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Mites, how to get rid of them

VHayleyA1995

VHayleyA1995

Junior Guinea Pig
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Today I noticed one of my piggys has been losing hair more than normal. And today I noticed white coloured like bugs. Which I am sure is mites. I brought mite and mange spray but is there anything else I can do to get rid of them?
 
It can be brought in on hay.
I think the advice is to not try to treat them yourself with products bought in pet stores as they generally aren’t good enough. A vet can provide the best treatment. Hopefully somebody with experience of it will be long to help soon.
 
Hi there. Please have your piggies seen by a vet. You could have static lice, walking dandruff, hay mites or burrowing or mange mites. The vets need to diagnose the correct pest and prescribe the right treatment in the right dose. OTC treatments are rarely strong enough to eradicate the problem. Treating on spec at home is not recommended. It can make formal identification and proper treatment more difficult. .
 
VickiA said:
Hi there. Please have your piggies seen by a vet. You could have static lice, walking dandruff, hay mites or burrowing or mange mites. The vets need to diagnose the correct pest and prescribe the right treatment in the right dose. OTC treatments are rarely strong enough to eradicate the problem. Treating on spec at home is not recommended. It can make formal identification and proper treatment more difficult. .
Click to expand...
And should the vet treatment get rid of them for good/ never to return?
 
VHayleyA1995 said:
Today I noticed one of my piggys has been losing hair more than normal. And today I noticed white coloured like bugs. Which I am sure is mites. I brought mite and mange spray but is there anything else I can do to get rid of them?
Click to expand...

Hi!

Please do not treat on spec with shop bought low dosed products; they only suppress any symptoms temporarily at the very best, but do not cure them. In the end, you spend a lot more money when you have to see a vet for an advanced case of parasite infestation and your piggies suffer needlessly.

Both varieties of mites that guinea pigs can get are invisible to the naked eye. You are most likely dealing with lice.
Please note that we cannot diagnose reliably just from your description and that we cannot replace a vet.

Skin parasites are a fact of life for all pets. The best long term protection is a good hay based diet to improve the immune system to allow the bodies to fend off and suppress parasites naturally. That miminises the impact massively.
Low dosed 'prevention' products contribute unfortunately to any suppressed parasite eggs on the body developing resistence.
The best way to deal with any skin parasites is to see a vet, invest in a good quality product and treat them correctly when they make an appearance so it never goes over the level of a temporary nuisance.

More information on guinea pig specific parasites in this link here: What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)

Recommendations for a good general diet, which makes a real difference for life expectancy and general health: Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
 
I have made an appointment at the vet. - but in the mean time is there anything I could do to make him more comfortable, like give him a bath? - I think he may have also lost weight. Which I know isn't a good sign.
If it is lice can I catch it? Can I pass it on the my cat?
 
I would recommend you start weighing your piggy and keeping a record. I have a book that I record all vet visits, symptoms diagnosis and treatment, nail cutting and xeno treatment and baths, - might seem extreme but it's good to keep a record of these things.

Because you don't know what the actual issue is I would go into quarantine mode, careful handling etc, don't forget to tell the vet what treatment you've already given you pig and perhaps take the bottle with you as that can affect further treatment.
I wouldn't bath him, but I would encourage extra feeding to ensure he keeps his weight up.
 
That sounds like a good idea. - I have just been researching the spray I bought and its only to prevent mites. Its not for guinea pigs if they are already infested. I haven't used it yet. - looks like another trip to the vet.
 
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