Guinea Pig Lice: What you Need to Know!
Like 3 Dislike 0 Published on 1 Feb 2013
I am not trained in veterinary medicine, I just aim to summarise the information on websites and forums to help guinea pig owners like myself :)
* Guinea pig lice are different from mites, including mange mites (selnic mites) and hay mites (also known as static lice awkwardly!).
* Lice look like white/brown elongated moving blobs next the skin.
* Lice are biting insects which cause scratching and can lead to scabs and open sores.
* Lice are common on guinea pigs just brought home from the pet shop or breeder.
* Lice need treating quickly to prevent further injuries and infections
Treatment...
* The best way to treat lice (and mange mites) is with ivermectin, which can be injected by a vet or applied topically by the owner. An overdose of ivermectin can be dangerous so be sure of the dosage.
* ALWAYS CHOOSE A PRODUCT SPECIFIC TO GUINEA PIGS AND EVEN THEN BE CAREFUL! It is shocking that some products targeted at guinea pigs can contain chemicals harmful to them, but it is surprisingly common and not just in treatments for parasites.
* Treat all guinea pigs in the cage and thoroughly clean their cage and everything in it.
* I recommend Xeno 450 for treatment, though you can use Gorgeous Guineas lice n easy shampoo, but this means giving the guinea pig baths, which can be stressful for them.
Prevention...
* This is difficult as usually guinea pigs come to you with lice!
* One thing you can do is to quarantine any new guinea pigs you get before introducing them to the others. If necessary you can just treat the new pig/pigs, saving time, effort and money!
* Try to avoid buying guinea pigs from pet shops or irresponsible breeders that may have a lice infestation. Pet shops are one of the worst places to buy guinea pigs from, not only because you are supporting the trade (back-breeding females, poor living conditions and little concern for guinea pig welfare) but because young guinea pigs in pet stores often have problems, parasites being the most common. Instead, buy from a responsible breeder, or why not go to a rescue and give a piggie the new loving home it deserves whilst supporting the wonderful work rescues do :)
LINKS
* Guinea lynx parasites: http://www.guinealynx.info/parasites.html
* Thread on Advantage and "Guinea Lynx" forum: http://www.guinealynx.info/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2488
* "The Guinea Pig" forum (UK): http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/forum.php
* "Guinea pig cages" forum: http://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/forum.php
Joining a forum is a great way to learn from experienced owners and their stories.
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