Giving A Flea And Tick Repellent For Outside Time?

[unkinz]

Our vet suggested getting a form of flea and tick repellent from them, (in a piggy sized dose), if we plan on bringing them outside for grass time.

I had never heard of that before, and honestly it sounds a little silly and possibly dangerous to me. I don't think the possibility of them getting them would be so large in our yard? Anyone ever heard of this?

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

I'd suggest getting a better vet I'm afraid! Piggies don't get fleas and I've personally never heard of one having a tick, although I'm sure it's possible. If there are fleas around they may bite piggies just like they do with us but they don't live on them like they do cats and dogs.

It's best not to give them unnecessary chemicals into their wee little bodies in my opinion. None of my pigs have ever had fleas, ticks or worms. Ticks are generally found in long grass so I don't think they'd hang around short garden areas

 

[Lady Kelly]

I don't believe there are any species specific fleas that piggies can get and never heard of them getting ticks before either. Mine live outdoors and have done for 5 years now and I've never had a piggy affected by ticks

 

[unkinz]

Thank you! I thought it sounded quite off, wanted to get a few more opinions. Never even heard of that before...
Worries me she would suggest it then....my goodness.
First time with her. So you would suggest leaving her then over that, @Cavy Kung-Fu? She seems trustworthy otherwise, and she's an exotics vet, so I though she was okay?

 

[Betsy]

My rainbow piggies lived outside for 5 years and never had fleas and my current piggies have lived outside for 2 years and haven't got fleas either. It's a bit strange that your vet has suggested treatment for fleas and ticks.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Thank you! I thought it sounded quite off, wanted to get a few more opinions. Never even heard of that before...
Worries me she would suggest it then....my goodness.
First time with her. So you would suggest leaving her then over that, @Cavy Kung-Fu? She seems trustworthy otherwise, and she's an exotics vet, so I though she was okay?

Well obviously it's totally your call but if I were in your shoes I'd probably look for someone more experienced. I've personally gone through many vets, all of which have claimed to be "exotic" vets or to be experienced but it comes down to whether you can trust them to give you the right information when your babies need help, especially as we aren't vets and may not know the answers ourselves. Experience is definitely key! Have you got any of the recommended ones near you?

 

[unkinz]

Well obviously it's totally your call but if I were in your shoes I'd probably look for someone more experienced. I've personally gone through many vets, all of which have claimed to be "exotic" vets or to be experienced but it comes down to whether you can trust them to give you the right information when your babies need help, especially as we aren't vets and may not know the answers ourselves. Experience is definitely key! Have you got any of the recommended ones near you?

Unfortunately, I'm in the USA so there are none recommended for me. It's been hard finding one, we've been through a few now, I just can't find a trustworthy one. I saw this vet on another site, the guinea lynx I believe, so I was hoping for better luck. Besides this incident, she seemed way better than the other vets I had been to before. I wish I could get a good solid recommendation. Like you said, it makes it extra difficult because I am not a vet myself either. To make things worse, this vet is worried Charlette has ovarian cysts, and if this is the case, I would need someone very trustworthy for helping her. Not sure what to do...

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Unfortunately, I'm in the USA so there are none recommended for me. It's been hard finding one, we've been through a few now, I just can't find a trustworthy one. I saw this vet on another site, the guinea lynx I believe, so I was hoping for better luck. Besides this incident, she seemed way better than the other vets I had been to before. I wish I could get a good solid recommendation. Like you said, it makes it extra difficult because I am not a vet myself either. To make things worse, this vet is worried Charlette has ovarian cysts, and if this is the case, I would need someone very trustworthy for helping her. Not sure what to do...

The only other thing you could do is explain it to her. With me for example if a vet isn't open to feedback and new information I'm always sceptical. However if they take it on board and do some more research you're probably on the right track.

I don't know that US vet system sadly but if she's the best you've found so fair stick with it and maybe see if there are specialists you can put your vet in touch with that could help her. Communication between vets is key

 

[unkinz]

The only other thing you could do is explain it to her. With me for example if a vet isn't open to feedback and new information I'm always sceptical. However if they take it on board and do some more research you're probably on the right track.

I don't know that US vet system sadly but if she's the best you've found so fair stick with it and maybe see if there are specialists you can put your vet in touch with that could help her. Communication between vets is key

Thank you so much for all your help and for taking the time to reply to me so many times. I will find this helpful. x
I hope I haven't been too contrary, I wasn't meaning it like that, the stress kinda came all of a sudden. Just worried about my girl, nothing about you at all. Thank you, @Cavy Kung-Fu

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Thank you so much for all your help and for taking the time to reply to me so many times. I will find this helpful. x
I hope I haven't been too contrary, I wasn't meaning it like that, the stress kinda came all of a sudden. Just worried about my girl, nothing about you at all. Thank you, @Cavy Kung-Fu

Oh not at all! I know what it's like to be worried about your furbabies! We're all here for you, I find the support on here to be so important especially when going back and fourth to vets. Everyone has an amazing amount of experience and us piggy parents stick together! I hope she's okay and gets better very soon x

 

[eileen]

my first two piggies came with cat fleas ! my vet advised to use advantage spot on,but not advocate or advantage multi as it is toxic to guinea pigs.you really need to get the vet to check under a microscope that is is fleas you are dealing with.i hope you find the answers soon.what a nightmare for you.

 

[unkinz]

my first two piggies came with cat fleas ! my vet advised to use advantage spot on,but not advocate or advantage multi as it is toxic to guinea pigs.you really need to get the vet to check under a microscope that is is fleas you are dealing with.i hope you find the answers soon.what a nightmare for you.

Thank you so much! I hope so too. x
I'm just wishing this is just a mistake and Charlette will be okay. We don't know anything for sure yet, but she does have some symptoms of cysts.
We aren't worried about fleas at the moment, so that makes me worried is that the vets would suggest it. If she would need treatment, I would want to know she is in safe hands.

 

[RosieMaia]

I don't think pigs can get fleas, but ticks aren't species-specific and piggies can get them, unfortunately. I'm speaking from personal experience with one of my rainbow piggies.

What repellent was suggested to you by your vet?