Parasites Are these Fleas?

[Simpsonspiggie8]

Today when I was cutting my guinea pigs hair I noticed a bunch of black little dots. I can't tell if there moving because they are so small. I saw it on all three of my hairy guinea pigs. Im not sure if they are fleas so could someone tell me? I will post pictures.I don't understand how they could get fleas, they have never been outside, have never been in contact with the dogs or rabbit, and are kept in extremely sanitary conditions! and if they are fleas will they effect my skinny pig baby as well and also will they effect my rabbit, my 2 dogs and my hamster too? And if so, How do they get treated, should I go to my vets office? thanks

 

[bpatters]

No, they're not. Fleas aren't that small, and they move very quickly.

Do those specks come off the hair if you just flick them off, or do you have to grab hold and slide them off the end of the hair? If they're loose, they're probably just skin flake that have been shed, and nothing to worry about. If you have to pull them off, they're lice nits, and you'll need to treat with ivermectin.

 

[Simpsonspiggie8]

They don't really come off with a flick, They stay on the fur and are all over. Is the ivermectin safe for 4 month old guinea pig, and is it a perscription ? thanks

 

[bpatters]

Yes, it's safe for 4 month old pigs, and no, it doesn't require a prescription.

See https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/threads/111160-How-to-treat-for-mites-and-lice. You'll need to do at least three treatments, seven days apart. That way, you'll hit all the life cycles of the parasites, and that should knock them out.

 

[Simpsonspiggie8]

Thank You !