How do you treat mites on guinea pigs?
These may include topical cat medications such as Advantage® or Revolution® or injectable anti-parasitic medications. These drugs are safe in guinea pigs, but should ONLY be used under the guidance of a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs.
What do guinea pig ear mites look like?
Rabbit ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi) may affect guinea pigs. The guinea pig may be seen scratching and shaking its head and the wax in the ears may appear dirty and reddish brown (sometimes just described as “dark”). This mite is large enough to be seen with the unaided eye, though they are often covered with debris.
What kind of mites does a guinea pig have?
If you notice that your guinea pig seems to have dust in its fur, it might have static mites. Try blowing or brushing away the dust – if it doesn’t move, your guinea pig likely has static mites. Check for bald patches. If your guinea pig has bald patches and is biting its skin, it likely has sarcoptic mites.
What kind of parasites do guinea pigs have?
Mites and lice are the most common parasites that affect guinea pigs, but there is a difference between them. When it comes to parasites, two types affect guinea pigs, namely static mites (Chirodiscoides caviae) and sarcoptic mange mites (Trixacarus caviae).
How can I get rid of static mites on my guinea pig?
If your pets have static mites, which look like dust in their fur, you’ll need to treat them with a prescription spray or shampoo. Alternatively, for sarcoptic mites, which live under the skin, the vet will give your pets an injection or have you administer an oral de-wormer at home.
Can you use a mite collar on a guinea pig?
DO NOT use mite collars on guinea pigs. DO NOT use organophosphates, straight permethrin sprays or permethrin spot-ons on your pet guinea pig. “For safety’s sake, always consult with a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs and fur mites before using any topical and environmental treatments!”.
