What do you do when your g.pig freaks out when you touch him?

[gettinapiggy]

I have a piggy. His name is Oliver and he has a problem. Everytime I touch him he spazzes out for what ever reason, he starts kicking and squealing, kinda like when he popcorns, but not nearly as happy-sounding. He didn't use to be like this and I have no clue what is wrong with him.Also he has something wrong with his skin..it's irritated and he scratches it and then squeals..i have no idea what do do.

I went to a local pet store to see if any of them had an answer. The guy told me to get some baby oil and put it in his bath water. I didn't want to have to do that since they are only suppose to have a bath 3 to 4 times per year MAX. so....I am left with a piggy who doesn't want to be touched, and has a skin problem. What should I do?

[daftscotslass]

He probably has mites which are very common. Take him to a vet, he will need to be treated with ivermectin. This is possibly also the reason he doesn't like being picked up - he will be itchy and uncomfortable. Have you had him long? If not, it can also take time for them to settle.

Please don't ever go to a pet shop for advice. They are talking absolute nonsense with the baby oil - never use ANY human products on a guinea pig, particularly not baby oil.

[auburnmare5]

Does she/he let you pet her/him?

If your pig allows that, it may be the way you are trying ot pick him/her up.

If no petting is allowed, see a vet and have them chek for mites. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

And please, don't get advice from a petstore. Some of the best advice if not the best, is found here and on GuineaLynx.com

Let us know how it goes.

[chexxy]

The reason he freaks, is probaly because it hurts. Like if you had bad sunburn, you dont want anyone atemping to pick you up, would you?
I would say vet, now. Its probaly mites. And petstores, will not give good advice, so I would try not to go there.

[Mai'Keth]

My boy did the kicking thing if I touched his left side or towards his bottom. I got him 3 treatments of Ivermectin and he stopped doing it.

He was a pet shop pig before I knew better. My 2nd is an adopted/rescue pig.

[PolkaDotPig]

It definitely sounds like mites or lice.

Originally Posted by daftscotslass

Please don't ever go to a pet shop for advice.

I couldn't agree more! Most of the time they do not know what they are talking about. It's never worth the risk of getting wrong information and causing your animal harm.

[gettinapiggy]

I've had him for a year and about 3 months. If he has mites, then I don't know what to do. there are no vets anywhere near where I live.Plus, my family's not one of the richest ones if you know what I mean..

[bonzai]

Guinea Lynx :: Lice check this link

[fourboys4now]

That's okay, if it's mites, you can buy the ivermectin at a local feed store. On guinealynx.com they have an awesome link to let you know how to measure how much of the medication to dab behind the piggies ear based on weight. So if it's mites you should be able to do it yourself at home without a vet bill. Good luck!

[gettinapiggy]

well, what can i do as far as clipping his nails? i mean, with him scratchin so much, for the time being, how am i suppose to cut his nails so he doesn't hurt himself further?

[bonzai]

The best method I can suggest is to get the smallest set of nail clippers you can find. The ones for kittens or petite dogs work best. I also find the clippers that close like a crab's claw seem to do much less damage and cause less stress than the ones where you insert their nail in the round part and then depress the lever to have the blade cut the nail. As for exactly what length to cut the nails, this link is great: Guinea Lynx :: Nail Clipping