Parasites Fleas!

[Holly&Fred]

I've noticed that I've been finding the occasional flea around recently and I'm not sure if it's from the pigs or the dogs. Either way I'm going to treat all the animals and I'm not sure what to give to the pigs. I checked Guinealynx and their advice was a little ambiguous.

Do Revolution or Advantage treat fleas as well? If not, what should I give my pigs?

There was a spray at the pet store (8 in 1 Small Animal Flea and Tick Spray - Medications & Supplements - Small Pet - PetSmart) which would be the easiest option, but somehow I doubt that will be forum-approved. If it is safe though, please let me know, it'd save me a lot of time and money.

I was also given the advice that I could dilute the kind of flea dip you use for dogs for guinea pig use. That one doesn't strike me as a good idea either.

But that's just background, basically my question as above stands. Are Revolution or Advantage what I need, or is there another medication that's better?

 

[1frankie7]

I think revolution treats for mites I do not know if it treats fleas Maybe advantage?

 

[Holly&Fred]

That might be the one I was thinking of. One of the two was.... shadily.... recommended for fleas. Something about how it hadn't been shown to be completely effective or hadn't been tested or something. I'm hoping someone with experience with fleas will know for sure.

 

[snickers]

Revolution kills fleas.

please do not use any sort of powder or shampoos for fleas on your pig. They contain pesticides that can kill pigs.

 

[Holly&Fred]

Great, thanks. I'll call up the vet and see about getting that taken care of tomorrow.

 

[Paula]

Revolution will treat fleas and is safe. It also treats mites and lice in guinea pigs.

You are correct to avoid the 8 in 1 product or any kind of flea dip and just go with Revolution instead.

 

[JD In Van]

Advantage (topical) works as well. The kitten formula can be used on your cavies. You'll have to buy a whole box but you can dose them yourself. With Revolution (again the kitten formula) you'll have to go into your vent and he'll do it himself but you only buy what you use.

 

[Holly&Fred]

Thanks JD, I'll probably be going with Advantage then, my vet charges an arm and a leg just for me to come in.

 

[Paula]

Advantage (topical) works as well. The kitten formula can be used on your cavies. You'll have to buy a whole box but you can dose them yourself. With Revolution (again the kitten formula) you'll have to go into your vent and he'll do it himself but you only buy what you use.

All Advantage is the same concentration. Package sizes vary for consumers but the concentration is 91 mgs/ml. Which means you don't have to use the kitten formula if you can measure it yourself.

Revolution is something you can dose yourself too, just pick up a tube from your vet or order online if you can. As long as you know how to do it and they will sell it to you, you shouldn't have to take your pet in for a topical application. You also don't necessarily need to get the kitten formula either as long as you understand the dosing and concentration.

More info on dosing both can be found here.

There's also a dosing calculator here.

 

[JD In Van]

Oh! Here (Canada) the vets won't give out Revolution for home dosing. You have to go in and get it done at the vet as it's on the 'controlled' medications list for what ever reason.