How to Treat Mites and Lice in guinea pigs
- Get a cleanser or shower for static mites.
- Direct oral or injectable medications for lice.
- Change your pig's bedding like clockwork.
- Utilize clear tape on your pig.
Lesions are usually found around the head area and typical show hair loss, with crusting and scabbing. You will find that the hair falls out very easily at the edges of the lesions. If it is a mild case, it is usually not itchy. If the case is more severe, it can spread to other areas of the body and become itchy.
A fungus infection of the skin can cause a guinea pig to scratch frequently, irritating his skin and even causing his hair to fall out. Typically, exposed skin will be red and irritated, and may sometimes have a white dandruff-like residue on its surface.
Your guinea pig may vibrate when it is uneasy or alarmed. These vibrations are accompanied by a quick, snipped sound when they are created by fear. If your guinea pig is new to your home, they may vibrate due to alarm from you or the new environment. It may also be due to loud or sudden noises.
Your guinea pig can sleep with you. But, it's probably not a good idea. Although there can be benefits to sleeping with your guinea pigs, many precautions need to be taken to keep the experience safe and happy for you and your guinea pig.
Avoid catching a disease from your guinea pig by instructing the entire family in safe handling guidelines. Teach children not to kiss guinea pigs or put them up to their faces, not to rub their nose or eyes when handling a guinea pig and to thoroughly wash their hands as soon as the guinea pig goes back in his cage.
Pneumonia. Pneumonia is actually the leading cause of death in Guinea pigs. It is generally caused by a bacterial infection. Some of the symptoms of pneumonia include wheezing, trouble breathing, discharge from the nose or mouth, weight loss, reddish eyes, and depression.
People can still get a Salmonella infection from guinea pigs, because these animals can carry the bacteria even when they look healthy and clean. Learn about Salmonella from small mammals and how people can reduce the chance they or their children get an infection.
Ringworm is a very contagious condition, and if you touch your guinea pig, the fungus could spread to you. You can then spread the fungus to other people or to your other pets.
A Dirty Cage Can Be Life-Threatening to a Guinea Pig
A guinea pig can become sick if it is forced to live in an unclean cage. While a guinea pig won't directly die from a dirty cage, an unclean living environment can lead to a guinea pig having health problems.Should your guinea pig bite you, you mustn't hurt it back. Instead, put it back in its cage for a little time out, and only return once it's calmed down. Don't make the mistake of giving your biting piggy a treat or attention straight after.
Any person with a bite from an animal that might have rabies should see a doctor. An animal bite that breaks the skin has a risk of tetanus. If it has been more than 5 years since the last shot, a tetanus booster is needed. A person with an animal bite that breaks the skin will most likely need to see a doctor.