Owners to need wash their hands thoroughly after handling guinea pigs and after cleaning their home to reduce the risk of catching it themselves.

External parasites are difficult to control with conventional preparations that are administered orally or by injection. You'll probably not be surprised to hear that black cat costumes top the Halloween fancy dress best-seller list most years. Because sarcoptic mites live under your guinea pig's skin, you'll also need either an oral de-wormer or an injection to treat this condition. The main difference between these two is that static mites live in your guinea pig’s hair, while the sarcoptic mite burrows under its skin.If you suspect your guinea pig has lice, you must treat it as soon as possible, as it can be passed from an infected cavy to another. Keeping your pet’s home clean, regularly giving your guinea pig a health check, and knowing the symptoms to look out for and how to treat infestations, will go a long way to helping you keep your guinea pig mite-free. Itchy and Scratchy (pictured above) arrived at Orange County Cavy Haven in excruciating pain with severe mites.

If your guinea pig has what appears to be dust in their hair, a dust that doesn’t easily blow away, then it’s likely that they are suffering from static mites. Some breeders will routinely treat new guinea pigs in quarantine (since they can carry mites while showing no signs) rather than risk reintroducing mange mites to a whole herd of guinea pigs. Such a helpful man who went the extra mile to ensure that the carrier had precise instructions on where to leave the hedgehog house and food etc. These pesky parasites are dormant and go unnoticed, but when a cavy can’t groom itself correctly, feels stressed or has a weakened immune system, the infestation can get out of hand quickly.Static mites are treatable with a special shampoo or spray that you can purchase from your local veterinarian.

You should also make sure to change your guinea pigs’ bedding every 4 days to minimize the chances of a re-infestation. Sarcoptic mites are much more troublesome and unpleasant, causing sarcoptic mange (more commonly known as scabies). topical treatment for open sores and infection caused by scratching and for crusty skin and other complications related to the infestation. In time, weight loss is common, and your guinea pig may become debilitated, lethargic, and depressed.Static Lice, Mites, Ticks and Fleas are a common problem with small mammals, especially those that live with or in close proximity to other animals. The most serious infestations occur in the young and ill older animals subject to stress and poor environmental conditions, usually on the trunk. Guinea Pig Magazine Ltd (UK) will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. He has been to the vets previously, about a year ago, for a different case of mites and she did suggest the treatment that I mentioned in my original thread.