Cleaning the ears?

[Zipfelmuetze]

I just found this Ferret ear cleaning solution online: https://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/4201/product.web

I was wondering what you guys could tell me reference cleaning guinea pigs ears. Do they tend to get ear mites? Is it important to clean there ears often? Would a solution like this one for Ferrets work?

Thanks

[jmjohnson89]

I read the ingredients for the ferret cleaner and it doesn't seem to be the best one for guinea pigs. The one I use is called Nolvasan solution (a.k.a. chlorhexadine solution). You can purchase it from your vet or Calvetsupply.com. As far as earmites, you would need to see your exotic veterinarian so she/he could prescribe ivermectin. You will notice your piggy has them because the ear "gunk" will look like coffee ground and be very dry. Also, piggy will scratch and shake head a lot! Good luck!

[Zipfelmuetze]

Ah thank you! Yeah I have noticed the dirt. I thought it was just from the hay or something. Punk doesn't really shake his head though. Would cleaning the ears with water and a Q-tip suffice? Are the mites a major concern?

[Ly&Pigs]

Mites are a major concern. They cause hairloss, open scabs and extreme itching and pain for the pig. They can get so bad as to cause death if they are not treated. Ivermectin, Advantage or Revolution can take care of the mites. Please see www.guinealynx.info/parasites.html for more info on mites.

[jmjohnson89]

If piggy has mites, I would definitely take him/her to vet. They can dose the ivermectin for you unless you are confident enough to do it yourself with the solution. However, if this is the first time dealing with this.....I would go to the vet. Exotic Vet. Good luck