KaitlinH
Junior Guinea Pig
My guineas keep scratching their sides. We have checked them and it's nothing but, for the future, what things can cause scratching and what do I need to look out for?
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Scratching?
- Thread starter KaitlinH
- Start date
The occasional mild scratch is nothing to worry about but if it is frequent and intense, and especially if you notice bald patches or very flaky or crusty skin, please see a vet and do not treat on spec with low dosed broad spectrum pet shop products. Mange mites, fungal infections (not just ringworm, which is by far the most transmittable problem between all mammals, including humans) hay mites, lice, dry skin from radiators or air conditioning etc. can actually look much more similar than you might think from textbook pictures. They all need different treatments. Also be aware that you destray a crime scene if you home treat before you see a vet, as you make a clear diagnosis much more difficult or even impossible.
It is much more effective to pay for a vet visit and appropriate treatment than to prolong the suffering, deal with recurring problems and still have to pay for vet care in the end.
Please make sure that you save up every week or month for a vet fund, so you can afford vet care whenever necessary. Illness and emergencies NEVER happen at a good time!
If your piggies are new, you can have them vet checked and if they have a problem, reclaim the cost from the pet shop. Many UK vets only fetch a reduce rate for a first consultation and sign-up. You can enquire when you book an appointment.
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Recommended piggy savvy vets in some other countries: Guinea Lynx :: GL's Vet List