Just like other types of rodents, guinea pigs are also at risk of getting mites and lice. However, there are some quick and comfortable ways of treating them. The best way to treat mice and lice in guinea pigs is going to the vet. Your vet will be able to examine the symptoms and decide the best treatment that is safe for your guinea pigs.
There are some symptoms of mites in guinea pigs, such as excessive scratching or biting, hair loss and bald spots, inflamed skin, lethargy, weight loss, decreased appetite, and seizures.
Here are the safe and comfortable ways of treating mites in guinea pigs. Check them out.
- Never using flea medication
Flea medication shouldn’t be used to treat mice and lice in guinea pigs. It is because most flea medications have some ingredients that are poisonous to guinea pigs. So, if you suspect your guinea pig has lice or mites, take them to the vet instead. Make sure you also read tips on getting rid of fleas on guinea pigs.
- Use a shampoo or spray for static mites
Static mites are the mites which look like dust in your guinea pig’s fur. To treat this kind of mite, you need a special spray or shampoo. However, consult with your vet about the type of mites your guinea pig has. Your vet will also help determine the best shampoo or spray you need to treat the static mites.
To check whether your guinea pig has static mites, notice some “dust” on your guinea pig. Try blowing or brushing it away, if it doesn’t move, then it is likely to be static mites.
- Administer oral de-wormer or injection
This way will be suitable for treating sarcoptic mites. Sarcoptic mites live under your guinea pig’s skin, so it is hard to treat them by using shampoo or spray. Instead, you can use either an oral de-wormer or injection to treat this kind of mites. Your vet will help prescribe the correct de-wormer or injection if it is needed.
Spend time reading about ringworms in guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs which have bald patches and are biting their skin are most likely to have sarcoptic mites. These mites burrow under your guinea pig’s skin and cause itching and pain.
Your guinea pigs will try to get rid of the itching and pain by biting his skin. If you notice this behaviour, contact your vet right away.
- Replace the bedding every four days
If your guinea pig has been diagnosed with mites or lice, then you should remove all the bedding. Spray the cage as well with the spray given by your vet and replace the bedding. This is done to stop the spread of the mites.
Don’t have any idea about guinea pig’s bedding? Then these great ideas for your guinea piggy bedding will be perfect for you.
- Utilize clear tape
When you notice your guinea pig scratches a lot, then you can utilize clear tape to check whether there are lice. You can simply press a segment of tape on your pig’s back and after that force it off. Take a look at it under an amplifying glass. You may find some lice or eggs on the tape.
The next question may be how to prevent mites in guinea pigs. There are some ways to do it. Firstly, make sure you wash them routinely. Shower your guinea pig at least once every one or two months. Use guinea pig cleanser which can be found in pet stores.
Then, if your guinea pig meets other guinea pigs, make sure you cleanse him properly before acquainting with its mates. After that, clean your guinea pig’s enclosure routinely and consistently. Do that every week.
Clean the bedding and make sure you wipe down the pig’s enclosure as well. Keeping your guinea pig’s home clean will help to prevent him from getting mites.
Finally, give him a lot of vitamin C as it helps supporting your guinea pig’s framework and prevent from mites. You can simply add this to your guinea pig’s water or feed some citrus or greens.
Mites can also affect other animals. There are some ways to prevent feather mites in birds and ways to get rid of mites in rabbit with home remedies.