Fleas.

[Jenni85]

A few questions really,

Do Guinea pigs get fleas? If so...
How do they catch them?
How do we treat them? And..
Do we treat every month like we do with dogs and cats?

TIA

 

[Piggies&buns]

There is no species specific fleas for guinea pigs, so no, they don’t suffer with fleas.
Any fleas from cats for example who do find their way to piggies, do not hang around on piggies.

They can get mites, but you do not treat monthly. You only treat with a prescribed ivermectin product if there is an active and vet diagnosed infestation. You may never need to do so.
They carry mites in their skin which are kept under control by a fully functioning immune system. They have the potential to cause an issue if the immune system becomes compromised enough through illness or stress.
Hay mites are the other type of mite which they can get. As the name suggests they come in with hay. They are annoying but less of an issue than mange mites are.
There are no routine treatments or vaccinations which piggies need.

New Guinea Pig Problems: Sexing & Pregnancy; URI, Ringworm & Parasites; Vet Checks & Customer Rights

 

[PigglePuggle]

Excellent advice there from @Piggies&buns but just to add- many cat and dog flea treatments are extremely toxic to guinea pigs, as well as being unnecessary- so please never be tempted to use a generic over the counter flea treatment near or on piggies or their bedding or cage, or in their room- it could be very dangerous!

 

[Jenni85]

There is no species specific fleas for guinea pigs, so no, they don’t suffer with fleas.
Any fleas from cats for example who do find their way to piggies, do not hang around on piggies.

They can get mites, but you do not treat monthly. You only treat with a prescribed ivermectin product if there is an active and vet diagnosed infestation. You may never need to do so.
They carry mites in their skin which are kept under control by a fully functioning immune system. They have the potential to cause an issue if the immune system becomes compromised enough through illness or stress.
Hay mites are the other type of mite which they can get. As the name suggests they come in with hay. They are annoying but less of an issue than mange mites are.
There are no routine treatments or vaccinations which piggies need.

New Guinea Pig Problems: Sexing & Pregnancy; URI, Ringworm & Parasites; Vet Checks & Customer Rights

Great advice. Thank you.

Should they contract mites from hay is a vet visit required for treatment?

 

[Jenni85]

Excellent advice there from @Piggies&buns but just to add- many cat and dog flea treatments are extremely toxic to guinea pigs, as well as being unnecessary- so please never be tempted to use a generic over the counter flea treatment near or on piggies or their bedding or cage, or in their room- it could be very dangerous!

Ah OK, thank you. To be honest I don't treat my puppo anymore he's 16 and doesn't go for walks anymore, he can just about get down the step to the back garden

 

[Piggies&buns]

Great advice. Thank you.

Should they contract mites from hay is a vet visit required for treatment?

Yes. You need diagnosis that it is indeed mites (some fungal infections can present very similarly so you need to know you are treating the correct issue). And to be prescribed the correct course of treatment based on their weight. The correct treatment for mites is three separate treatments with two weeks between each treatment to catch the full life cycle of the mites.
Anti parasite treatments from pet shops may contain ivermectin but it is not in high enough dosage to deal with an active issue. It may temporarily suppress mites but not necessarily cure so you would still end up at the vet needing the correct treatment and consequently costing more and taking longer to deal with.

 

[Jenni85]

Yes. You need diagnosis that it is indeed mites (some fungal infections can present very similarly so you need to know you are treating the correct issue). And to be prescribed the correct course of treatment based on their weight. The correct treatment for mites is three separate treatments with two weeks between each treatment to catch the full life cycle of the mites.
Anti parasite treatments from pet shops may contain ivermectin but it is not in high enough dosage to deal with an active issue. It may temporarily suppress mites but not necessarily cure so you would still end up at the vet needing the correct treatment and consequently costing more and taking longer to deal with.

Fab, thank you.

Can I ask what the symptoms of mites are? I've seen them having an itch now and again and I immediately have to tell myself to stop being silly and we get itchy sometimes and doesn't mean there's anything wrong

 

[Piggies&buns]

Fab, thank you.

Can I ask what the symptoms of mites are? I've seen them having an itch now and again and I immediately have to tell myself to stop being silly and we get itchy sometimes and doesn't mean there's anything wrong

You are right, we do all get itchy from time to time! Doesn’t mean there is an issue!
Excessive itching is a sign, bald patches, flaky skin, hair loss.
You may also see egg casings stuck in their hair usually at the back end in the case of hay mites. You will feel them if you run your finger down the hair shaft. Very similar to that of nits in humans.
Mange mites present with a v shape bald patch over the lower back

 

[Jenni85]

You are right, we do all get itchy from time to time! Doesn’t mean there is an issue!
Excessive itching is a sign, bald patches, flaky skin, hair loss.
You may also see egg casings stuck in their hair usually at the back end in the case of hay mites. You will feel them if you run your finger down the hair shaft. Very similar to that of nits in humans.
Mange mites present with a v shape bald patch over the lower back

Ahhhhhh there's none of that, just the odd scratch usually when they've popped out of the hay pile

Thanks again.