Guinea Pig - Cause of allergy?!

[Veggie]

Hi there!
I would like to buy my daughter a guinea pig; when I told my friend about it she said: don't! They are even worse (in respect of allergies) than rabbits and cats!
Can anybody confirm that?!

Not sure about worse....but I am allergic to cats and guinea pigs and I suffer A LOT....enough to deter me from them, even in childhood...itchy eyes, itchy throat, sneezing etc etc.....might be worth cheacking if your child is allergic before buying!

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not sure about the allergies bit but my guinea pig has just died and i found him the best pet you could want! He never bit anyone even though ds was only 2 when we got him and has never caused any trouble regarding smells or uncleanliness. He was easy to care for and i found better than any other animal!

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We would keep it inside! I couldn't bare the thought of the poor "thing" outside in the cold and with cats and foxes around... DD hasn't had any allergies yet... It's silly, but I never thought of checking before buying. I will ask around at pre-school next week, if someone has a guinea pig...!

DH and I have 6 gps. He is allergic to cats but not the guineapigs.

Good for you for wanting it inside, they are great fun to interact with, and you would probably be suprised at how much personality a tame gp can have.

How old is DD. They do make great pets but very young children should only play with/handle them under strict supervision. I have heard many stories of overenthusiatic toddlers (unintentionally)inflicting serious injuries just by giving the pig a hug.

She will be 4 in January. I would never let her handle the guinea pig on her own and will make it the first rule, when introducing piggy to her! She is very keen on animals and babies... Her father doesn't want a dog (and no more babies!), I don't want a cat (too many dead "presents" being brought home...). I contemplated rabbits, but I just like that sqeeking sound guinea pigs make... My friend's boy had a guinea pig and it greeted them, when they came home (and apparently got very excited whenever they opened the fridge door)!

Oh yes, you'll never be able to open the fridge door or rustle a plastic veggie bag again without getting wheeeeeeeeeeked at

I'm completely nutty about them, hence the username

my dear departed guinea pig's fur used to make me itch a little, but nothing serious. i agree they can be wonderful pets, she was so cuddly and loving. an ideal little friend.