Constant scratching

[Pepper and Inky]

My two boars are ALWAYS scratching themselves and I think they may have fleas or something.
I heard that giving them a bath kills the fleas but I am not sure how to do it properly.
Any tips on bathing them and do you agree about the fleas thing?

 

[YvonneBlue]

I think this will need a trip to the vet as the scratching could be caused by a number of things including mites or a fungal infection (some of which can infect humans too). Please don't waste your money on over the counter remedies as they don't work and may make the situation worse. Your vet will be able to diagnose what is causing the itching and prescribe a remedy which will clear up the problem quickly.

 

[Wiebke]

My two boars are ALWAYS scratching themselves and I think they may have fleas or something.
I heard that giving them a bath kills the fleas but I am not sure how to do it properly.
Any tips on bathing them and do you agree about the fleas thing?

Hi and welcome

Please do NOT try to treat for fleas (which guinea pigs don't get), as a flea bath or powder is likely to contain substances that are lethal for guinea pigs as these products are geared for dogs and cats and not small rodents. Fleas And Flea Powders

Please see a vet for a proper diagnosis. You can reclaim the cost from the pet shop if you have new guinea pigs (less than 2-3 weeks in the UK and less than a month in the US).
You are more likely either dealing with invisible mange mites that burrow their eggs in the increasingly inflamed skin and can kill if left un- or undertreated, invisible hay mites that fix tiny egg cages to the underside of hairs especially at the bottom end or you are dealing with highly infectious and transmittable ringworm. this is a fungal skin infection that can you and any other pets can also catch and that requires different treatment. You will want to make sure that you treat properly with good waulity products (NOT low dosed broad spectrum shop products) and for the correct thing.
Please read this link here for more information on the various health issues and your customer rights: What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)

You can find a lot more helpful and practical information in our New Owners guide collection, which addresses all the areas we get the most questions and concerns about, from settling and making friends with to understanding behaviour; diet and care; housing, safe and unsafe toys and cage accessories; learning what is normal and what not, how to save up for vet care and when to see a vet.
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides