How to deal with hay allergies?

[GuineaPigMama89]

I've been sneezing and had a runny nose since I got my guinea pigs yesterday. I also noticed I have to use my rescue inhaler more often. I've tried taking Benadryl but it hasn't helped. What is a good remedy for really bad allergies? I think it's the hay and not the pigs themselves because I don't get itchy when I hold them or when their nails scratch me. Is this something I should see my doctor for? I am absolutely not giving up my piggies.

 

[bpatters]

Either clean the cage well, or preferably, get someone else to do it for you, and bathe the pigs. Get some orchard or meadow grass and see if that makes a difference. Timothy is the hay most likely to cause allergic reactions.

 

[GuineaPigMama89]

Either clean the cage well, or preferably, get someone else to do it for you, and bathe the pigs. Get some orchard or meadow grass and see if that makes a difference. Timothy is the hay most likely to cause allergic reactions.

Thanks so much!

 

[katkor03]

I take a daily zyrtec. That usually works as I face the same issue with the hay. I tried Orchard grass, but it always seems to be the hay dust that gets me. Taking a daily benadryl isn't recommended for long term use.