It wasn't mites after all

[redfrock]

... well it was the first time, courtesy of Africa (the pig, not the continent!). She had all the classic signs, several doses of ivormec later and all 4 girls were itch free and Africa's coat was looking much better.

This time however I just didn't get it ... scratch scratch scratch ... but no dandruff, no sore patches and their coats were lovely.

Last week I bought some new washing powder just for the guinea pigs, as the Ariel was working out just a touch too expensive. I can only use Ariel otherwise I get chronic eczema. So I bought some a tub of 30 'Simply Sensitive Eco-Smart Non Bio' tablets - they were a good price and would last me a while. Put them all on their newly washed bedding last weekend and as I was doing their change over this afternoon I realised that apart from the odd scratch after they jump out of the hay the scratching has pretty much stopped, so I reckon they were allergic to my nice expensive Ariel liquitabs and it wasn't a case of mites at all!

 

[Lisajazz]

That's interesting - I was worried that mine mite be allergic as I get a fair bit of scratching and they haven't got mites or anything...

 

[nutmeg]

That's good you have found a solution. Something for all fleecy people to think about. Thanks. x

 

[tinky75]

I have been watching my two scratch a lot lately and I have changed over to fleece bedding. One of my piggies was really tame and would let me pick her up, now she runs away from me and seems to hate being picked up and squeak's really loudly when handled, I wondered if she didn't like me touching her and if something was wrong with her skin and if it was due to washing powder, I use Fairy non bio....

 

[Dindypig]

I have to use 'non bio' washing powder and never add fabric softener when washing my clothes and bedding, otherwise my back will itch terribly.