He probably loved the attention.
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:38 pm (140 days ago)He’ll still get plenty of attention, I promise:)
Amy@GoPetFriendly
January 28, 2013 at 2:23 pm (143 days ago)Who would have thought you’d be allergic to Gibby? I have a very similar allergy to cats and touching your face after you’ve handled them is the worst. I’m usually okay if I admire them from a distance, or if I must pet them I wash my hands with soap immediately afterward. Luckily, Gibby lives in a confined space and he’s not making you allergic to your whole house!
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:39 pm (140 days ago)I know! Crazy shit like this happens to me all this time!
I have the same thing with some cats, but not all of them, and bunnies sometimes too.
Clowie
January 28, 2013 at 2:39 pm (143 days ago)That’s a shame, guinea pigs are so cuddly.
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:40 pm (140 days ago)They are so cuddly and I will still cuddle with him:)
Hawk aka BrownDog
January 28, 2013 at 3:41 pm (143 days ago)Hi Y’all,
So sorry to hear of Gibby’s problem…no of course it isn’t your problem…Gibby has the dander and saliva…BOL!!! So sorry, you see I’ve had severe allergies even to grass for years now…but,like you I never let little things get me down…although the eye could be a big thing since you need to see out of it.
My Human suggested perhaps using a physicians mask and surgical gloves…you can usually get them in the pharmacy and fairly inexpensively in most Sams pharmacies. They may help protect you from some of the dander and help you remember not to touch your face.
I hope you forgive me for making light of your allergy…it’s just the way you wrote about it made me BOL!
Y’all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:41 pm (140 days ago)So sorry to hear about your allergies! That doesn’t sound fun but glad to hear that you don’t let it get you down!
Thanks for the suggestion about the masks and gloves! No worries about laughing, I have to find humor in some of these crazy things that happen to me!
Taryn
January 28, 2013 at 3:44 pm (143 days ago)Oh, that’s too bad! Didn’t your mom always tell you to keep your hands out of your face? See, she knew….
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:42 pm (140 days ago)LMAO! I know! I’m so bad with that stuff! Always touching!
Julie
January 28, 2013 at 5:29 pm (143 days ago)Oh no!! The same thing happens to me if I touch my eyes after eating almonds – weird, right? I had to laugh at your description of your eye swelling up . . mine reaction was very similar!!
He is such a little cutie, I can understand why it would be hard not to pick him up and cuddle him!
Julie
January 28, 2013 at 5:30 pm (143 days ago)“MY” reaction. . . not mine! (stupid fingers!)
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:43 pm (140 days ago)Wow! Almonds? You can eat them but not touch them? Wonder if it’s the oil? If they have oil? ???:)))
Loy Cerf
January 28, 2013 at 6:28 pm (142 days ago)Hey Jen, Bummer! I am glad–but not surprised, given you love of animals–that Gibby doesn’t have to be re-homed! What if you pretend that it’s the flu or a nasty cold that you’ll be NOT getting if you wash your hands immediately after you put the pig down? Make it a physiological adventure. (Or is that too weird?) Good luck. And thanks for hosting today!
Alfie |Alfie's Blog
January 28, 2013 at 7:03 pm (142 days ago)Rooooo oh no, that’s such a shame. He’s a real cutie so it’ll be difficult to resist him! *waggy tail*
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:43 pm (140 days ago)Thanks Alfie! It is a bit of a bummer!
Jackie Bouchard
January 28, 2013 at 11:12 pm (142 days ago)Oh, no! What a bummer. Poor Gibby! Poor you! He’s such a cutie, I’d have a hard time keeping my mitts off him!
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:44 pm (140 days ago)It is a bummer, but I’ll work on it!
Amy @ LifewithDoxies
January 29, 2013 at 3:43 pm (142 days ago)Too bad…at least Gibby still has Bobby to cuddle with. I am slightly allergic to cats, but I, too, did not realize for a while. I just thought I got lots of colds – every time a cat came near….
Jen
January 30, 2013 at 10:44 pm (140 days ago)Lol, you sound just like me:)
Jessica@YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner
January 31, 2013 at 3:14 am (140 days ago)Hmmm…I never thought of anyone being allergic to a guinea pig before. If Mr. Google says it’s a real thing I believe it though
At least you know why you have been looking like you have a tumor in your eye lately. Ha, ha.
Bark'n About
February 2, 2013 at 10:54 am (138 days ago)Playing catch up reading and I just love these photos. He has very nice colouring and markings. One thought, it may not be him, but rather the shavings you use in his pen. Many people are sensitive to the various kinds sold.