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Black Dots On Guinea Pig

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gizmo.ella

gizmo.ella

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image.webp image.webp image.webp Hi, I found some black dots on my Guinea pig in the white parts of his fur? I'm really worried what are they ?
 
There seems to be plague of hay mites around this year. They are the least harmful of the guinea pig skin parasites as they stick their eggs to the hair especially on the bum end (unlike mange mites, which bury theirs in the skin).

However, the current variety seems to be a bit more persistent to remove than the usual seasonal fur or hay mites, which also called static lice by some, mistaking the egg cases for the actual parasite.

Please see a vet for diagnosis and discuss with him a two-pronged attack with both ivermectin (works better with parasites that actually live in the skin and not just from skin detritus) and some kind of insectical bath.
Be aware that any skin treatment needs two days (48 hours) to get to work before you can apply any other treatment.
Guinea Lynx :: Fur Mites
 
Wiebke said:
There seems to be plague of hay mites around this year. They are the least harmful of the guinea pig skin parasites as they stick their eggs to the hair especially on the bum end (unlike mange mites, which bury theirs in the skin).

However, the current variety seems to be a bit more persistent to remove than the usual seasonal fur or hay mites, which also called static lice by some, mistaking the egg cases for the actual parasite.

Please see a vet for diagnosis and discuss with him a two-pronged attack with both ivermectin (works better with parasites that actually live in the skin and not just from skin detritus) and some kind of insectical bath.
Be aware that any skin treatment needs two days (48 hours) to get to work before you can apply any other treatment.
Guinea Lynx :: Fur Mites
Click to expand...

Ok, the closet vet that treats Guinea pigs is 1 hour away from me and I wouldn't be able to take him there for a couple of weeks as unfortunately I don't have the time :( is there anything I can do myself to remove them?

Also do they happen to live on humans too as ever since I found them I've been feeling very itchy! Might just by my imagination!
 
gizmo.ella said:
Ok, the closet vet that treats Guinea pigs is 1 hour away from me and I wouldn't be able to take him there for a couple of weeks as unfortunately I don't have the time :( is there anything I can do myself to remove them?

Also do they happen to live on humans too as ever since I found them I've been feeling very itchy! Might just by my imagination!
Click to expand...

No, fur mites are strictly guinea pig specific.

Please do NOT use cheap low dosed pet shop ivermectin products.
 
gizmo.ella said:
Ok I won't buy anything from a pet shop. Could I give him a bath ? Would that help?
Click to expand...

No. A normal shampoo will neither kill the mites or remove the egg cases which are fixed to the hairs. You can help by giving your piggy a shorthair cut to remove as many egg cases that way, but that still leaves you with the mites.
 
Wiebke said:
No. A normal shampoo will neither kill the mites or remove the egg cases which are fixed to the hairs. You can help by giving your piggy a shorthair cut to remove as many egg cases that way, but that still leaves you with the mites.
Click to expand...

Ok so how would I remove the mites? Is the only option to go to the vets ?
 
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