Piggy mites/lice/nasty bugs

[Ab1991]

Hi everyone.

I would like your opinions if possible.
How often should guinea pigs be treated for mites and lice? Do you treat only if they show symptoms or do you do on a regular basis as a protection?
I'm getting different answers from different people so bit confused.

Many thanks

 

[Siikibam]

You only need to treat if it has been confirmed by the vet. Treating for protection can cause the parasites to build up a resistance. So when you come to treating a case, the medicine won't work. We also don't recommend home treating. You should always take your piggies to the vet for a check, diagnosis and treatment methods. Shop bought meds are usually a lower dosage so won't work as they should.

 

[Piggies&buns]

 

[Claire W]

 

[Ab1991]

Ok thanks a lot for the advice

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone.

I would like your opinions if possible.
How often should guinea pigs be treated for mites and lice? Do you treat only if they show symptoms or do you do on a regular basis as a protection?
I'm getting different answers from different people so bit confused.

Many thanks

Please only treat when you have a firm diagnosis. A fully working immune system does a very good job of keeping parasites and opportunistic illnesses under control all on its own. Constant low dosed 'prevention' treatment where it is not needed will contribute to help with creating resistance issues, especially in any mange mite eggs buried in the skin that many piggies have.

It is much better and more effective to see a vet and hit them hard with a vet grade good quality product when there is a real and actual problem, whih frankly may never happen; especially when you adopt from a good welfare standard guinea pig rescue with mandatory quarantine and vet care.

Please do not diagnose and DIY treat on spec. We do see what can happen when people get the diagnosis, as that is where we get contacted over with a real mess and after lots of unnecessary suffering or in the worst case, sadly death.