Need suggestions about Guinea pigs with dry flakey skin

[nikoandqueenie]

I have a new guinea pig and his hair is very corse. He has very dry skin. Not sure if this will go away. The vet checked his skin and set it was just dry, but it's not getting any better. Any suggestions on what I can do?

[kathrynj]

Is he itchy at all? I would go ahead and treat for mites, 90% of skin issues are mite related.

When you say dry, is it flakey, dandruffy, scabby, etc?

[nikoandqueenie]

Thanks for the reply. He isn't itchy or scabby just flakey, dandruffy. What would you suggest for treatment?

[pigsforlife]

Sounds like mites. One of the symptoms is scurving which looks like dandruff.

Is your vet cavvy savvy?

You can treat mites from home. Either revolution (for cats or dogs it doesnt matter) or Ivermectin are used. Revolution can be purchased over the counter at the vets, Ivermectin from feed stores.

Even if your pig does not have mites it certainly wont hurt to treat him.

Also, where did you get him from? Petstores are notorious for sick pigs, most petstore pigs are riddled with mites, URI etc. Saying that, often mites lay dormant and come up in stressful situations, so the move to your house could have been stressful thus the mites!

Some helpful links for you:
Mites - Guinea Lynx :: Mange Mites
Revolution/selamectin - Guinea Lynx :: Antiparasitics
Ivermectin (go to the links on the right for more info on the different forms - topical, oral, via injection etc) - Guinea Lynx :: Ivermectin
Finding a vet - Guinea Lynx :: Finding a Veterinarian
GLs vet list - Guinea Lynx :: GL's Vet List
Also, check out the care guide - Guinea Lynx :: Guinea Pig Care Guide

[PigWooBus]

Piglet has just been to his first check-up--he got a clean bill of health--and my vet is one of the best in the area for guinea pigs. I can tell she really likes what she does and I trust her (she also has guinea pigs of her own). That being said, he does get a bit of dandruff once in a while. I tend to only really notice it when I am brushing him--like the dead skin is just being brushed out. I have heard of some people rubbing coconut oil on their guinea pigs. I know a lot of people with skinnies do it. I think I saw a post on here a few days ago about that... does anyone know what I am referring to? I will see if I can find it.